Urban Ranger Corps

The mission of the Urban Ranger Corps is to help prepare at-risk inner city youth (14 – 18) for wholesome, responsible and productive futures through a program of disciplined work experience and service in their community; leadership development; and individualized planning for post-High School careers.

The Urban Ranger Corps was founded in July 2003 by the Rev. John Wandless while he was pastor of St. Louis Catholic Church, an inner Kansas City parish (2001 – 2006). The corporation began operations in June 2005 launching the “Urban Ranger” program, a nine-weeks summer work experience and community service program for at-risk youths (14-18).

In summer 2009, the program was expanded by adding a career planning component which (a) helps each ranger develop an Individual Career Plan (ICP) for post-high school employment, technical training or admission to college and (b) provides an ICP Manager/Coach to help rangers implement their ICP’s.

The Urban Ranger Corps (URC) is an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) and classified as a “public charity” under section 509(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.