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As we near the end of the school year, I’m filled with a mix of emotions: overwhelming joy, immense pride, and the nervous anticipation of what lies ahead for my two high school graduates. These feelings are shared between my twin daughters and I as we experience this milestone together for the first time.
We’ve spent our lives preparing them for this transition—from high school teens to collegiate young adults. Even with all the planning, we’re still carrying the anxious excitement this moment deserves. But there’s also a sense of calm knowing they have the Graduation Toolkit at their fingertips to guide them forward.
This fall, my twins begin Purdue University’s Neurobiology & Physiology program, equipped with their personal maps of dreams, goals, and action steps—created through Draw Your Future with Agilities©. This tool will serve as a roadmap to honor where they’ve been and envision where they’re going, helping them nurture a growth mindset toward their goals.
Thank you to The DeBruce Foundation for creating thoughtful resources that support new graduates as they step into the unknown. This proud, anxious, and excited momma is deeply grateful for tools to prepare her daughters for what comes next!
Agilities© Kids: Inspecting
In this month’s Agilities character highlight, meet one of our new Agilities characters — Inspecting!
Inspecting is about checking for quality, safety, and making sure everything is done right. People with this Agility take care in their work and make sure things are consistent with the rules. You can use Inspecting when you double-check your answers before handing in an assignment. How can you practice Inspecting?
Watch the video for an overview of Inspecting, how this Agility can help at school, home, or a future job, and how to practice using this Agility.
2025 Graduation Toolkit now available!
Congratulations, Graduates!
The DeBruce Foundation is pleased to share the Graduation Toolkit—a free, easy-to-use collection of career resources designed to equip and empower the Class of 2025.
Now in its sixth year, the updated Toolkit includes powerful online tools to help graduates identify their top skills, explore in-demand careers, estimate future income, build a strong resume, strengthen their network, and map out a plan for what’s next. It’s our gift to graduates as they step into their futures—full of possibility, purpose, and potential.
Check out the Graduation Toolkit and share with the graduates in your network to help them confidently take their next steps!
Raytown C-2 Teacher of the Year Ellie Lilly leads with Agilities©
Congratulations to Ellie Lilly, who was recently named Teacher of the Year in the Raytown C-2 School District!
Ellie serves as the Business Innovation and Creation Teacher at Herndon Career Center and is also an Agilities Coach. She goes above and beyond to integrate the Agilities into her classroom, helping students build essential skills for their future careers. Ellie’s dedication to empowering her students and preparing them for what’s next is truly inspiring. We are grateful for her incredible work!
Learn more about becoming an Agilities Coach—and how our K-12 Resources seamlessly integrate into classroom curriculum!
Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight joins Women in Philanthropy at the Kauffman Foundation
In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Kauffman Foundation hosted a panel focused on Women in Philanthropy. The panelists answered questions on what inspires them to work in philanthropy, offering advice to women in the field.
The panel featured a group of leaders, including Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, President and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation; Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, Executive Director and COO of The DeBruce Foundation; and Susan Chambers, interim president of William Jewell College and member of the Kauffman Foundation Board of Trustees. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Susan Klusmeier, Chief of Staff at the Kauffman Foundation.
Building career pathways through Kansas micro-internships
Thanks to the Kansas Micro-Internship Program, college students across the state of Kansas can earn paid, professional experience with a variety of employers who gain access to early talent.
Recently, Tim Peterson, Senior Project Director at Kansas Board of Regents, and Jaron Caffrey, Director of Workforce and Healthcare Policy, were featured by WIBW with Melissa Brunner to promote the opportunity. “We’re trying to connect more Kansas students with Kansas employers,” said Tim.
Employers interested in more details can visit kansasmicrointerns.com, and students looking to apply can go to Parker Dewey’s Kansas Micro-Internships page.
Experience Remake Learning Days!
The DeBruce Foundation is proud to support Remake Learning Days, a national festival celebrating hands-on, innovative learning experiences for youth and their families. Across the country, communities come together to spark curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning!
Kansas City families: join us on May 3 at 10 a.m. for the Build Your Curiosity: Family Fun Fest, where you can engage in hands-on career exploration activities hosted by the DeBruce Career Corps!
Learn more about the Build Your Curiosity event in Kansas City or find a Remake Learning Days event near you!
A Rising Star in Data: The DeBruce Foundation’s Christopher Laubenthal
Congratulations to Christopher Laubenthal, Data Design Manager for The DeBruce Foundation, on being selected as a 2025 DataFam Rising Star!
This program highlights emerging leaders in the data community and recognizes their talents in the data visualization field.
“I’m passionate about helping people see themselves in data, and I hope this recognition can be a small beacon to others who are walking the same path: your perspective matters, your work is needed, and we’re all better when we lift each other up,” shares Christopher.
Read more about the class of 2025 DataFam Rising Stars here.
Former DeBruce Career Corp member featured in new United WE magazine!
United WE recently featured Annalia Escalante in its first issue of The Magazine by The Studio!
Annalia’s commitment to driving change has been embodied through her participation in the DeBruce Career Corps, where she represented The DeBruce Foundation at major events, and as an intern at The Foundation, where she developed a financial literacy curriculum for youth.
Annalia’s dedication to civic engagement and advocacy is inspirational. We are so grateful to partner with United WE to continue empowering our future leaders and expanding career pathways.
Read the full article, and learn more about DeBruce Career Corps membership opportunities.
Inclusive Employment Empowerment at C3KC
Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, Executive Director and COO of The DeBruce Foundation, recently moderated a panel conversation on inclusive Employment Empowerment C3KC Conference, hosted by the Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri.
The discussion brought together Amy Allison of The Farmer’s House, Alex Earles of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and Sheri Gonzales of Evergy—local leaders from the civic, corporate and community spaces—to explore how we can create more inclusive, empowering pathways for underrepresented talent in today’s workforce.
Learn more about enhancing professional experiences for all—read the blog here.
Join us for a training
Are you looking for resources to build career pathways in your classroom, curriculum, or organization? Register now to explore our career tools and join us in expanding career opportunities!
Virtual Agilities Tours:
April 29, May 13, May 27, and June 10
Virtual Introduction to Agilities K-12 Resources for Educators:
May 13 and June 11
In-Person Agilities Coach Training:
June 5-6 (Kansas City, MO)
June 17-18 (New Haven, IN)
