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“Who’s Gonna Score the Most For Their Students?”:
Great Jobs KC Challenges Students Rising Above in “Raising in the Red Zone” Fundraiser

Kansas City, Monday, February 5, 2023 – Great Jobs KC, a nonprofit that helps Kansas Citians gain economic independence and build careers that sustain themselves and their families, is partnering with San Francisco nonprofit Students Rising Above for a challenge based on the Super Bowl matchup of their two NFL teams, the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. No matter the outcome of the game on the field, students in both cities will WIN!

The campaign, Raising in the Redzone, is a friendly competition to see which organization can raise the most money for its students through the final play of the BIG GAME. Both organizations will race to raise $10,000 by 2 AM CT/12 PM PT on February 12. If the Great Jobs KC wins and raises the most funds, Students Rising Above Chief Program Officer Angela Bugayong will wear a Chiefs jersey sent to her from Great Jobs KC and dance to Taylor Swift’s “Shake it Off” in front of Levi’s Stadium. If the Students Rising Above raises more money, Great Jobs KC Chief Development Officer Jessica Rhodes will wear a 49ers jersey sent to her from SRA and walk around Arrowhead with a sign that reads, “Who’s Irrelevant Now?” in reference to 49ers Quarterback Brock Purdy, referred to as “Mr. Irrelevant” due to being the last pick in the NFL draft.

“There are few things I love more than Chiefs Kingdom here in Kansas City, but at the top of my list is our KC Scholars program at Great Jobs KC! In the spirit of unity and the pursuit of a greater mission, I am excited to join forces with a fellow nonprofit with a similar mission, even if they reside in ‘enemy territory.’” said Jessica Rhodes, Great Jobs KC’s Chief Development Officer. “I believe that the giving hearts here in KC and beyond will show up to support our Raising in the Red Zone Challenge as we work to score more funds to provide scholarships to assist our local community in achieving their college dreams. Together, we can turn the excitement of the game into hope for a brighter future. GO CHIEFS!”

Chief Program Officer for Students Rising Above, Angela Bugayong responded with “We are thrilled to partner with Great Jobs KC, a collaboration we believe will significantly uplift our organizations. At SRA, our mission is to empower students facing systemic barriers to define and find success through education, career, and life planning. Joining forces with Great Jobs KC for the upcoming

Super Bowl presents an exciting opportunity to further our shared goals. We look forward to making a substantial impact together. We’re ready to start raising in the red zone – and go Niners!”

Great Jobs KC supporters who wish to participate in the donation challenge can visit the donation link or text SUPER to 24365. The winner will be announced on Monday, February 12 via social media, and the bet will be settled later in the week.

About Great Jobs KC

Great Jobs KC is a Kansas City-based nonprofit that provides access to college scholarships and tuition- free job training, along with job placement assistance for individuals from low- and modest-income families in the metropolitan area, providing a pipeline of talent for a strong regional workforce. Please join us on our mission for economic independence for all. For more information, visit www.greatjobskc.org.

About Students Rising Above (SRA)

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Students Rising Above (SRA) works at the intersection of racial equity, education, and workforce development by empowering students facing systemic barriers to define and find success through education, career, and in life. Supporting nearly 700 students this year alone, SRA’s program models have been crafted to ensure each student receives expert guidance and individualized support that enables their social and economic mobility. SRA students graduate college at a rate nearly 7 times higher than their peers from similar backgrounds.

About Great Jobs KC:

Great Jobs KC is a Kansas City-based nonprofit that provides access to college scholarships and tuition-free job training, along with job placement assistance for young people from low- and modest-income families in the metropolitan area, providing a pipeline of talent for a strong regional workforce. Please join us on our mission for economic independence for all. For more information, visit www.greatjobskc.org.

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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

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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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