Today we’d like to introduce you to Zack Nicholson.
Hi Zack , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My wife and I moved our family to Kansas City to step into full-time ministry at a church in South Kansas City. Over the next thirteen years, we helped lead our church to become increasingly involved in our local public schools. As we grew more aware of the challenges and disadvantages these schools face, we felt compelled to focus even more attention on serving and supporting them.
In 2020, we started a nonprofit called Minding the Gap, which partners with local public elementary schools to help bridge academic and emotional gaps in the lives of children. We have grown steadily over the past few years, and leading Minding the Gap has now become my full-time occupation.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not always been smooth. However, what keeps us going is our commitment to maintaining a growth mindset and seeing challenges as opportunities for progress—both personally and as an organization. Of course, there are days when we feel like quitting or wondering whether we’re truly making a difference. When those moments come, we intentionally return to the conviction that God has called us to this work, and that ultimately He is the one who determines our success or failure. Our role is simply to show up, be faithful each day, and trust Him with the results.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Minding the Gap bridges academic and emotional gaps in the lives of children by teaching reading skills, building self-esteem, and promoting healthy connections with caring adults. We do this through our four flagship programs:
1. Building Bridges (tutoring and mentoring)
The United States is currently facing a literacy crisis. Nearly two out of three American fourth graders do not read proficiently. Students who are not proficient readers by this age are four times more likely to drop out of high school, and those who fail to complete high school account for roughly seventy-five percent of crime in America.
We have a passion to address this literacy crisis. However, we often meet students who are facing significant emotional challenges that hinder their ability to learn. For that reason, we create space not only to address literacy needs but also to care for students emotionally by connecting them with a consistent, caring adult.
2. 180 Club (after-school Bible club)
At 180 Club, we learn how God loves us, how we can love God, and how we can love others. We are dedicated to fostering self-esteem and positive self-image in children, knowing these qualities are crucial for long-term academic success and reducing risky behavior. We instill in every child the truth that they have immeasurable worth and value because they are made in the image of God.
3. Extra Mile (school and staff support)
Extra Mile is committed to going above and beyond in supporting school staff and families. We partner with each school’s goals to enhance parent engagement, improve student attendance, boost academic achievement, and elevate staff morale. We implement a variety of projects that create meaningful impact, including staff-appreciation lunches, attendance celebrations, and other school-wide initiatives.
4. The Experience (one-day camps)
The Experience provides one-day camps that allow students to try a sport or activity they might not otherwise have access to. When students want to continue developing in that activity, we partner with community organizations to offer a path forward. We recently hosted an ice-hockey camp, and future camps include sailing, golf, acting, and guitar.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was very interested in music and wanted to be a rock and roll star. I played in various bands in high school and early adulthood. I finally grew up and got a really job in my mid-twenties.
Pricing:
- Our services are free, but you can always donate!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindinggaps.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindingthegapkc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081657207117
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/103139117/admin/dashboard/
