The Northeast Community Center's (NECC) five-building campus has been an anchor in Kansas City's Historic Northeast District for over 80 years, supporting families with connections to safety net services throughout the community.

In 2015, NECC launched its flagship program for students K-12: Harmony Project KC (HPKC), the fifth affiliate of the evidence-based Harmony Project in Los Angeles. Our program has grown from 33 students in 2015 to 300 today. The goal of HPKC is to harness the transformative power of music through year-round music lessons, orchestral participation and mentorship, increasing access to higher education for underserved students by removing systemic barriers to achievement through academic and social support. 

By operating after-school and on weekends, HPKC keeps children safe during vulnerable hours that might otherwsie put them at risk of experimenting with drugs, being victims of crime, and participating or being exposed to gang activity.

Enrollment priority is given to students that live in the seven neighborhoods of the Historic Northeast, followed by students in the KCPS boundaries. Their families have supportive services and referrals through the bilingual Student and Family Advocate.

Through music, mentoring and opportunities for pro-social involvement, underserved urban youth expand their vision of the future, build resiliency and avoid risky behaviors to achieve positive physical and mental health adult outcomes. Graduates of the program transition to post-secondary education, greatly improving their potential for long-term self-sufficiency.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.