PREP-KC invests in a set of research-based reform strategies designed to prepare all students for college and careers. PREP-KC does this by partnering with the KCKPS and KCMSD to invest resources (money, time, and talent) in these strategies. The result is a partnership where district resources and PREP-KC’s private resources come together to create a new, improved framework for educating Kansas City’s urban youth.

PREP-KC's work focuses on district-level reform to support large-scale, sustainable change within Kansas City's urban school districts. Although the work in each district goes by different names (First Things First in KCKPS and Achievement First in KCMSD), both employ a common set of strategies. The successful implementation of these strategies creates a system that supports teachers in improving educational outcomes for students. 

PREP-KC invests in the following three strategies:

• Small Learning Communities

• Family Advocacy

• Academic Rigor

PREP-KC works with school district partners to measure results. The three strategies above have been shown to:

• Improve academic outcomes
• Improve graduation rates
• Better prepare students for college & careers 

With Small Learning Communities, Family Advocacy, and Academic Rigor as a foundation for improvement, PREP-KC also invests in: 

• Strategies designed to create a pipeline of well-prepared urban teachers/leaders
• Strategies to support urban districts in growing their own current and future leaders
• Collaboration between high school and post-secondary institutions designed to support curriculum alignment which will prepare all students to continue their education after high school and to be competitive for high-quality employment.