5K Run Promotes STEM fields to Urban Youth

By Kharissa Forte |
A science fair, 100-meter mascot dash and local vendors are what make A Walk for Education 5K a family friendly community event. This will be the first 5K for the Kansas City Professional Chapter of National Society of Black Engineers, and they plan to keep it going each year.
The goal of the walk is to raise funds for 2014 NSBE scholarship recipients which they will receive at the 2014 NSBE Annual Banquet.
Part of the funds will also go to students of Black & Veatch’s Explore Post for their Superactivity Trip to Chicago.
“Ultimately, we want more people to be aware of educational opportunities in science, technology, education, and math, or ‘STEM’ fields,” said event Program Chair, Tiffany Dooley.
Dooley said that both sponsors and participants of the walk will have a major influential role in developing the professional future of the organizations’ STEM students.
Companies such as KCP&L, Kansas City Chiefs and Greater Kansas City Communication Foundation among others have signed on as sponsors.
“We’re just excited to have so many amazing businesses believe in our students and care about their future,” Dooley said.
Registration through April 27 is available for $30 and will increase to $35 from April 28 — May 3.
Pre-registration pick up will take place the day before the walk on Friday, May 9 from 3 p.m. — 7 p.m. at the UMKC African-American History and Cultural House (5245 Rockhill Rd., Kansas City, Mo.).
The 5K will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Penguin Park and Lakewood Greenway Trail off of North Vivion and North Norton in Kansas City, MO. Festivities are scheduled to begin at 7:30am.
Local students are encouraged to participate in the science fair which will be held during the event.
“There are only four tables available,” Dooley said, “so if you want your project featured, you need to sign up fast.”
Event coordinators are also working on getting a 100-meter mascot dash together featuring mascots from area high schools, colleges, and universities.
Local vendors will have booths set up at the event as well.
For more information on A Walk for Education, visit www.NSBEKC5K.com.