United Way of the Plains is sending $75,000 to 25 school programs across south-central Kansas, a 50 percent jump from last year's funding through the Dwane L. Wallace Youth Venture Grant.
The nonprofit announced Aug. 26 that the grants will reach six school districts, with four Wichita-area programs among the named recipients:
- Literacy Intervention Program (Graphic Novels), USD 259 Wichita Public Schools — $4,200
- STEALTH Afterschool Programs, USD 259 Wichita Public Schools — $4,800
- Speech and Debate Program, Wichita East High School — $3,000
- Parents as Teachers, Maize Early Childhood Center, USD 266 — $3,370
The STEALTH program provides math, reading and science tutoring in an afterschool setting at multiple USD 259 schools, according to the district's grants management page. The literacy program uses graphic novels to boost reading skills, while the Wichita East speech and debate grant will support competitive programming at the school.
The money matters.
"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. She added that the funded programs build students' practical skills and confidence through career exploration, leadership development and afterschool programming.
The $75,000 total marks a $25,000 increase over the 2025 cycle, when the fund distributed $50,000. United Way's grant page shows the endowment behind the program dates to 1990, when Velma Lunt Wallace established it to honor her late husband, Dwane L. Wallace. He led Cessna Aircraft Company as president and chairman from 1935 into the 1970s and was known in aviation circles as the "Quiet Giant of Aviation." He died in Wichita in December 1989.
Other named recipients outside the metro include a culinary wellness initiative at Medicine Lodge High School ($4,200) and YELL, a youth empowerment program at IXL Elementary in Arkansas City ($5,625). The full list of all 25 recipients was not included in the announcement.
Schools and teachers interested in future grant cycles can visit unitedwayplains.org/wallace. The 2026 application window has closed, and no 2027 timeline has been published.
