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SCHOLAR PORTAL

May 2026

Instructor speaking to students in a classroom with the text "Investing in KC's Potential: Why Workforce Development Is the Best Investment" overlayed, highlighting opportunities like the 11th-grade college scholarship for ambitious learners.

The $1.5 Billion Ripple Effect: Why Workforce Development is KC’s Best Investment

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The $1.5 Billion Ripple Effect: Why Workforce Development is KC’s Best Investment Great Jobs KC Imagine the transformation of moving from a cycle of low-wage employment to a dependable, family-sustaining salary of $45,000+. For an individual, this is more than just a paycheck; it is the foundation of dignity, stability, and future-readiness. That’s a game-changer. […]

The $1.5 Billion Ripple Effect: Why Workforce Development is KC’s Best Investment Read More »

Illustration of diverse graduates in caps and gowns celebrating, with text announcing 778 new scholarship awardees in Kansas City—including 2026 adult learner recipients—and $38.9 million invested by KC Scholars.

Unlocking their Futures: We are Proud to Announce 778 New Scholarship Awardees in Kansas City!

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Unlocking their Futures: We are Proud to Announce 778 New Scholarship Awardees in Kansas City! Great Jobs KC Unlocking their Futures: We are Proud to Announce 778 New Scholarship Awardees in Kansas City!   $38.9 Million Invested in Kansas City’s Workforce and Education Future    Great Jobs KC is excited to announce our newest cohort

Unlocking their Futures: We are Proud to Announce 778 New Scholarship Awardees in Kansas City! Read More »

Five graduates in caps and gowns celebrate under the text "Congratulations Scholars! 778 Scholarships Awarded, $38.9 Million Invested in KC’s Future—empowering the class of 2026 and every adult learner.

Great Jobs KC Announces 10th Anniversary KC Scholars Class: $38.9 Million Awarded to 778 Kansas City Area 11th Graders

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Great Jobs KC is proud to announce the 2026 awarding class of its flagship KC Scholars 11th-Grade Scholarship Program. In its 10th anniversary year, 778 high school juniors across the six-county Kansas City region have been selected to receive scholarships of up to $50,000 each, representing a staggering total community investment of $38.9 million.

Great Jobs KC Announces 10th Anniversary KC Scholars Class: $38.9 Million Awarded to 778 Kansas City Area 11th Graders 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

The Adult Learner Scholarship application is closed. Please click GET STARTED to be added to communication reminders on when to apply during the next open cycle.

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

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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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