April Updates & Upcoming Community Events

Wichita Collective Impact (WCI) is a community-driven, evidence-based initiative focused on improving educational outcomes and economic prosperity in Wichita’s 67214 ZIP code. Through programming, curriculum development, and capacity-building efforts, WCI aims to increase kindergarten readiness and third-grade reading proficiency.

WCI Partnership Update

Wichita Collective Impact has grown to 43 committed partner organizations.

We are also excited to announce our newest partnerships with United Way of the Plains! As a committed community partner, United Way of the Plains is supporting collaborative efforts to uplift kindergarten readiness and 3rd grade reading proficiency, building on their long-standing investments in early literacy through Read to Succeed and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Together, we’re aligning resources to strengthen outcomes for children in 67214 and the broader Wichita community.

If you or your organization would like to learn more about becoming a Wichita Collective Impact partner, please fill this form.

WCI Quarterly Meeting Recap

Wichita Collective Impact 1st Quarter Luncheon

Thank you to all of our incredible partners who joined us for the Wichita Collective Impact Quarterly Luncheon. Your insights, collaboration, and commitment continue to shape what’s possible for children and families in our community.

During our time together, we:

Shared updates on our strategic planning efforts, including early insights, emerging priorities, and how this work will guide our collaborative efforts in the year ahead.
Outlined clear ways to get involved—from upcoming committees to project‑based opportunities that strengthen supports for kids and families.
Provided a preview of Summer 2026 programming through WSU CLEAR at Spaght, Mueller, and Washington Elementary, including timelines, partnership touchpoints, and opportunities to support student engagement.
Created space for partner spotlights, cross‑sector connections, and informal conversation, recognizing that the relationships we build are just as important as the strategies we design.

Thank you for continuing to invest in collective solutions for our community. We look forward to building on this momentum in the months ahead.

Upcoming Community Events & Summer Programs

🚲 Open Streets ICT is Back this Spring! ✨

Two FREE, car-free events are transforming Wichita streets into spaces for movement, art, food, and community fun—and we want YOU involved!

📍 WSU & Shocker Neighborhood - Sunday, April 19 | 12–4 PM 📏 17th St. from Oliver to Volutsia

📍 Nomar Neighborhood - Sunday, May 3 | 12–4 PM 📏 21st St. from NoMar Market to Woodland Park

We’re calling for vendors and volunteers to help bring these vibrant neighborhoods to life. Host an activity, sell products, promote your organizations summer opportunities, support the route, or lend a hand—every role makes a difference.

Grow Together at Great Plains Nature Center!

The Grow Together event at Great Plains Nature Center is designed for children of all abilities and their families to discover local resources that support early learning and development.

Date: April 11th, 2026

Time: 10am - 1pm

Location: Great Plains Nature Center (6232 East 29th St N #2200, Wichita, KS 67220)

Open to all ages, this free event will include food, games, sensory activities, and more!

Wichita Public Schools is exploring a potential November bond proposal, and we want to hear from you!

Join us at one of our come-and-go feedback sessions to learn about the proposed projects, share your feedback and try the Build a Bond tool to design your own project proposal.

Community Feedback Sessions:

5-7 p.m., April 7, Horace Mann K-8 Dual Language Magnet, 1243 N. Market

5-7 p.m., April 8, Southeast High School, 2641 S. 127th St. E.

5-7 p.m., April 15, Mueller Magnet Elementary, 2500 E. 18th St. N.

4:30-5:30 p.m. & 7-8 p.m., April 20, Alvin Morris Administrative Center, 903 S. Edgemoor (before and after the Tri-Governmental meeting)

5-7 p.m., April 21, Northwest High School, 1220 N. Tyler

5-7 p.m., April 22, Chisholm Trail Elementary, 6015 Independence, Park City

5-7 p.m., April 23, Truesdell Middle School, 2463 S. Glenn

Learn more and share your thoughts—your input helps shape the future of Wichita Public Schools.

Strong Neighborhoods Conference!

We're a week out from the Strong Neighborhoods Conference! Have you registered yet?

Join us, the City of Wichita, and Wichita Independent Neighborhoods to connect with neighbors, share ideas, and explore practical ways to support vibrant, connected communities.

2026 Spring Community Baby Shower & Resource Fair

You and your family are invited to our 2026 Spring Community Baby Shower & Resource Fair! This free, family-friendly event is one of our favorites each year and is designed especially for expecting parents and families with young children. .

Who: Sedgwick County community members, families, expecting parents, and parents/guardians with young children

What: 2026 Spring Baby Shower & Resource Fair hosted by the Sedgwick County Health Department’s Healthy Babies Program in partnership with KIDS Safe Sleep

When: Saturday, April 11, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where: Sedgwick County Health Department – East 9th Clinic

1900 E. 9th St. N.

Wichita, KS 67214

Attend a safe sleep demonstration and receive a portable crib at no cost.*

*Limit one portable crib per household, while supplies last.

