The Southwestern College Learning Center has received a $10,000 grant from the Legacy Regional Community Foundation.

The SC Learning Center, led by Kelsie Barnhart, director of teaching and learning, and Autumn Watts, director of operations, is a preschool and after-school program being offered to the Winfield community by providing a nurturing environment that supports the growth and development of children and families. Children's ages range from 2 1/2 years old to 10 years old.

Barnhart says this grant will improve the facility and positively impact the teaching and learning environment.

“We want to make SC Learning Center the best it can be for area families, giving parents confidence that their children can flourish in a safe and engaging environment," Barnhart says. "Updates to our building and access to improved equipment will transform our center and positively impact the lives of our students and strengthen our community.”

"Early childhood education and quality childcare are imperative not only to the great beginnings and kindergarten readiness of our community's youngest members, but vital to our ready, employable workforce and opportunities for economic development," stated Legacy CEO Yazmin Wood. "In order to create a just and resilient region, we need integrated solutions in addressing the root causes of our most critical issues.  Ensuring adequate childcare is one of the answers."  

Barnhart says that the grant will be used for classroom maintenance, outdoor play items, literacy and math aides, and creative learning items.

“All of the items and improvements invested in will better the children's learning experience,” Barnhart said.

Barnhart is grateful for the Legacy's philanthropic investment in the future of the SC Learning Center.

“Our vision is simple, to be the best Early Childhood Education Center in Cowley County,” Barnhart adds.  “We are committed to providing a safe, reliable, and consistent learning environment for our students and their families. Early Childhood Education is the foundation of learning for young students. What they are learning during this crucial time in their development carries with them all throughout their lives. Here in Cowley County, access to childcare, in general, is limited. In rural areas, childcare opportunities that offer structured learning do not meet the need, leaving families challenged to find options for their children. Our vision is to go above and beyond those standards to create a high-quality educational experience so that our students can reach their full potential in all areas of their development.”

"We are exceedingly grateful to the board of Legacy Regional Community Foundation for their focus and investment in early childhood development in our region," said Liz Frombgen, president of Southwestern College. "Investing in a vibrant learning environment for students early in their development is a rising tide that lifts all ships in our community. This grant has a secondary impact for Southwestern as it improves the experience of our college-aged education majors who also learn as they practice their future vocation in this space." 

The SC Learning Center is located at 120 West 12th Street in Winfield. For more information, call (620) 402-6470 or visit www.sckans.edu/sclc. 

Southwestern College is a private liberal arts college, founded in 1885 by Methodists in south central Kansas. Today its Winfield campus is the residential hub that guides students to lives of meaning and service, with well-rounded academic and extra-curricular offerings attracting traditional-aged students from throughout the nation and world. Southwestern College Professional Studies provides options for online students in any location and has been named a top provider for persons serving in the military. The college continues to be affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Learn more at www.sckans.edu.

About Legacy Foundation:  Incorporated in 1996, Legacy Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit philanthropic organization regional in its focus.  In 2024, the Foundation awarded over $2,379,357 in grants to benefit the region, in addition to managing Foundation assets of over $11.7 million.  The mission of Legacy Regional Community Foundation, as a leader in area philanthropy, is to enable anyone to GIVE to needs and opportunities in our communities, to GROW resources to preserve regional wealth and to GRANT funds for collaborative impact.  GIVE. GROW. GRANT.   Learn more by visiting www.legacyregionalfoundation.org, find us on Facebook, or call 620-221-7224.