Kansas City, January 17, 2026
News Summary
Antawan Daniels, a chemistry professor and community advocate in Kansas City, has launched an initiative called 5S, aimed at improving science literacy in underserved communities. By focusing on specific Kansas City ZIP codes that lack access to STEM education, Daniels is creating opportunities for youth of color, conducting workshops, and collaborating with organizations to foster inclusive science learning. His passion for medicinal chemistry and personal experiences with healthcare inequities drive his mission to bridge gaps in science education and increase self-efficacy among aspiring scientists.
Kansas City has become the focus of a new initiative led by Antawan Daniels, a chemist, educator, and community advocate, aimed at improving science literacy among underserved communities. As a tenured chemistry professor at Metropolitan Community College (MCC), Daniels is committed to bridging the gap between science and access for underrepresented groups, particularly in specific Kansas City ZIP codes such as 64109, 64127, 64128, and 64130, which have been identified as lacking adequate access to STEM education.
Daniels founded an organization called 5S, which stands for Scientists Seeking Strategic Sustainable Solutions. This initiative focuses on enhancing science literacy, advocacy, and advisory work to address critical health and educational disparities. He aims to create opportunities for aspiring scientists and foster representation in science, especially for youth of color. Recognizing the importance of hands-on education, Daniels conducts workshops and programs in the Prospect Corridor to increase access to scientific knowledge and skills.
His inspiration for pursuing a career in science stemmed from the film “Medicine Man,” featuring Sean Connery, which portrayed a struggle to protect an Indigenous community. Daniels’ personal connection to health care inequities, illustrated by his grandmother’s experience with HIV treatment, further fueled his passion for medicinal chemistry—an area that studies how medication molecules interact with the body.
To better meet the community’s needs regarding science literacy, Daniels authored a chemistry textbook that highlights the relevance of chemistry to everyday decision-making and health outcomes for families. His work emphasizes increasing self-efficacy among students, a significant barrier that influences their pursuit of science careers.
The three pillars of Daniels’ initiative include science literacy, advocacy, and advisory roles, underpinned by a focus on communication and collaboration. He actively collaborates with organizations such as Health Forward and the Black Healthcare Coalition to work towards inclusive science education. His efforts aim to reach a diverse audience, from kindergartners to seniors, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage with science, regardless of their background.
Through 5S, Daniels has plans to enhance grant writing capacity and aims to triple revenue by 2026. The organization intends to develop social venture studios and expand community capital funding, enabling further outreach and impact. His experience as a principal investigator for a National Science Foundation grant demonstrates his commitment to research and education, which he brings to this initiative.
Additionally, Daniels is currently focused on presenting his research on brucellosis in Canada, further emphasizing his active engagement with the scientific community. His personal experiences as a Black chemist in America shape his approach towards fostering inclusive and accessible science education, aligning with his overarching belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience and engage with science.
Background Information
Daniels’ background and commitment to science have been shaped by both his personal experiences and his professional journey. His focus on medicinal chemistry reflects not only his academic expertise but also a deep, personal understanding of healthcare challenges faced by marginalized communities. The establishment of 5S is a comprehensive approach to address these issues through a multifaceted strategy that incorporates direct education, community engagement, and collaborative advocacy.
Future Goals
With ambitious plans for the future, Antawan Daniels aims to expand the impact of his work through increased funding and community involvement, positioning the 5S initiative as a vital resource for underserved populations in Kansas City and beyond.
FAQ
Q: What is the main objective of Antawan Daniels’ initiative?
A: The initiative aims to improve science literacy among underserved communities in Kansas City through education and advocacy.
Q: What organization did Antawan Daniels found?
A: He founded an organization called 5S, which stands for Scientists Seeking Strategic Sustainable Solutions.
Q: Why is Antawan Daniels interested in science?
A: His interest was inspired by the film “Medicine Man” and was further strengthened by his personal connection to health care inequities.
Q: What is the significance of the ZIP codes 64109, 64127, 64128, and 64130?
A: These Kansas City ZIP codes lack adequate access to STEM education, highlighting the need for targeted science literacy initiatives.
Q: What is one of the key areas of focus for Antawan Daniels’ work?
A: One key area of focus is increasing self-efficacy among students in science, particularly youth of color.
Q: How does Daniels plan to grow the 5S initiative by 2026?
A: Daniels aims to triple revenue through enhanced grant writing capacity and plans to develop social venture studios.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Main Objective | Improve science literacy in underserved communities in Kansas City. |
| Organization | 5S – Scientists Seeking Strategic Sustainable Solutions. |
| Inspiration | Inspired by the film “Medicine Man” and personal experience with healthcare inequities. |
| Targeted ZIP Codes | 64109, 64127, 64128, 64130. |
| Focus Areas | Increasing self-efficacy, STEM access, and community engagement. |
| Future Goals | Triple revenue and develop social venture studios by 2026. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kansas City Faces Severe Literacy Crisis Among Students
Additional Resources
- Kansas City News
- Wikipedia: Social inclusion
- Burns & McDonnell News
- Google Search: STEM education access
- Frontier Schools STEM Skills
- Google Scholar: STEM education equity
- Kansas City STEM Fest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Science education
- Startland News
- Google News: STEM news Kansas City
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
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