Shawnee Mission Education Foundation

06/13/2026

Two weeks ago, 27 students from across the Shawnee Mission School District walked into Leadership Shawnee Mission as strangers.

Today, they leave as a community.

Over the last two weeks, these students challenged themselves, built new friendships, developed leadership skills, connected with mentors and facilitators from Better Humans LLC and discovered new possibilities for their futures. They stepped outside their comfort zones, learned from one another, and grew as leaders.

We are incredibly proud of the Leadership Shawnee Mission Class of 2026 and all they accomplished in such a short time.

Congratulations on an unforgettable program, LSM26. We can't wait to see what you do next.

06/11/2026

Just a group of 27 kids who didn’t know each other 10 days ago. Now they’re finding friends everywhere they go.

06/10/2026

What happens when students and community leaders come together for a conversation?

Possibilities.

Today Leadership Shawnee Mission students met their career mentors at Milburn Country Club as part of their experience. Students had the opportunity to build relationships with professionals from a variety of industries, ask questions, learn about career pathways, and gain valuable insight into life beyond the classroom.

Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways students can explore their interests, build confidence, and begin imagining their future. We're grateful to the mentors who are investing their time and expertise in these students and helping make these experiences possible.

06/09/2026

What happens when you take a group of high school students out of their usual environment and into the trees?

New perspectives, stronger relationships, and plenty of teamwork.

Our Leadership Shawnee Mission students had an incredible experience at TimberRidge Adventure Center, where they challenged themselves, supported one another, and explored the kind of leadership that grows through trust and connection.

06/05/2026

This week, we handed a disposable camera (throwback!) to our Leadership Shawnee Mission students and asked them to capture their experience.

What they captured wasn't just activities or events. They captured new friendships, growing confidence, teamwork, laughter and moments of belonging.

Leadership Shawnee Mission is about helping students discover their strengths, connect with peers from across the Shawnee Mission School District and see themselves as leaders.

06/04/2026

06/03/2026

One of the most valuable parts of Leadership Shawnee Mission is helping students connect what they’re learning today with the opportunities waiting for them tomorrow.

Through experiences, students have the chance to meet with career mentors who share their journeys, offer advice, and provide insight into a variety of professions. These conversations help students explore interests, ask questions, and begin building the connections that can shape their future.

Thank you to the professionals who invest their time and experience in the next generation of leaders. Your impact reaches far beyond one meeting.

06/01/2026

Day one of Leadership Shawnee Mission is officially complete!

Today, students from across came together to begin a week filled with leadership, connection, growth, and new experiences.

Over the next several days, these students will challenge themselves, build friendships, discover new strengths, and step into opportunities that help shape their future.

We cannot wait to see what this group accomplishes. And we couldn’t do any of it without our partners from !

06/01/2026

Happy PRIDE month!

05/28/2026

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to prepare for Leadership Shawnee Mission, the answer is apparently:

A lot of planning.
A lot of excitement.
And approximately 47 different types of snacks.

Next week, 29 high school students from across the Shawnee Mission School District will arrive for Leadership Shawnee Mission, and our team has been hard at work behind the scenes preparing for an unforgettable experience.

That preparation includes schedules, activities, ropes courses, bus rides, icebreakers, materials, and yes, a very serious Costco run filled with snacks and drinks.

Because at the Shawnee Mission Education Foundation we believe in supporting the whole kid. Leadership Shawnee Mission is about helping students grow as leaders, build confidence, form connections, and discover what they’re capable of.

And sometimes leadership growth also requires a granola bar at exactly the right moment.

We cannot wait to welcome this year’s students next week. Snacks and all.