Imagine a museum in the heart of Kansas City where young people don’t just visit—they work, learn, create, and lead. That’s the vision behind the Pathways Project, an initiative from The Museum of Kansas City that gives youth and young adults, ages 13–23, hands-on access to careers in museums and the humanities. Through paid internships, employment, consulting roles, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities, Pathways creates clear, accessible routes into cultural careers while advancing equitable early workforce development.
The effort began with a bold question: how can The Museum of Kansas City support the next generation of diverse leaders in museums and the humanities? With support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the Museum has spent nearly 18 months developing Pathways in collaboration with History Co:Lab, schools, universities, and youth-focused nonprofits. Together, a multidisciplinary team of adults and young people co-designed an approach that integrates learning, creativity, and civic engagement.
“What has emerged during this planning phase is more than a program; we are reimagining our institution as a ‘teaching museum,’ where learning is active, collaborative, and deeply connected to the community,” says Glenn North, Director of Inclusive Learning & Creative Impact at The Museum of Kansas City. “We wanted to move beyond a youth advisory council and build a long-term initiative that can grow strategically over time, fully integrating youth into the Museum’s culture.”
When Pathways launches in 2027, pending implementation funding, participants will take on diverse responsibilities, including designing exhibits, developing public programs, supporting curatorial work, leading tours, and contributing to digital media, marketing, retail, and food service. Along the way, they will build professional skills, receive mentorship, and form meaningful connections with civic and cultural leaders across Kansas City.
A centerpiece of the initiative will be the restored Carriage House, whose second floor will serve as the program and administrative home for Pathways—a dedicated creative space where young people can imagine, design, and innovate. “We want young people to collaborate, share experiences, and see themselves as authors of Kansas City’s story,” says Emily Wegner, Co-Founder & Director of KC History Co:Lab. “Beyond job readiness and career development, Pathways will help cultivate leaders who are engaged, empathetic, and active citizens.”
Research and community engagement show that opportunities in the arts and humanities can feel out of reach for many youth and families. Yet young people are eager to contribute when given meaningful support and space to grow. Rooted in access, hands-on experience, training, and mentorship, Pathways opens doors—both literally and figuratively—for a new generation of cultural leaders. By blending history, creativity, and civic engagement, the Pathways Project enables young people to explore the past while shaping their own futures—and the future of Kansas City.