Mission:
To inspire students to pursue careers in math, engineering, technology, and science by connecting them with dynamic mentors, progressive teachers, and real-world learning experiences.

Background:
Developed and managed by the school-based mentoring organization YouthFriends, UpLink is an online hub connecting Kansas City-area businesses with students and teachers who want to increase their knowledge and skills in math, engineering, technology, and science (METS). Funded in part by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the initiative has just completed its pilot year.

Outstanding Web Features:
The UpLink hub has three core components: YouthFriends connects METS professionals with student mentoring opportunities in area schools; TeacherTech connects teachers with paid METS-related summer externships with area employers; and LaunchPad connects middle and high school students with METS-related internships and job shadowing opportunities provided by local employers as well as a career-related volunteer speakers' bureau. The UpLink site also offers video overviews of each component, a chart of partnering opportunities for area businesses, application timetables for each program component, and a list of founding partners.