KANSAS CITY, MO — As thousands of soccer fans flood the streets of Kansas City for the historic FIFA World Cup 26™, a powerhouse cohort of local students is proving that the real future of the “beautiful game” is being engineered right here in our own backyard.

While international superstars prepare to take the pitch at Kansas City Stadium for the massive Round of 32 knockout match on July 3rd, local innovators will steal the spotlight exactly 24 hours earlier. On Thursday, July 2, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) will host the final presentations of an incredible, National Science Foundation (NSF) grant-supported summer program.

The World Cup tie-in? A student-designed and 3D-printed soccer kicking tee engineered to optimize athletic performance—a project that directly merges Kansas City’s current global soccer obsession with the high-tech world of advanced manufacturing.

“Kansas City is currently the epicenter of the global sports world, but these students are proving we are also the epicenter of next-generation talent,” said Kate Crockett, Director of Communication for Great Jobs KC. “This isn’t your average summer learning program. These individuals have spent the last four weeks in a high-intensity environment, receiving certifications in foundational construction programs and getting their hands dirty in manufacturing, and will continue over the next four weeks, gaining hands-on experience with local Kansas City companies.”

The elite eight-week program is a masterclass in workforce development, structured to fast-track participants into high-demand STEM and trade careers. Split into two phases, students completed:

• 4 Weeks of Hands-On Technical Training: Immersive engineering, advanced construction methodologies, and cutting-edge manufacturing protocols on campus at
• 4 Weeks of On-Site Experiential Learning: Imbedding directly with local employer partners to solve real-world industrial challenges.

Reflecting the high value of the specialized skills acquired, participants earned a generous stipend for their work, positioning the program as one of the most competitive and lucrative workforce initiatives in the region.

The July 2 showcase offers the media a visual, high-energy look at the convergence of sports culture, technology, and economic mobility. Attendees will witness live demonstrations of the 3D-printed soccer tee, interactive project displays, and interviews with the minds behind the designs.

MEDIA EVENT DETAILS:

• WHAT: NSF Summer Program Final Presentations
• WHEN: Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Optimal visuals/interviews between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM)
• WHERE: UMKC Student Union, 5100 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64110 Room 401 (4th Floor Large Meeting Hall)
• MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: Live demonstrations of the 3D-printed soccer kicking tee; high-quality b-roll photography of student projects; interviews with program directors, UMKC faculty, corporate employer partners, and the students earning a generous stipend to reshape KC’s tech landscape.

As the city captures the world’s attention on the field, this program underscores the critical, high-paying infrastructure work happening off of it. Media outlets looking for a fresh, hyper-local angle on the World Cup wave, one that connects sports passion to community economic triumph, are strongly encouraged to attend.

For media credentials, parking passes, or for additional information, please contact Kate Crockett at kate.crockett@greatjobskc.org or 816-406-1899.

About Great Jobs KC

Great Jobs KC, a 501(c)(3) organization, drives regional economic stability and mobility by ensuring low- and modest-income individuals achieve family-sustaining careers. Our programs prepare the future workforce through two core pathways: college scholarships (up to $50,000) and tuition-free training in high-demand fields. We ensure success by providing one-to-one support for every participant, from enrollment through their first year of employment. greatjobskc.org