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Five women, including 2026 adult learners, stand together and smile in front of a plain white background—three in welding gear and helmets, two in casual clothing.

Highlights from March, Women's History Month

Celebrating $680,000 toward advancing women in traditionally male careers.

A geometric design for the 2026 adult learner, featuring a navy blue section on the top left, a yellow diagonal band in the center, and an olive green area on the bottom right.

Are you a woman in a male dominated field or do you want to celebrate someone who is?

Join us on Facebook or Instagram and let’s celebrate successful women TOGETHER!

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Table of Contents

are you waiting for training to start?

Flyer for Great Jobs KC event features three 2026 adult learners in work attire, event details, and the text "Waitlist to Working" encouraging income generation while waiting.

we want to get you from

waitlist to

working

Join us THURSDAY from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. at The Gathering Place, 3126 Benton Blvd, KCMO 64128. We are connecting motivated individuals with local employers offering short-term and immediate-hire opportunities. This is your chance to secure an income and gain experience while you wait for your formal training to begin. Bring multiple copies of your resume and your ID.

ROLES AVAILABLE IN:

  • CONSTRUCTION
  • MANUFACTURING
  • HEALTHCARE
  • LOGISTICS/WAREHOUSING
  • SERVICE CAREERS 

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

A man with a shaved head and beard, wearing a black shirt and vest, smiles confidently with arms crossed against a blurred indoor background.

To our community,

As we honor Women’s History Month, I want to take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary impact women have on our workforce and region. Our mission of bridging the gap to high-demand, life-changing careers is only possible when we ensure that every woman in our community has an equitable seat at the table and a clear path to opportunity.

Women are the backbone of our communities, yet they remain underrepresented in many of the high-demand industries that drive our future. Closing this gap is not just a matter of fairness; it is an economic necessity. When women succeed in the workforce, families are more stable, and our entire city grows stronger.

I am particularly proud of the strides we are making through specialized initiatives like the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant. This support is a game-changer. It allows us to help break down the specific barriers to specialized training that have historically kept women out of lucrative technical and trade careers. Because of the WANTO grant, more women are entering careers that provide the financial independence they deserve.

To the women in our programs, serving on our board, on our staff, and among our many partners: thank you for your resilience, your brilliance, and your leadership. You are not just part of history; you are actively building a better future for Kansas City.

With gratitude,

 
Earl
The word "FIRST" in bold blue font, flanked by three vertical blue bars on both the left and right sides, symbolizes access to scholarships and opportunities.
A 2026 adult learner with natural hair, wearing a patterned orange shirt and gold earrings, smiles while standing outdoors in an urban setting.

"Fitting in is boring."

One Scholar,

One story

One of our UMKC Scholars, Chinecherem Ihenacho, was recently featured in an article on Startland News highlighting her Nigerian meat pie business, Neache’s Nourishment. As one of our Scholar Ambassadors, Chinecherem has demonstrated independence and leadership while still honoring her family and heritage. Read her incredible story and her plans to impact her community through mental health awareness, HERE.

Congrats Naeche! We are so proud of you!

Chinecherem
UMKC – Psychology

To learn more about our Scholars and their success, please visit our Scholar Success page.

Two sets of gray vertical bars with colored arrow-like shapes, symbolizing scholarships and opportunities, are positioned on the left and right sides of a white background, facing inward.

High School Graduates:

paid summer stem opportunity

Flyer for the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Experience Summer Program, offering paid on-campus training and employer connections for 2026 adult learner entry-level and advanced manufacturing job opportunities.
Apply for this one-of-a-kind program through a generous grant from the National Science Foundation in partnership with UMKC. Stem education this summer, where you can earn up to $6,000 while you learn and get prepared for a high-demand job. CLICK HERE to apply. 

Great JObs KC

in the media

Logo featuring the words "STARTLAND NEWS"—"START" and "NEWS" in blue, "LAND" in green—set against a black background, emphasizing a fresh take on news.

Great Jobs KC secures $680K federal grant to launch 100 women into nontraditional careers.

The image displays the text "KC Reporter" in a bold serif font on a white background, evoking a classic news publication style.

Great Jobs KC partners with UMKC on NSF-funded summer tech program

To see other stories featuring Great Jobs KC on both local and national media outlets CLICK HERE.

The Great JObs KC

Workforce & Employer Network

EMPLOYER PARTNER EVENT

On March 24th, Great Jobs KC hosted a lunch and learn for representatives from the manufacturing and construction industries. The presentation focused on opportunities available to employers to expand their workforce through our recently awarded grants from the National Science Foundation and Department of Labor. The employers, associations, trade unions, and training providers in attendance expressed interest in helping guide Scholars on their journeys through education to employment.

