OUR MISSION

" I have been a recipient of the Great Plains Circus Scholarship for the last year and a half, and have had nothing but good experiences and opportunities. As a full time college student, I have been able to afford to attend circus classes without feeling like I have to choose between groceries and aerial classes. Additionally, workshops have introduced me to new skills and styles of aerial arts that I might have never had the chance to try had I not been part of this community. I have trained at several different studios across the KC area and the scholarship has helped with both the costs of classes and transportation, making gas money less of a financial stressor when driving an hour round trip a few times a week to attend classes. Overall, being a scholarship recipient has been a huge blessing and one of the biggest factors in my improvements the last few years. I am extremely thankful for the support from this community!"
                                                                                                                                                   -Abi

"Being on scholarship has allowed me to pursue circus training while attending university full time. As a STEM major, I spend the majority of my time studying with little left aside to work. With the scholarship I have been given the opportunity to take my art as seriously as my science, and it feels great to be acknowledged and supported in all of my passions, not just the ones society has deemed more worthy. I appreciate everyone who supports those of us who are going through hard times, and I hope to one day be able to pay it back."
                                                                                                                                                   -Romy

Receiving a scholarship from Great Plains Circus Center has been an incredibly meaningful experience, even during a time when injury has limited my physical participation. From the beginning, this community has shown nothing but warmth, encouragement, and genuine care.

The instructors and staff have been deeply supportive and understanding of my injury, meeting me with compassion rather than pressure. Instead of making me feel behind or disconnected, they consistently encouraged me to explore other areas, focus on strengthening what I can work on, and stay engaged in ways that feel safe and empowering. That kind of support speaks volumes about the values of this school.

What stands out most is how welcoming and inclusive the GPCC community is. There is a strong sense that everyone belongs. Regardless of where they are in their journey, what their body is capable of in the moment, or how their path may need to shift. I have felt seen, respected, and encouraged to continue pursuing movement and growth, even when it looks different than originally planned.

I am deeply grateful for the scholarship and for the culture of care that surrounds it.  This community I have joined is not just a place to train skills, but it is a place that nurtures resilience, curiosity, and confidence. I look forward to continuing my relationship with this community as my body heals and my journey evolves.

                                                                                                                                                    -Violetta