Travis Kelce pens note to Kansas City as he announces first purchase after contract

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has made his first purchase after his four-year contract extension — the “Ignition Lab: Powered by 87 and Running.”

Kelce posted a note to Kansas City on his official Twitter account Friday night to announce the STEM lab. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and math.

Dear Kansas City,

Six more years, baby. I couldn’t begin to tell you how much this city means to me. You took me in seven years ago and made all my dreams come true! I can’t wait to give you another six seasons of everything I got when I take the field with my brothers.

But I’m also recommitting myself to the work I have left to do off the field. The amazing kids I’ve seen grow up the last seven years in the inner-city of KC are now teenagers navigating a world that doesn’t always have their back.

The vision is to give these teens in KC’s underserved neighborhoods a safe haven. A place where they’re exposed to interests and role models far beyond the field or court. Kids can’t concentrate if they don’t feel safe. They can’t envision a career they’ve never heard of or learn a skill they’ve never been taught.

So together with Operation Breakthrough, we’re going to create this place.

I am excited to announce I am purchasing the building that will be the future home of the “Ignition Lab: Powered by 87&Running” - a co-working space where these teens will have the support, resources, and opportunity to explore careers in STEM, launch their own entrepreneurial ventures and gain real-world experience.

As a kid I was mindful of how life looked different for everyone, but as a man I am profoundly aware of the difference in opportunity, exposure, and privilege I grew up with compared to others. Where you live, the situation you were born into or the color of your skin should have no impact on the dreams you can dream. And it’s a beautiful thing when a kid’s dream comes true.

The Cleveland Heights native was drafted to the Chiefs in 2013, and it’s moves like these that have made him one of Kansas City’s own.

• Operation Breakthrough provides a safe, loving and educational environment for children in poverty and empowers their families through advocacy, emergency aid and education. More here.
• Eighty-Seven & Running helps underserved youth strive to become productive citizens by mentoring and motivating them to explore and develop their abilities while learning critical life skills. More here.