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SCHOLAR PORTAL

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$50,000 OPPORTUNITY

If you are an 11th grader whose future plans include college – don’t let this opportunity pass you by. DEADLINE TO APPLY IS FRIDAY FEBRUARY 27th AT 5 PM.

CLICK HERE to get a jump start on your future!

You will need your Student Aid Index (SAI) to apply. Confused or need help with your SAI? Here are some tools to help!

Table of Contents

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.

Community is at the heart of everything we do at Great Jobs KC. It fuels our mission, shapes our direction, and gives meaning to every step we take. As we begin this new calendar year, I’m filled with deep gratitude and pride for how far we’ve come and excitement for what lies ahead.

Over the past year, we’ve grown not only in number of Scholars served but in purpose. We’ve seen more adults and young adults take bold steps toward economic mobility and personal transformation. Every new learner who joins our community brings us closer to our vision of a more equitable Kansas City where opportunity is not a privilege but a promise.

2025 was a year of momentum, and the start of 2026 marks a powerful turning point. Our mission is expanding, and our impact is deepening.

This month, we proudly honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man whose bold leadership and unwavering belief in justice continue to guide our work. Dr. King didn’t just speak of dreams; he made them a reality. He organized, challenged systems, and dared to imagine and create a world where equality was not aspirational but realized.

At Great Jobs KC, we carry that legacy forward by empowering our community to BE BOLD, to believe in the power of education, to break through barriers, and to pursue greatness with courage. We are here not just to help our Scholars learn but to help them lead.

As we look to 2026, I invite each of you to stand with us in this mission. Together, let’s build a stronger, more just Kansas City, where every young adult and adult has a chance to soar.

With gratitude and hope,

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.

From Scholar to Changemaker

A woman wearing glasses and a black outfit speaks at a podium with a microphone and a tablet, announcing the $50,000 Scholarship in front of a large screen.

I am truly grateful to Great Jobs KC and KC Scholars for the support, encouragement, and opportunities along the way. This journey has meant more to me than I can easily put into words, and I am thankful to have been part of a community that believes in access, effort, and possibility

Shapree, Adult Learner
UMKC – Business Administration

KC Scholar, Shapree has taken the opportunity given to her and created opportunities for others. Winner of UMKC’s 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year award for her nonprofit A Traveled Path Homes. Shapree’s journey and the help she received from a travelling medical professional, who she credits with saving her life, led her to found her own nonprofit to help those in the travelling medical profession find stable housing.

While Shapree deserves all the credit for her success and the impact she is having on the medical community, we couldn’t be prouder to have been a part of her journey.

Read about the incredible honor she received from UMKC here.

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

 

We thank you!

To all 109 of our volunteer Scholarship Reviewers – THANK YOU – for your time and thoughtful consideration during the recent review of our Adult Learner application. We can’t wait to announce the next class of 150 KC Scholars Adult Learners on February 13th.

A yellow and white logo symbolizing the $50,000 Scholarship opportunity.
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.

TEAM sHOUT OUT

Our Scholar Advocates work every day to not only support our Scholars but connect with them. It’s always incredible to hear what an impact that makes.

“William, my experience with you has been truly amazing. The support you provided has been one of the most valuable experiences of my life. Everything is going well. I’m currently working and just delivered a load to California. I’ve gained a lot of experience in the job. I’m considering starting my own transportation company, and if circumstances allow, I plan to do that in the future.”

Erhan, CDL Driver, about Scholar Advocate William Rodelo

In the Media

Logo for 90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City, featuring large overlapping red, blue, and yellow text on a white background—perfectly capturing the station's vibrant news and music presence.

KKFI – Cowtown Conversations
KC Scholars 11th Grade $50k Scholarships highlighted on Cowtown Conversations.

KCTV5 news logo features "KCTV" in white text on a red background above a large white number "5" on a blue background.

Following Martin Luther King Jr.'s Footsteps: Earl Martin Phalen's Story

Blue background with bold white text reading "FOX 4.

Great Jobs KC receives an ExLENT grant from the National Science Foundation.

