For four years, Transition Zone has been a vital force in equipping Black students across Kansas City with real-world skills, preparing them for careers, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities. Founded by Jackie Buycks, Transition Zone is not just about education—it’s about creating pathways to success.
Transition Zone, a United Way Nonprofit Catalyst Grantee, was established in 2021 to provide a safe, caring and equitable space for underserved, marginalized youth, ages 10-18. The organization equips them with life skills, workforce skills, entrepreneurship development, peer mediation skills, human trafficking awareness, and DIY Sister/Bros—minor household repairs training—empowering them to thrive in their life’s purpose.
“Our organization is working to empower and support Black students through various life skills, workforce skills, entrepreneurship development, and conflict resolution training sessions, all under the umbrella of unconditional love–encouraging them to thrive in their life’s purpose,” said Jackie Buycks, Founder and CEO of Transition Zone.
Transition Zone’s Year-Round Training Sessions are the foundation of their work, and this year, the demand continues to grow. In 2024, the summer session program doubled in size, serving 74 students – with even more on the waiting list. However, funding constraints remain challenging, impacting student stipends, transportation access, and program expansion. Many grants and funding opportunities have been limited, causing Saturday sessions to pause after April. Transition Zone continues to focus on an expanded summer program to reach more students and provide hands-on career and entrepreneurship training.
The 2025 Transition Zone summer program will engage up to 160 students across two sessions (June–August), offering four key training modules designed to meet students where they are in their career journey:
🔹 Basic Training (Grades 5–8): Life skills, workplace readiness, critical thinking, and exposure to vocational careers—especially jobs held by women and women of color. Students receive a $100 weekly stipend.
🔹 Development Training (Freshmen & Sophomores): A deeper focus on resume building, interview skills, and workforce readiness. This module aims to boost confidence and independence, with an emphasis on internships and summer employment opportunities.
🔹 Job Placement (Ages 16+): Hands-on work experience with local businesses like Sun Fresh and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Students work for two months with the potential for permanent job offers. A partnership with Worlds of Fun is also in discussion, though transportation remains a challenge.
🔹 Entrepreneurship Development: A new module focused on business ownership, feasibility planning, and guest speakers to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in students looking to create their own opportunities.
In addition to workforce development, Transition Zone is committed to student safety. The organization has partnered with Connections to Success to provide Human Trafficking Awareness training, educating students on recognizing warning signs and protecting themselves in vulnerable situations.
Additionally, Transition Zone is strengthening job placement programs by partnering with businesses willing to transition summer interns into permanent employees. The goal? More long-term opportunities for Black students across Kansas City.
Transition Zone’s impact goes beyond numbers—it’s about changing lives.
One student, after graduating high school, struggled to secure a part-time job while attending community college. After facing multiple rejections, he remembered Transition Zone’s workforce training and applied the interview skills he had learned. “He called me for any additional tips before attending the next interview–he ACED it! He’s now being considered for a management position!”, recalled Jackie.
Stories like this reinforce why Transition Zone exists—to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.
Community support is crucial in sustaining and expanding Transition Zone’s impact. “The Kansas City Community can get involved and support our mission at Transition through volunteer opportunities, through transportation support, and donations, no matter the amount–$5, $10, or $100 per month or as a one-time donation. Your generosity will help Transition Zone provide services to more deserving youth and families,” said Jackie.
“We are committed to empowering Black students to dream BIG, pursue their visions, and take ownership of their future. But we can’t do it alone.” Learn more about our Nonprofit Catalyst Grantees and how you can support their efforts.