What is Saturday Academy?

Saturday Academy is an enrichment program designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. Students will recognize and develop their potential to excel in mathematics, science, reading, and test-taking skills.

This free program is totally educational, running concurrent with the school year from October through May. It is open to motivated middle and high school students in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The curriculum includes subjects such as:
— chemistry
— mathematics
— human biology
— physics
— medical terminology
— research methodology
— ACT prep

Subjects are presented in four or five-week blocks with a one-week break between subjects. Classes are taught by master high school teachers and/or college faculty who have demonstrated success teaching their respective areas.

Saturday Academy is coordinated through the UMKC School of Medicine’s Office of Cultural Enhancement and Diversity.

With the Saturday Academy we can help your student grasp the building blocks of knowledge:

Math = Algebra/Calculus
English = Reading Skills
Science = Anatomy/Chemistry/Physics
ACT prep

Our History

Saturday Academy was a core program of the Greater Kansas City Health Professions Pipeway Initiative (GKC-HPPI), which originated as an outgrowth of the Association of American Medical College Initiative, “Project 3000 by 2000,” to address a continuing under-representation of minority students in medical schools.

GKC-HPPI started as a partnership joining the resources and programs of two state universities: the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Kansas, their medical schools and other health profession schools.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the W.K. Kellogg Foundation funded this initiative from 1998 to 2003 with matching funds coming from a local foundation.

When the funding expired in 2003, the UMKC School of Medicine committed to providing the resources to continue the Saturday Academy program.

Overview and Application Information

A solid foundation for success in medicine and other science intensive areas of study.

This free program enhances academic achievement for minority students in grades six through 12 primarily in the areas of integrated mathematics and physical and biological sciences

Imagine this for your student:

  • improved performance on standardized tests
  • prepared for college entrance exams
  • greater access to college-based scholarships

Parent Support Group

A Parent Support Group will meet periodically throughout the year to discuss the progress of their students, their concerns, and strategies for motivating the students for success.

Orientation in October

The class starts the Saturday following Orientation
All classes are Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The program runs concurrently with the school year, starting in October and ending about the last week of May. There is a break in December when schools are out for the holiday.

Classes and orientation are conducted at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine 2411 Holmes Street, Kansas City, Mo. 64108. (click here for map)

How much does it cost to participate?

There is nothing but your time and commitment to attend Saturday Academy. The program is funded by the UMKC School of Medicine and a R.A. Long Foundation grant. All equipment, and supplies are provided.

Can I get in?

The purpose of Saturday Academy is to enhance pre-college education for students belonging to groups traditionally underrepresented in scientific careers.
This includes African American, Native American, and Hispanics. However, the program is open to any student who is motivated and interested in attending.

To be eligible for The Saturday Academy, a student must:

  • be a high school or middle school student in grades 6-12
  • have demonstrated career interest in a health care or other science intensive careers
  • submit at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor
    have a signed consent/commitment statement from both student and parent(s)
  • provide his or her own transportation to and from the UMKC School of Medicine
  • provide a high school transcript if in high school

Apply Now

Download the application, complete and return.

If you have questions, or need additional information, please contact:

Kenneth Beene
Enrollment Services Coordinator
816-235-5434
beenek@umkc.edu

or

Susan B. Wilson
Director, Cultural Enhancement and Diversity
816-235-1780
wilsonsb@umkc.edu