Chiefs TE Travis Kelce to create STEM learning space for underserved teens

Kelce’s first purchase after his $57 million contract extension? A learning space to help teens in Kansas City advance careers in STEM.

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Chiefs TE Travis Kelce committed four more years to Kansas City, officially signing a contract extension with the team on Friday.

Kelce’s commitment wasn’t just to play football but to continue to be a positive force in the Kansas City community. Shortly after Kelce’s deal became official he announced his intentions to, in coordination with a local charity organization, Operation Breakthrough, purchase a building to convert into a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) co-working space for underserved teenagers.

Here is what Kelce wrote in a letter penned to Kansas City:

“Six more years, baby. I couldn’t begin to tell you how much this city means to me. You took me in seven years ago and made all my dreams come true! I can’t wait to give you another six years of everything I got when I take the field with my brothers.

But I’m also recommitting myself to the work I have left to do on the field. The amazing kids I’ve seen grow up the last seven years in the inner-city of KC are now teenagers navigating a world that doesn’t always have their back.

The vision is to give these teens in KC’s underserved neighborhoods a safe haven. A place where they’re exposed to interests and role models far beyond the field or court. Kids can’t concentrate if they don’t feel safe. They can’t envision a career they’ve never heard of or learn a skill they’ve never been taught.

So together with Operation Breakthrough, we’re going to create this place.

I am excited to announce I am purchasing the building that will be the future home of the “Ignition Lab: Powered by 87&Running” — a co-working space where these teens will have the support, resources, and opportunity to explore the careers in STEM, launch their own entrepreneurial ventures and gain real-world experience.

As a kid I was mindful of how life looked different for everyone, but as a man I am profoundly aware of the difference in opportunity, exposure, and privilege I grew up with compared to others. Where you live, the situation you were born into or the color of your skin should have no impact on the dreams you can dream. And it’s a beautiful thing when a kid’s dream comes true.”

Kelce and his charity organization 87 & Running have long been proponents of STEM in the Kansas City community. Kelce previously was named the NFLPA Community MVP for Week 2 during the 2018 season after opening up a robotics lab for the underserved youth in Kansas City.

This project seems to take things a step further from the robotics lab, helping teenage youth explore and advance careers in STEM. At the end of the day, the intentions are clear that Kelce hopes to help make dreams come true. It’s just one more reason to be happy about the extension that will keep Kelce in Kansas City for the next six seasons.

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