United Way Announces $50,000 in Microgrants to Benefit Local Students

WICHITA, Kan., May 7, 2025 – United Way of the Plains has invested $50,000 in 11 youth-focused programs across south-central Kansas as part of the annual Dwane L. Wallace Youth Venture Grant. The grant program is supported by an endowment established by Velma Lunt Wallace in 1990 to honor the legacy of her late husband Dwane L. Wallace, former head of Cessna Aircraft and community advocate. Microgrants are awarded to school-based programs that uplift and empower local youth through impactful initiatives.

2025 Dwane Wallace Youth Venture Microgrant Recipients:

• Bus Bucks, USD 259 Wichita Public Schools, $7,000
• CMA Robotics, Christa McAuliffe Academy K-8, USD 259 Wichita Public Schools, $3,000
• Field Trips, 5th and 6th grades, USD 373 Newton Public Schools, $1,860
• Fresh Fruit for Students, USD 439 Sedgwick Public Schools, $2,340
• Head Start Nutritious Food and Meals, Cooper Early Education Center, USD 373 Newton Public Schools, $3,000
• MLGS Truancy Prevention Program, ML Grade School, USD 254 Medicine Lodge Public Schools, $2,300
• Summer Enrichment Program, Oxford Elementary, USD 358 Oxford Public Schools, $7,000
• Healthy Snacks for Students, USD 311 Pretty Prairie Public Schools $7,000
• STEALTH Afterschool Program, USD 259 Wichita Public Schools, $7,500
• VCHS Food Pantry, Valley Center High School, USD 262 Valley Center Public Schools, $7,000
• Youth-Centric Mandarin Extension Program for Impactful Linguistic Education, The Independent School, $2,000

“This microgrant program provides an opportunity for teachers and schools to support youth and inspire the next generation, carrying on the legacy left by Dwane Wallace,” said Logan Bradshaw, United Way of the Plains Director of Community Impact.

Visit unitedwayplains.org/wallace for more information and to apply for future grant opportunities.

###

MEDIA ASSETS: Photos and videos for media use

MEDIA CONTACT: Stacy Ward Lattin, Manager of Public Outreach and Community Engagement, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4224, swardlattin@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Our mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of our community to advance the common good in south central Kansas. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.