When Travis Kelce signed his $57 million contract extension in 2020, it wasn’t just about securing his place in the NFL. The Kansas City Chiefs’ star tight end had a bigger vision—one that extended beyond the football field.
With his new deal in place, Kelce made a conscious decision to invest in the community that had embraced him since he entered the league. A key part of that commitment was funding a STEM center for Kansas City youth, a move that demonstrated his dedication to making a lasting impact.
Kelce, a two-time Super Bowl champion and one of the best tight ends in NFL history, has never been just about football. While his athletic ability and leadership on the field have made him a household name, his off-the-field contributions have cemented his legacy as more than just an athlete.
Following his contract extension, Kelce turned his attention toward something he saw as crucial—providing opportunities for underprivileged children in Kansas City.
Recognizing the importance of education, especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), he decided to fund a center that would give local youth access to resources that could shape their futures.
The STEM center, established through Kelce’s foundation, 87 & Running, was designed to give Kansas City’s underserved youth a chance to explore opportunities they might not have otherwise.
Kelce wanted the center to be more than just a classroom; he envisioned a space where children could engage in hands-on learning, develop problem-solving skills, and gain exposure to careers in STEM fields.
“We always talk about leveling the playing field in sports,” Kelce said at the time. “But what about education? What about opportunity? This is about making sure kids in Kansas City have the same shot at success as anyone else.”
The facility offers state-of-the-art technology, including robotics labs, coding workshops, and engineering programs. By partnering with educators and industry professionals, Kelce ensured that the center would not only provide academic enrichment but also real-world applications that could open doors for students in the future.
Kelce’s decision to fund the STEM center wasn’t a one-time gesture; it was part of a larger commitment to supporting youth in Kansas City. His foundation, 87 & Running, had already been involved in several community initiatives, focusing on mentorship, education, and providing resources for children in need.
By emphasizing STEM education, Kelce aimed to address a growing concern—the lack of access to quality educational resources for children in underprivileged areas.
Studies have shown that students from low-income backgrounds are often underrepresented in STEM fields due to limited exposure and resources. Kelce saw an opportunity to bridge that gap.
“We’re talking about kids who have the potential to be engineers, scientists, and innovators,” he said. “They just need the chance to see that future for themselves.”
The STEM center’s impact has been immediate and profound. Local educators have praised the initiative for providing students with opportunities that were once out of reach.
Children who may have never considered careers in STEM fields are now building robots, learning to code, and working on engineering projects—experiences that could shape their career paths.
For Kelce, seeing the excitement and curiosity in these young students has been just as rewarding as winning championships. “Football is what I do, but this—this is about changing lives,” he said.
“These kids are going to do incredible things, and if I can be a small part of that, it means everything.”
Kelce’s investment in the Kansas City youth reflects a growing trend among professional athletes using their platforms to drive social change. While traditional philanthropy has long been a part of professional sports, today’s athletes are becoming more involved in initiatives that focus on long-term impact rather than just financial donations.
From LeBron James’ I PROMISE School to J.J. Watt’s hurricane relief efforts, Kelce’s work with the STEM center is another example of how athletes can be catalysts for meaningful change.
His hands-on approach—actively participating in fundraising, engaging with students, and promoting STEM education—demonstrates a level of commitment that goes beyond writing checks.
The success of the STEM center is just the beginning for Kelce’s vision of community impact. With continued support and expansion, the center could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country.
His goal is not only to inspire kids in Kansas City but to encourage other athletes and public figures to invest in education and opportunity.
Kelce remains focused on his football career, continuing to dominate the field with the Chiefs. But his legacy will not only be measured by touchdowns and Super Bowl rings.
Through his dedication to Kansas City’s youth, he has built something far more enduring—a foundation for future generations to succeed.
Travis Kelce’s $57 million extension in 2020 was more than just a contract—it was a commitment to something greater. By funding a STEM center for Kansas City youth, he took an important step in empowering children with knowledge, skills, and opportunities that could change their lives.
His impact extends beyond football, proving that true greatness isn’t just about what you achieve on the field, but what you do to uplift those around you.