People are seated at tables in a conference room, listening to speakers near presentation screens displaying "Expand and Strengthen Your Workforce: 2026 Adult Learner." American flags are visible in the background.
A group of 2026 adult learners attend a leadership training seminar in a large conference room with presentation slides displayed on two screens.

New employer partners

Logo for Allergy & Asthma Specialists of Kansas City, featuring green and orange leaf-like shapes next to the clinic name in green and orange text.

Allergy & Asthma Specialists of Kansas City is a private practice with multiple KC area locations and opportunities for Medical Assistants.

Beige "RK" monogram logo with "General Contractor" in a circular arrangement on a light gray background, designed to appeal to the 2026 adult learner seeking modern and professional branding.

RK Contractors LLC offers various opportunities in the construction trades and is a mission-oriented organization, creating affordable housing and improvements across the metro.

Logo for Missouri Enterprise featuring a robotic arm graphic, bold blue and red text, and the tagline: "The Show Me State's Manufacturing Experts"—designed to inspire the 2026 adult learner in Missouri’s vibrant manufacturing sector.

Missouri Enterprise has deep relationships with trainers and manufacturers across Missouri and will help us connect with employers and stay plugged into workforce trends in the industry.

Green and white graphic with the word "LEVER" above a circular gear design containing the number "1" in the center, representing a step forward for the 2026 adult learner.

Lever 1 will help us connect with employers and connect our Scholars to jobs as a professional employment organization that provides outsourced HR related services to small to mid-size companies in the KC area.

The Great JObs KC

Development team

A white four-leaf clover with a "Great Jobs KC" badge on a green striped background. Text below reads: "Your generosity is the lucky charm behind our 2026 adult learner success!.

our generous supporters help advance our mission every day,

We want to say thank you!

On March 18th, our Development Team hosted its annual “Lucky To Have You” donor, volunteer, and partner appreciation event at Zhou B Arts Center. During the event, three of our incredible Scholars shared what our support has meant to their future. Watch their amazing stories HERE.

Illustration of a tree with roots made of coins, branching into icons for community, education, 000 Scholarship, housing, teamwork, innovation, and sustainability—symbolizing growth and opportunities like a $50 scholarship.

ONLY 3 months left to take advantage of our

NAP Tax Credits to DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT.

Great Jobs KC is now a part of the Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). Maximize the impact of your donation while receiving a direct state tax benefit for Missouri taxpayers. Reach out to Karolyn Dreiling for more info, or you can READ MORE HERE.

OUR

community engagement team

Submit Day: Opening Doors to the future

Our Community Engagement Team partnered with local high schools to host Submit Day for 11th-grade College Scholarship applicants. More than 1,600 students officially submitted their applications for tuition-paid, four-year scholarships—a milestone that represents hope, access, and a new future for our community.

A special thank you to our dedicated recruiters—Edna Adelousa, Brian Benton, Mario Gaitan, and Daniel Rios—for their hands-on support in guiding these students through this pivotal step. Submit Day is more than an event; it’s a movement to remove barriers and show students that their dreams are achievable.

11th-Grade College Scholarship recipients will be announced on May 5th.

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A group of students sit and stand around a table in a library, working on assignments and using electronic devices. Bookshelves and library materials are visible in the background.
A young woman sits at a table in a library with snacks, a water bottle, and electronic devices in front of her. Bookshelves and a display are visible in the background.

Our KC Scholars

Scholarship team

Our adult learners are on their way!

We welcomed our newest class of 150 Adult Learners this past month. An evening of vital information and community building as our Adult Learners got to know each other and our staff. Congrats to everyone as you begin this next chapter. 

A group of adults sit at tables facing a stage, where a person speaks at a podium beside a large screen reading "KC Scholars Adult Learner Welcome Session.
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Six people pose and smile inside a photo booth framed by balloons, with signs promoting the 2026 ProX Hiring Fair and professional experiences for Kansas City youth.
Two young women sit across from two recruiters at a booth during a job fair in a large indoor venue, with informational brochures and candy on the table.
People sit across tables having conversations at a job or college fair in a large indoor venue, with informational materials and candy displayed on the tables.

PROX SUMMER INTERNS

We are excited to host interns in summer 2026 through ProX (Professional Experiences for Kansas City Youth). ProX provides high school students with equitable access to real-world opportunities, empowering them to develop essential skills and connections for success in education and the workforce, while fostering meaningful partnerships with employers and the community to drive lasting impact.

On March 21, Great Jobs KC internship hosts selected this year’s interns at the ProX Hiring Fair. We look forward to welcoming these students this summer and playing a role in building a stronger, more connected workforce for Kansas City.

