United Way Invests $75,000 in Microgrants to Benefit Local Students

WICHITA, Kan., Aug. 26, 2026 – United Way of the Plains has invested $75,000 in 25 programs across six school districts in south central Kansas through its Dwane L. Wallace Youth Venture Grant. Applicants included school districts, individual schools, school organizations, and teachers who wanted to expand youth opportunity through special activities. Awards were made to innovative, school-based programs that uplift and empower youth.

“The programs funded through the Dwane L. Wallace Youth Venture Grant give students opportunities to learn, grow, and explore interests beyond the traditional classroom,” said Logan Bradshaw Schoech, United Way of the Plains Director of Community Impact. “From career exploration and leadership development to afterschool programming, these programs build students’ practical skills and confidence.”

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.

2026 Dwane L. Wallace Youth Venture Microgrant Recipients

Awardees are part of USD 259 Wichita Public Schools unless otherwise noted.

• 8th Grade MVPs Program, Curtis Middle School, $3,630
• Afterschool Tutoring and Mentoring, Anderson Elementary School, $4,000
• Bulldogs Beyond, Leonard C. Seal Elementary School, USD 396 Douglass Public Schools, $3,705
• Community Schools Family Literacy Labs, USD 259 Wichita Public Schools, $3,456
• Community Service/Circle of Friends, Truesdell Middle School, $4,534
• Cosmetology Salon, Marshall Middle School, $6,000
• Digital Design Program, Robinson Middle School, $5,500
• Dragon Summer Discovery Destination, Belle Plaine Elementary School, USD 357 Belle Plaine Public Schools, $5,250
• Drumline, Mueller Elementary School, $2,370
• Flight Club, Robinson Middle School, $1,860
• Food Pantry, Anderson Elementary School, $1,500
• Food Systems and Leadership Program, Creative Minds Academy, $5,000
• Leadership Club, Stanley Elementary School, $3,000
• Lighthouse & Culinary Wellness Initiative, Medicine Lodge High School, USD 254 Medicine Lodge Public Schools, $4,200
• Literacy Intervention Program (Graphic Novels), USD 259 Wichita Public Schools, $4,200
• Parents as Teachers, Maize Early Childhood Center, USD 266 Maize Public Schools, $3,370
• Speech and Debate Program, Wichita East High School, $3,000
• STEALTH Afterschool Programs, USD 259 Wichita Public Schools, $4,800
• YELL (Youth Empowered by Life Lessons), IXL Elementary School, USD 470 Ark City Public Schools, $5,625

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

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MEDIA CONTACT: Cole Schnieders, Communications Manager, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4214, cschnieders@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in south-central Kansas can reach their full potential. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and TikTok.