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Foundational skills

WHAT IS IT?

Don’t let the lack of a high school diploma or language barriers keep you from your dream of a GREAT JOB! We have partners who offer GED and ESL courses to help you remove these obstacles from your path to success.

GED COURSES

GED classes are designed for adults who haven’t completed high school but want to earn their General Educational Development credential. These classes provide the knowledge and test-taking strategies you need to pass the GED exam, a widely accepted alternative to a high school diploma. If you don’t have a high school diploma, a GED is necessary before enrolling in our Great Jobs KC Skills Training Programs.

If you need access to GED courses to qualify for one of our programs, please click to GET STARTED.

What to Expect in GED Classes:

Classes focus on the four core areas tested on the GED: math, science, social studies, and reasoning through language arts. You'll receive instruction, practice exercises, and personalized help to improve your understanding of each subject.

Learn valuable techniques to approach the GED exam with confidence. This includes time management, reading comprehension skills, and analyzing test questions effectively.

GED classes offer a collaborative learning space where you can connect with classmates who share your goals. This can boost motivation and provide a sense of community while you work towards your GED.

Why GED Classes Matter:

A GED credential, along with meeting our other criteria of being 17+, living within our six-county area, and making less than $45,000 per year, will allow you to enroll in any one of our Great Jobs KC training programs, which will open doors to a better-paying job and a more financially secure future.

Earning your GED is a significant accomplishment that demonstrates your dedication and commitment to learning. This can give you a sense of pride and empower you to pursue future goals.

ESL COURSES

ESL, or English as a Second Language, classes offer a supportive environment for non-native speakers to develop their English proficiency. The language skills you will develop in these courses will help increase your chances of success in our Great Jobs KC Skills Training Programs.

If you need access to ESL courses to qualify for one of our programs, please click GET STARTED.

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What Happens in ESL Classes:

Learn essential grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation to improve your ability to understand spoken English and communicate effectively.

ESL classes go beyond just memorizing words. You'll practice reading comprehension, writing fluency, listening skills, and speaking confidence in a practical way.

Many ESL classes integrate cultural nuances into their curriculum. This helps you understand how language is used in different contexts and avoid misunderstandings.

Expect a variety of engaging activities like discussions, role-playing, presentations, and group projects. This fosters a dynamic learning environment where you can practice your English in a safe and encouraging space.

Why ESL Classes Are Important:

Strong English language skills are essential for everyday tasks in English-speaking environments. These skills are not only essential for securing employment but also for shopping and banking, using public transportation, and accessing healthcare.

English is the language of business in many fields. Improving your English proficiency can open doors to better job opportunities and career advancement.

Effective communication in English allows you to build relationships, make friends, and feel more integrated into your community.

Strong English skills can help you access educational resources, travel more confidently, and explore new interests globally.
ESL classes are an investment in your future. They empower you to communicate effectively, unlock opportunities, and reach your full potential in an increasingly interconnected world.
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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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