Important:

To receive a no-cost portable crib, participants must sign up for a safe sleep demonstration at the event (first come, first served) and attend the demonstration in person.

This is a come-and-go event; however, to receive a portable crib at no cost, participants must:

Complete a pre-survey

Attend a safe sleep demonstration

Complete a post-survey

Greater Wichita YMCA Summer Camp!

The Greater Wichita YMCA has the region's largest, most diverse camp program for kids ages 5-14. They can try new things and expand their horizons through endless adventures and opportunities.

Our trained staff offers a safe and fun environment where kids can be themselves as they learn, play, explore and socialize through a mixture of activities designed to them active and engaged all summer.

Go to: https://ymcawichita.org/camp to register your child today.

Wichita Parks and Recreation Summer Activity Camp

Nine weeks of FUN. Endless memories. Summer Activity Camp isn’t just a camp—it’s an experience! With engaging activities, caring staff, and plenty of outdoor fun, your kids will be counting down to each day.

Qualified, trained staff. Safe, structured environment. Tons of activities every week

Join the adventure! wichita.gov/sac

Wichita Junior Football League!

🏈 Tackle football registration is NOW OPEN for grades 1st - 8th 🏈The Wichita Junior Football League has long been home to some of the area’s top talent. Ready to be part of one of the most recognized leagues in the Midwest? Now’s your chance—register today!

📢 New League Structure Coming

Wichita Park & Recreation is transitioning to a school boundary–based feeder system to better connect teams with local schools and strengthen community ties. This change will roll out gradually over multiple seasons, allowing established teams to stay together during the transition.

📅 Registration Dates: March 30 – July 17

💻 Register here: wichita.gov/football

💲 Fees: $75 regular registration & $150 late registration

🚫 No registrations accepted after Friday, July 24

Don’t miss your shot to hit the field this season—sign up today and be part of the tradition!

Summer Enrollment Open at Boys and Girls Club of South Central Kansas

Join Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas for a summer filled with exploration, adventure and fun. With exciting games, creative challenges, and enriching activities each day, help your kid make lasting memories this summer by enrolling today!

Enroll for summer now: https://bgcsckansas.my.site.com/portal/s/login/?ec=302....

You’re invited to Family Literacy Night at the Mid-America All-Indian Museum!

Bring your loved ones for an evening filled with connection, learning, and laughter. Discover easy, meaningful ways to support reading at home while enjoying free food, fun games, and hands-on activities for all ages.

This joyful community event is made possible through a collaboration between WSU CLEAR and the WPS Native American Education ProgramPlease share with your networks!

Spots fill quickly—click the link to register and join the fun!

https://wichitastate.co1.qualtrics.com/.../SV

Spaght Elementary: Code For The Future Showcase

Spaght Elementary is invite you to Code to the Future Showcase on Monday, May 11th, beginning at 2:00 PM. This will be a come and go event, with a formal presentation taking place between sessions.

Please feel free to attend for the entire time or stop by briefly. Any amount of time you can join us is greatly appreciated! Our students have worked incredibly hard throughout the semester and are excited to showcase what they have created.

For More Information:

Contact Arayla Ross aross1@usd259.net

Tired of summer programs that feel like glorified babysitting?

Learning Lab Wichita is offering 4 immersive, hands-on summer learning experiences your kids will actually be excited about.

Music & global culture

Culinary creativity + science

Influencer & digital storytelling

Engineering & future city building

Each week blends classroom exploration with real-world field trips — guided by experienced Learning Captains in small groups (limited to 15 students per age group).

Spots are limited. Registration closes May 22.

Give your child a summer that builds confidence, creativity and real-world skills.

Click to see this year’s themes and save a spot.

Children must be 4 years old on or before August 31, 2026, to qualify for Pre-K. To complete an electronic interest form, visit the Early Childhood website at https://bit.ly/3ch1Kz0.

Once completed, you'll be contacted to finalize enrollment. Your student's Future Ready success begins now!

Camp GWC: Early Childhood Conference

This is your reminder to get signed up for Camp GWC 2026!📣Our Annual Early Childhood Conference will be taking place on April 11th at MorningStar Community Church, 8 AM–4 PM.

Admission is $90 with an ECC membership, and $110 without.

Volunteers (“Room Angels”) get 50% off admission!

‼️Members and anyone interested in volunteering will need to call our office at 316.682.1853 and speak to an ECC team member to receive their individualized discount codes to apply at checkout‼️

The 2026 SUN Bucks Application is Open!

SUN Bucks provides a one-time $120 benefit per eligible child to help families pay for groceries during the summer months.

Some children are automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks. Those families should receive a letter soon confirming their enrollment.

If you do not receive an enrollment letter in the next few weeks and believe your child may be eligible based on the guidelines, you will need to apply. Applications for summer 2026 must be received by 5 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2026.

SUN Bucks 2026 benefits should be distributed this summer. We’ll share updates about the distribution timeline as details become available.

Learn more: SUNBucks.dcf.ks.gov.