October 2024

Two people sit on grass, smiling and reading books together. A phone, headphones, and water bottle lie nearby. Trees and a building are in the background.

It’s a Balancing Act, How to Navigate Between Your Social and Academic Life in College

Great Jobs KC Is It Really Possible to Have It All? A How-to Guide for Balancing Your Academic and Social Life in College                   The beginning of another academic year can bring new challenges in and out of the classroom. Finding the right balance between your education and social life is crucial for our Scholar’s […]

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A statue of a person riding a horse stands on a rocky pedestal with a city skyline in the background under a dark blue sky.

Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Garner knows what makes KC strong

Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Garner knows what MAKES KC STRONG We were honored to sit down with Tyrone Garner, the Mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, to discuss postsecondary career options, first-generation college experiences, and his advice for local students navigating their futures. We asked him to share a few words of wisdom with the young

Kansas City, Kansas Mayor Garner knows what makes KC strong Read More »

A group of graduates in caps and gowns celebrate by tossing their caps into the air, dreaming of future jobs, while standing on outdoor steps.

Great Jobs KC Awards 86 Area Students $50,000 Scholarships and Welcomes their 21st and 22nd Postsecondary Scholarship Partners

Great Jobs KC Great Jobs KC, the KC Scholars program which launched in Fall 2022, enrolled it’s 500th scholar this week. Great Jobs KC is on track this year to provide the opportunity for over 1,000 adults to secure jobs in high-demand industries that pay at least $45,000 per year. KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Since

Great Jobs KC Awards 86 Area Students $50,000 Scholarships and Welcomes their 21st and 22nd Postsecondary Scholarship Partners Read More »

Stephanie underwood - Chief financial Officer

Stephanie Underwood serves as Chief Financial Officer at Great Jobs KC, where she leads the organization’s financial strategy in support of its mission to create economic mobility through education and workforce opportunities. With more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit finance, Stephanie brings deep expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. She is passionate about using her career as a platform to serve and support mission-driven organizations, helping them maximize impact through strong financial stewardship.

Prior to joining Great Jobs KC, Stephanie served as Chief Financial Officer for Griffith Centers, a behavioral and mental health organization, where she oversaw financial operations for a multi-million-dollar organization spanning residential, educational, and community-based programs. She also spent nearly a decade as Vice President of Accounting Services at NFP Partners, providing CFO-level leadership to nonprofit organizations across the country, with a focus on strategic growth, audit readiness, and governance.

Outside of her professional role, Stephanie volunteers her time at her church and serves on the board of a local nonprofit. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to aligning financial strategy with mission impact. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting and is proud to be a first-generation college graduate.

 

 

 

Adult Learner College Scholarship

Program offers:

  • Up to $25,000 paid directly to the college over the course of up to six years.
  • Once awarded, the Scholar can enroll full or part-time the fall semester following awarding.
  • Scholarship can be used at any of our college partners. See our current list of partners HERE.
  • Scholarship can be used towards an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or a credit-bearing credential. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Be a high school graduate or GED holder (24 years or older).
  • Live in one of the six eligible counties. (Kansas: Wyandotte, Johnson; Missouri: Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte)
  • Be income eligible. (FASFA Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less)
  • Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
  • Have not previously been awarded a KC Scholars Scholarship (Traditional or Adult Learner).
  • Is not currently enrolled in a Great Jobs KC Skills Training Program.
  • US Citizenship/Residency is not required to apply.

If you need more information on program details, please find our FAQs HERE

Jimmy Swift - Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Swift is responsible for overseeing our core programs, our adult workforce development program, Great Jobs KC tuition-free job training, and our KC Scholars Scholarship Program, which includes 11th Grade Traditional Scholarships and Adult Learner Scholarships. 

Jimmy has a career in education that spans more than 25 years and is built around supporting and improving the performance of career training programs and leading the operations of degree-granting institutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management and has served as Campus President, Vice President of Career Services, and Executive Director of various career schools.  

Most recently, Jimmy served as the Vice President of PLA University at Phalen Leadership Academies, bringing access to job skill training to the parents and families of the Scholars served by Phalen Leadership schools across the country.  Beyond his higher education experience, Jimmy serves as the Executive Board Chairman for Project Safety Net NY, a nonprofit community-based agency delivering a broad range of health, education, and prevention services to the New York Community. As the Chief Operating Officer for Great Jobs KC, he and his team are poised to make a substantial impact on the economic stability and future of Kansas City.

Great Jobs KC
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