Logo for 90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City, featuring large overlapping red, blue, and yellow text on a white background—perfectly capturing the station's vibrant news and music presence.

KKFI – Urban Connections
Leading with Purpose: Earl Martin Phalen, an educator at heart.

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

Great Jobs KC logo with the text "Workforce and Employer Network" in bold blue letters underneath, highlighting our commitment to Building a Stronger KC.

New employer partners

Providence Medical Center logo featuring a white cross and caduceus symbol inside a maroon square next to the facility name in black text.

Providence Medical Center serves Wyandotte County as a part of the Prime Healthcare network and has openings in allied health, nursing, and support roles.

BrightStar Home Care logo with "BrightStar" in blue, a yellow star above the "i," and "HOME CARE" in smaller blue text below on a light background, highlighting their $50,000 Scholarship opportunity.

BrightStar Care offers opportunities for CNAs and LPNs for its in-home care and skilled nursing services.

Logo with a blue shield featuring a stylized eagle head and the letters "US." Below, the text reads "U.S. Engineering" in bold, blue capital letters.

US Engineering has a strong national and local presence and offers opportunities for those with engineering degrees, as well as those interested in trades and production.

The image displays the word "WERNER" in bold, uppercase blue letters with a registered trademark symbol, highlighting their $50,000 Scholarship program.

Werner is a leading trucking company with opportunities for commercial drivers and other transportation and logistics roles.

TEKsystems logo with a blue, orange, and white icon on the left and the slogan "Own change" below the word "systems" on the right.

TEKsystems offers clients business and technology solutions and helps our Scholars begin their careers in these areas.

University Health logo featuring a stylized "u" and "h" in blue and yellow, with "university health" text below in blue.

University Health is an academic medical center providing quality healthcare to the Kansas City community and beyond.

Logo with the text "Great Jobs KC" in black and "SKILLS TRAINING TEAM" in blue, with "KC" and "TEAM" highlighted. Features a mention of a $50 scholarship opportunity.
A worker in a hard hat and safety vest uses a large wrench. Text reads "Great Jobs KC Virtual Prep Talks: PRO SERIES. Learn how you could earn a $50,000 Scholarship.

We are excited to share the success of our most recent Virtual Prep Talk: PRO SERIES, featuring Fike Corporation. This event, facilitated by Great Jobs KC’s Mario Gaitan, drew 50 attendees.

The goal of this series is to educate, inform, and inspire Scholars while they wait for their training programs to start. It provides useful insight into specific career paths and allows Scholars to ask questions of those who hire and work in these specific careers.

Representatives from Fike Corporation, Katie Hutcherson and Walter McKinzie, provided an insightful presentation. They offered a thorough look into Fike’s history, mission, and workplace culture, supported by video content that gave participants a clear view of the day-to-day environment and expectations within the manufacturing field.

The presentation highlighted a variety of roles, including entry-level opportunities requiring no prior certifications—such as Field Service Technician I and Maintenance Technician—and growth-oriented roles, like Machinist I and II, for individuals who pursue additional training. Fike also shared testimonials of employees who advanced into higher-skilled positions over time, reinforcing the message that while employment is not guaranteed, career pathways and advancement opportunities are real and attainable.

Logo with "Great Jobs KC" in bold black text and "DEVELOPMENT TEAM" in blue, with "TEAM" highlighted in a blue rectangle, representing scholarships and opportunities for career growth.
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.

Give More.

Get more back.

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 KC Scholars

Scholarship team

Illustration of students and teachers interacting around a table with education-related icons like a school, books, laptop, and charts, representing collaborative learning and opportunities such as a $50,000 Scholarship.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU’RE PREPARED

11th-Grade College Scholarship Workshops

Spring Virtual and Community (in-person) workshops are currently underway. We have three upcoming community workshops in February that are open to the public. Applicants, families, and support individuals may attend to learn more about the 11th-Grade College Scholarship application. CLICK HERE for the workshop schedule.

37 in-person high school workshops have been requested by schools in our community. We would love to add more to the schedule! Educators and community partners may request a workshop.

