Brothers in Technology inspires teens to see their future selves unlimited

If the crusade to get more young men of color into engineering careers was just a matter of dazzling them with gadgetry, the Brothers in Technology Conference lit up all those buttons. But the heart of the B.I.T Conference had something much bigger inside.

'We do appreciate it!' LINC's food distributions in LFPA program reach 11 counties

“The donations mean a lot to me and my family with the meat prices going up,” Chillicothe resident Tina SIms said. “I appreciate every kindness. It means a lot to me and my grandbabies and my family to eat.”

Courage under fire: Celebrating Gayle A. Hobbs

LINC’s founding President and CEO Gayle A. Hobbs retired after 32 years with a celebration event at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center March 25, 2024. Here is her story — and LINC’s story.

'Lifelong impressions': Anita Gorman joins LINC/Topping students at conservation center

“It makes me proud,” Gorman said. “It makes me feel very lucky to live in Missouri that we have a place like this for children.” LINC and North Kansas City Schools’ Topping Elementary brought the fourth grade class for an adventure in Missouri wildlife.

Let it Shine! LINC choir delights Commission meeting

Letting it shine. LINC children from the Caring Communities programs at African Centered College Preparatory Academy and Faxon Elementary School performed for a packed house during the LINC Commission meeting Feb. 26. Have a listen.

For truth in history education: County legislature honors KC Black History Project

The Jackson County Legislature “wholeheartedly” celebrated the 14-year legacy of the Kansas Black History Project by proclamation at its Legislative Meeting March 19.

LINC yoga for families: Let's decompress together

That was a wicked blast of winter, closing schools for several days, everyone cooped up at home. Try this for some relief: Close your eyes, breathe deep and let LINC family yoga and instructor Madison Sha’s “sound bath” of gently ringing bowl tones wash over you.

KCPS, LINC team up to help families feed children during bitter cold days out of school

Even though windchills in the blowing snow were as harsh as 20 degrees below zero, more than 70 adults and children came out to the emergency food service put together by the Kansas City Public Schools and LINC at Central High School, many families sitting and warming in the cafeteria as they ate, and then taking food packages with them to have at home.

New sports league inspired by generational wisdom in basketball's game of life

Of course they see themselves in those kids. The same intense eyes. Youthful legs pitched on toes, wanting to spring into the action their coach demands. Wanting to be part of a team. To learn. To excel. LINC and other partners with the Kansas City Public Schools believe in the boys and girls in a new basketball league, and share a grand vision for the district and the city.

KC Black History Project 2024: Profiles of dedication and excellence

The Kansas City Black History Project has returned with an eight-page booklet and poster set featuring profiles of six area men and women who enriched, entertained, strengthened and even saved lives. See who is featured this year and learn how to get your copy.

A look back: Images from a wonderful, challenging year

From celebrating the Chiefs, to singing of Black History, meeting local farmers, putting on another Caring Communities Day, planting gardens, partnering in classrooms and joining in holiday festivities and much more — it’s been a fabulous year. Here’s our annual look back.

LINC, LFPA local farm initiative, going big on protein

LINC’s eight-month old local food distribution program got a lot weightier for the holidays. The Local Food Purchase Assistance program added 540 hams and 25 turkeys to the 1,500 boxes of produce that went out to area families.

Why we play chess: LINC tournament players show out big in NKC

LINC Chess’ first tournament of the 2023-2024 season drew 142 students from throughout the area, representing 43 different schools. Here are some of the sights and sounds from the tournament held Dec. 9 at North Kansas City High School.

Seeing a bigger world; aquarium visit inspires KCPS, LINC students

The shark’s eyes and all its teeth swept past 11-year-old Isaac, trailing its fins in the shimmering blue-green water, close enough to touch if not for the aquarium glass between them. Here was an indelible image he could now fix onto the work he and his classmates had done days earlier in his fifth-grade classroom.

'We are family!' Lights On Afterschool celebrates with LINC's communities

For all the statistical and historical reasons that measure the value of quality after-school programs, the music at Meadowmere Elementary School’s celebration in Grandview captured the heart of it all: “We are family . . .!”

'How we would've liked to learn': KCYA helps LINC integrate the arts

Today, the classroom site was dancing space at Kansas City Young Audiences. But in the days ahead, the LINC staff aim to create scenes like this with the children in LINC’s Caring Communities after-school programs across the Kansas City area.

Want to celebrate your Caring Communities? Here's where to find events near you

The fun, food and celebrations will be happening at various Caring Communities sites from Oct. 19 to Nov. 2. Check it all out at kclinc.org/lightson.

A constant quest: LINC helps more families get rental and utility bill relief

After a several month hiatus, LINC was able to get more of the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds beginning in the summer. October, like the months that preceded it, has been busy.

Beautiful vision: Free eye exams and glasses set children up for success

The yellow school bus came rumbling up along the curb and the field trip was on. Out the elementary school students came, their faces lit with anticipation as if they were loading up for a trip to the zoo, an ice cream shop or a bounce house. But this trip was different. Eye tests and — for many of them — glasses would be the adventure of this day.

KC Digital Drive celebrates the "doers striving to change the community"

“People that are passionate, people that have a compelling idea, that’s where we go to support the doers and the actors who are striving to make change in the community.”