Our KC Scholars

Ambassador team

succulents & sandwiches

KC Scholars Ambassadors at Rockhurst University hosted Succulents and Sandwiches on March 4. Scholars decorated pots and planted their own succulents to take home while enjoying sandwiches and time together. The event provided a fun break from midterms and a chance for Scholars to relax and connect before heading into spring break!

Eight people pose for a group photo in a classroom; a whiteboard with writing is in the background, and a table with items is off to the side.
Two young women are talking and smiling at a table, one holding a small object and the other standing beside an open bag of materials.
A person with long dark hair smiles while sitting at a table with a water bottle and a plate of food.
Two people decorate small terra cotta pots with markers on a blue table, with a succulent plant and a phone nearby.
A person sits at a table painting a small clay pot, surrounded by markers, succulents, and a sign labeled "KC Scholars.
A group of people sit around a table eating and talking in a bright, casual indoor setting with others visible in the background.
Four people sit around a table with snacks and gift bags in a casual office break room, engaged in conversation.
A group of people sit around tables in a well-lit room, eating food and talking. Gift bags and drinks are on the tables. Other people are seated or standing in the background.

bites & botanicals

The KU KC Scholars Ambassadors hosted Bites and Botanicals on March 10, taking advantage of a beautiful spring day. Attendees decorated plant pots and planted a succulent to take home while enjoying lunch and entering a raffle for baskets filled with snacks, study essentials, and technology. Many stayed throughout the event to chat and connect with one another, making it the perfect opportunity to unwind during midterms week. Everyone left feeling refreshed and energized!

soccer & slices

The UMKC Ambassadors hosted a new event, Soccer and Slices, on March 18. Despite snow just the day before, the group was greeted with a perfect 70-degree afternoon. In partnership with Golazo, the event featured interactive activities like soccer darts, soccer tennis, and sub soccer. This collaboration was particularly meaningful, as Golazo was founded by KC Scholars and UMKC alum Lesly Romo. With pizza in hand and spring break just around the corner, the event offered Scholars a great opportunity to have fun and connect with one another!

 

Several people sit at round tables outdoors on a stone patio, eating and conversing. Backpacks are on the ground, and a stone wall and trees are in the background.
A group of people participates in an outdoor activity with soccer balls and inflatable targets on a stone patio near a modern building.
People play a soccer-themed game in front of a large inflatable dartboard outdoors on a stone patio; some kick balls while others watch.
People are gathered outdoors, some playing a tabletop soccer game while others watch or play near a large inflatable dartboard with soccer balls. It's a sunny day with clear skies.

Our team

learning, growing & connecting

connecting with area employers

Our Career Resources Team partners with multiple organizations in support of our Scholars’ post-education success. This past month, they attended the “Connect with Area Employers” event hosted by our partner, the Women’s Employment Network! Some great connections were made with area employers, including KVC. 

KVC, which focuses on mental and behavioral health, is looking for Behavioral Health Technicians (CNA Scholars) and is always in need of BHTs, offering full-time, part-time, and PRN opportunities. They also do not require most of their hires to have a driver’s license, which is helpful for those Scholars with transportation challenges.

 

Two women stand smiling in an office next to a desk and a poster for the Lynette Williams Scholarship Fund featuring a portrait of an older woman.
Two women stand at the front of a conference room giving a presentation to seated attendees, with a slide about KVC Health Systems displayed on a large screen.
A blue shield-shaped logo with the words "Great Jobs KC Scholars" in large white letters, celebrating 2000 Scholars.

Scholars on the path to SUCCESS

0

TOTAL SCHOLARS served since 2016

0

SCHOLARS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN A GREAT JOBS KC PROGRAM

0

SCHOLARS WORKING IN A GREAT JOB

Young person in a hoodie stands beside a blue background with text encouraging survey participation for the 2000 Scholars of Great Jobs KC.

Throughout the Great Jobs KC experience, we will request that you complete a few short surveys to collect data that allows us to:

  • Show our impact to our donors and partners to secure more funds to continue our programs
  • Improve our program process so it works for everyone
  • Tailor our support services to Scholars’ needs
  • Share stories of Scholar success to inspire others to change their lives

We want to build a stronger Kansas City, one life at a time, and we need your help and input to do it.

Select survey participants will be entered into ongoing drawings for high-end tech prizes including laptops, headphones, and tablets.

Keep an eye on your email and texts, take a few moments to PAY IT FORWARD by helping to provide access to opportunities for others.

We want to hear about your success - UPDATE US TODAY

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Check out our BLOG and support our mission

Find out more about our programs and support!

A group of graduates in caps and gowns celebrating outdoors. Text on the image reads "Over $12 million in scholarships being awarded." These scholarships are paving the way for promising careers.
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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

GET STARTED

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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