SCHOLAR CAMPUS TOUR

We had a great day at the University of Central Missouri! Scholars attended an Admissions Presentation, heard from the Student Success Team and Financial Aid, went on a campus tour, got to bowl at the on-campus bowling alley, and enjoyed lunch on campus. It was an excellent chance to explore the campus and learn about UCM

ucm tour (1)
UCM tour 2 (1)

Our KC Scholars

Ambassador team

Brunch + Brainpower + Survival Kits

KC Scholars Ambassadors at Rockhurst University hosted a Back-to-School Brunch and Winter Survival Kit Giveaway on January 22nd, 2026. KC Scholars grabbed some essential items for the start of their semester and enjoyed some yummy food. Ambassadors shared some study tips and insight for the upcoming semester!

A round table covered with snacks, cards, and $50 scholarships stickers is in the foreground; several people sit and talk at another table in the background inside a modern building.
A round table with assorted snacks, gum packs, tea bags, sticker sheets, socks, cards labeled "KC," small boxes, and a $50 000 Scholarship sign, all arranged on a blue tablecloth.
Two people select items from a table filled with snacks and supplies in a room with a Rockhurst University sign, possibly exploring options for the $50 or 000 Scholarship.
Six people sit and converse around a round table with laptops, notebooks, and drinks in a bright room with motivational posters, a large logo on the wall, and banners highlighting the $50,000 Scholarship opportunity.
Four people sit and interact around a table, with one standing to shake hands. Nearby, a person in a bird mascot costume promotes the $50,000 Scholarship. Laptops and water bottles are on the table.
Four women sit and talk around a table covered with papers and water bottles in a library, discussing the opportunities that come with a $50,000 Scholarship.
A group of people sit at tables in a brightly decorated room, listening to a presenter standing by a large screen displaying spring events and details about the $50 and 000 Scholarship opportunities.
Three women smile and hold a box labeled “UNPROCESS YOUR FOOD!” in an indoor setting, with a table, large screen, and a sign mentioning the $50,000 Scholarship in the background.
Students sit in groups at tables in a library, talking and eating snacks, with papers, food, and drinks on the tables—perhaps discussing their plans to win a $50,000 Scholarship. Bookshelves and more students are visible in the background.

Connection, Confidence, and Leadership

Our KC Scholars Ambassadors kicked of the semester with a retreat full of team building, connecting, leadership development, and planning for the Spring Semester Ambassador Events! The leadership development session was facilitated by College Scholar Advocate, Lucretia Haley, and students left inspired to grow their own leadership style and circle of influence!

Warming Up the Semester

KU Ambassadors kicked off the semester with a Winter Survival Party on a 20-degree day. KC Scholars came by to pick up essential winter-weather items, such as hot cocoa packets, hand warmers, beanies, and fuzzy socks. They also enjoyed breakfast burritos and other yummy goodies and had the chance to connect with other Scholars before heading back out into the cold!

Three people stand indoors, smiling and holding $50 cards and snacks near a table with various items and tote bags in a hallway setting.
People are gathered around a table with takeout containers, laptops, and drinks in a modern office space, chatting about an exciting $50,000 Scholarship opportunity while others eat or check their phones.

OUR TEAM IS ALWAYS

LEARNING AND GROWING

Coaching the Coaches

Our workshop facilitators attended Agilities Coach Training, Great Jobs KC facilitators are certified Career Agility Coaches, who use the DeBruce Foundation’s Career Agilities to help scholars with their Career Exploration. Ongoing training allows them to support our Scholars in an intentional way.

A group of five adults sits around a table with laptops and papers, smiling at the camera in a modern office meeting room while discussing the details of a $50,000 Scholarship opportunity.
A woman stands at the front of a room giving a presentation about the $50,000 Scholarship to an audience seated in rows, with a large screen displaying slides behind her.
A group of people seated in a conference room listen to a speaker presenting in front of a screen that displays a slide reading, “How are we feeling as individuals, as a team?”—highlighting the impact of the $50,000 Scholarship.

Training for Scholar Success

Our Great Jobs KC Scholar Advocates attended an all-program team training to kick off the new year. This training was focused on scholar advocacy and retention best practices.  

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 ON A PATH TO THEIR FUTURE

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.

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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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