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Seven Reasons To Serve With City Year Kansas City

Do you know about the vibrant city of Kansas City and the incredible opportunities it offers to City Year AmeriCorps members, including several exclusive perks?

City Year Kansas City, a nonprofit organization that focuses on improving educational outcomes for students and supporting the growth of AmeriCorps members, is excited that our AmeriCorps members, ages 17 to 25, are eligible for special special privileges that enhance their service experience and provide opportunities for personal growth.

And at the center of it all is Kansas City.

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With its thriving community, exceptional opportunities, and affordable lifestyle, this city is truly a hidden gem in the heart of America—and could be the perfect place for you to spend next year with City Year Kansas City, partnering with classroom teachers to support student and school success.

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Learn more about City Year’s holistic approach to serving in schools as a student success coach.

“We are so happy we can offer several exclusive perks and benefits to our City Year AmeriCorps members,” said Executive Director of City Year Kansas City Jeff Shafer.

“We believe that in addition to all the great qualities Kansas City has to offer, by our organization providing access to unique educational and cultural experiences, we can further support our AmeriCorps members in their personal and professional development.”

Here are seven compelling reasons why Kansas City should be on your radar.

Reason 1: Living in Kansas City, you’ll enjoy a unparalleled lifestyle.

Kansas City boasts a unique blend of urban excitement and Midwestern charm. From its world-class museums and art galleries to its vibrant music scene, there is always something to explore and enjoy. Not to mention, the city is renowned for its delectable cuisine, with a diverse range of culinary options that will satisfy even the most discerning foodie.

There are also tons of fun things to do in KC—for free! Whether you like strolling in gardens and arboretums, visiting art and history museums, or exploring farmers markets, Kansas City has dozens of events and experiences on offer.

Reason 2: You’ll stay healthy in Kansas City thanks to a free gym membership.

To promote a healthy and active lifestyle and support the health and well-being of our corps, City Year Kansas City is offering a complimentary ChiefsFit gym membership to all its AmeriCorps members that’s worth hundreds of dollars.

ChiefsFit is a premier athletic facility that offers a wide array of fitness classes, top-of-the line equipment, and a 40-yard turf field, modeled after the Kansas City Chiefs’ GEHA Field.

This exclusive benefit allows corps members to stay fit and take advantage of state-of-the-art facilities without breaking the bank. Whether you prefer yoga, weightlifting, or cardio workouts, there is a gym to suit every fitness enthusiast’s needs.

Reason 3: It’s easier to get a college degree in Kansas City, thanks to a tuition discount at UMKC.

Education is a top priority in Kansas City, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) is at the forefront of academic excellence. And City Year AmeriCorps members are eligible for exclusive scholarships and discounts, up to 50% off the price of tuition!

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Learn more about City Year’s exclusive University Partnerships for AmeriCorps members and alumni.

This remarkable opportunity allows our corps members to pursue their educational goals while enjoying the vibrant city life.

Reason 4: You can explore the cultural life of Kansas City with a free annual membership to Prairiefire.

One of the exciting perks available to City Year AmeriCorps members is a free annual membership to the Museum at Prairiefire.

This unique museum offers interactive displays and activities that allow visitors to explore and learn about natural history. By providing free access to this educational resource, City Year Kansas City aims to enrich the knowledge and understanding of its dedicated members.

Reason 5: You’ll have fun going out in Kansas City, including receiving free tickets to shows at the Kauffman Center.

In addition to the Museum at Prairiefire, City Year AmeriCorps members can also enjoy free tickets to high-quality performances at the renowned Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

From concerts to shows like “Wheel of Fortune Live,” these tickets offer a chance to experience the vibrant arts scene in Kansas City. This opportunity not only serves as a form of entertainment but also encourages cultural appreciation and broadens horizons.

Reason 6: You’ll enjoy the great food scene in Kansas City.

Kansas City is a haven for food lovers. From mouthwatering barbecue to farm-to-table delicacies, the city’s culinary scene is second to none, including several affordable and delicious options.

Maybe you’ve heard of the famous burgers and milkshakes at Winstead’s? Or want to become a barbecue expert by learning about the local “low and slow” cooking method?

With an abundance of award-winning restaurants and local eateries, residents can indulge in a gastronomic adventure that will tantalize their taste buds and leave them craving more.

Reason 7: You can launch your career in Kansas City, benefiting from the city’s affordable housing.

One of the most attractive aspects of Kansas City is its affordable housing market. Unlike many other major cities, Kansas City offers a range of housing options that cater to various budgets.

Whether you prefer a cozy apartment in the heart of downtown or a more suburban setting, you can find an ideal residence without breaking the bank. This is especially important for AmeriCorps members who earn a bi-weekly stipend, in addition to other compensation, but who need to budget carefully while they’re serving.

What are the benefits of serving as a City Year AmeriCorps member?

City Year Kansas City is committed to empowering and supporting young adults as they make a difference in the lives of students and communities. Through their service in schools, AmeriCorps members provide academic support, mentorship, and social-emotional guidance to students who need it most.

Serving with City Year also comes with benefits and resources, from a bi-weekly stipend and health insurance, to access to a wide range of undergraduate and graduate scholarships and tuition discounts, like the one offered by UMKC.

This year, the bi-weekly stipend for serving with City Year Kansas City is $1,122 pre-tax for full time service of 1,700 hours over 11 months. As a City Year AmeriCorps member, you’re eligible to receive many other benefits, such as health insurance, relocation assistance, and a Segal Education Award worth more than $7,000 that can be used for past student loans or future study.

While the young adults that chose to serve with City Year pick us for many different reasons, we know being able to earn money and support yourself while gaining valuable skills is critically important.

This year, more than 2,000 young adults ages 17-25 are serving with City Year across 29 U.S. cities. We hope you’ll consider serving with us in Kansas City next year!

Discover what awaits you as a student success coach with City Year. Click here to learn more!

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