Paseo Academy Hosts Business Leaders Luncheon 

In 2004 PREP-KC, through the Achievement First partnership with the KCMSD, began working with the leadership and staff at Paseo Academy of Fine & Performing Arts to customize the AF strategies for implementation at Paseo. As a part of this effort, PREP-KC has worked with district leadership to help Paseo return to its pure arts focus. With support from the district and PREP-KC, Paseo is returning to its former national acclaim as a leading arts school. It now has three Small Learning Conservatories: Theater & Dance, Vocal & Instrumental Music, and Creative Writing and Visual Arts, where students work with teachers and artists-in-residence to prepare for college degrees and careers in the arts.
“PREP-KC continues to be a critical partner in Paseo’s return to our pure arts mission,” said Dr. Juanita Hempstead, Paseo Academy principal. “The resources and expertise they provide help us immerse our students and teachers in an artistically and academically rigorous school.”

On January 15, 2008, Paseo Academy welcomed 20 members of the Business Committee for the Arts (BCA) for a tour and luncheon. The mission of the BCA is to promote partnerships between business and the arts. The event was part of the BCA’s quarterly field trip program and Paseo's continuing commitment to strengthening its arts partnerships throughout the region.

While at Paseo, members learned about opportunities to partner with Paseo, including hiring students to perform at business functions, displaying student artwork in places of business, and creating job shadowing and internship opportunities for students.

The Business Committee for the Arts is a program of The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City. The Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City strengthens and enriches the community through the arts by developing visibility, participation, support, information, education, and partnerships.