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, KCMSD, Independence School District, Hickman Mills School District, Grandview School District, and Center School District 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, 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.