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SCHOLAR PORTAL

A Second Chance as an Adult Learner

Great Jobs KC

Beginning Again

Tim DeGraffenreid is a University of Missouri, Kansas City graduate supported by the KC Scholars Adult Learner Program. Tim worked as a Graphic Design Technician in 2020, but his role soon dissolved when COVID-19 hit the community. Instead of looking for a position that would be a short-term fix, Tim decided it was time to pursue his passion for programming and web development and land a job in the tech field. As Tim began this process, he soon realized the struggles of finding a quality job in this field without a degree and started to think seriously about returning to school. However, a new roadblock became apparent: how was he supposed to finance a four-year degree?

An adult learner wearing glasses and a dark blue sweater is sitting at a table, smiling as they use a laptop.

Community Support

Confiding in a friend about his dream of returning to school, Tim learned about Great Jobs KC’s KC Scholars Scholarship, a program specifically for adults who want to return to school and create their dream careers. Curious, he looked more into it that day to see if it all was too good to be true. Not only did he realize this program could help him get back on track and support him financially, but it was also much more.

After more research and seeing all the success stories of other individuals like him, it became apparent that this program was the perfect opportunity for someone in his position. The more Tim thought about going back to school and the more he was able to see it as a possibility with the KC Scholars Scholarship Program, the more determined he became to make it happen. Tim has completed his program and graduated from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, in 2024 with his Computer Science Degree. Tim was connected to WeCode KC during his education by Sharmelle, the Director of Workforce at Great Jobs KC. He earned his internship as a Web Development Intern that later blossomed into a family-sustaining career within a rapidly growing field. Tim still works at WeCode KC but has moved into his new full-time role as a Full-Stack Developer, where his wage has nearly doubled.

Encouragement That Lasts a Lifetime

Tim reflects on how much the support of Tammy Buckner, Founder and CEO of WeCode KC, meant everything to him. Her belief in Tim’s potential encouraged him to prove himself capable. Now, within his full-time position, Tim is leading real-world projects, and his invaluable experience has helped him gain a comprehensive understanding of software development. He can now say he’s built a strong technical foundation. This experience has taught Tim technical career skills and grown him in other ways. Working in a collaborative team environment has been transformative for Tim, as it has taught him how to communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, and deliver impactful solutions.

“I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to be working in the field I set out to enter over four years ago. It’s an amazing feeling to see the hard work, determination, and belief—not only in myself but also from others—come to fruition in such a meaningful and impactful way… Thanks to Great Jobs KC and the opportunities I’ve had at WeCode KC, I’ve grown immensely as a developer and am well-prepared for the next steps in my career.”

Tim DeGraffenreid

Final Thoughts

This program and his current role have given Tim stability, financial independence, and the chance to grow professionally and personally. Tim shares how rewarding it is to work in a field with endless possibilities and the opportunity to contribute to exciting projects, learn new skills, and work alongside talented individuals who challenge and inspire him daily. Beyond the financial support of his program, Tim shares how this opportunity changed his life’s trajectory by being surrounded by experienced and caring people who guided him every step of the way from Great Jobs KC to WeCode KC. This support allowed him to stay focused on his goals as he didn’t have to rely on figuring out his education journey alone. Tim is such a firm believer in the programs at Great Jobs KC that he has shared them with his best friend and wife, who are both now involved in the program.

Congratulations to Tim on his determined strides toward excelling in his dream career. We are beyond proud of everything he has accomplished and cannot wait to see how else he grows within his transformative career! To learn more about other Scholar experiences, visit this link: Blog – Great Jobs KC.

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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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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