About Us

University Academy Foundation empowers students from elementary through college graduation and beyond, offering support from academic journey to career pursuits.

Resource For Life

What We Do

University Academy Foundation delivers transformative assistance to students throughout their elementary and secondary journey at University Academy. We accompany UA students as they transition into college and support them all the way to graduation. Beyond graduation, we remain a steadfast resource and network for UA alumni as they embark on their careers and navigate life after college.

UA & UAF Joint Impact Reports

UA Foundation Brochures

Measures For Success

Mission & Vision

Our Vision

To empower UA students and alumni to reach their academic and professional aspirations by providing extraordinary, life-long support.

Our Mission

To facilitate educational programs and opportunities that support college readiness, college completion, and career success for University Academy students and alumni.

Support UA Students for Life

University Academy Foundation supports students from elementary through college, serving as a lifelong resource from academic endeavors to career paths.

Secure Funding

University Academy Foundation supports students from elementary through college, serving as a lifelong resource from academic endeavors to career paths.

Community Engagement

University Academy Foundation and UA are integral parts of the community, actively engaging in various initiatives to demonstrate stewardship, celebrate achievements, and foster collaborative improvements

BY THE NUMBERs

Our Impact

From a 100% College Acceptance rate for our students, to hundreds of thousands invested into our students – UA Foundation’s impact continues to grow.

Meet the Staff

Meet Our Team of Dedicated Individuals

Sonja Shaffer

Executive Director

Tamra Gibson

Scholarship Programs Director

Linda Sander

Controller

Development and Community Engagement Director

Maya Tilmon

Alumni Success Program Director

Meet the Board

Meet Our Board Members

Byron White

Donald Hawkins

Mariah Jordan

Jen Helzberg

David Dickey

From the Beginning

Our History

UAF is a 501(c)3 organization created in 2010 to provide programming and support for University Academy (UA) students and alumni. Dedicated to providing the resources UA students and alumni need in order to reach their academic and professional goals, UAF is a one-of-kind organization focused on providing life-long support to UA students and alumni. UA has been consistently recognized as one of the top public schools in the nation, most notably by being named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2017. This is considered the highest honor any school can achieve.

Learn About University Academy

About University Academy

University Academy is a college preparatory K-12 charter public school in Kansas City, Missouri. The school’s mission is to prepare students to succeed in an institution of higher education and to be leaders in society. The school’s vision is to be the best college-preparatory charter public school in the country with an emphasis on college preparation, career development, community service and leadership.