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ADULT LEARNER JENAYA ROBBS

One down, 2-3 to go‼️

Eleven years ago, I started school at KU, excited for the journey ahead. Almost immediately after beginning my freshman year, my life was in shambles and I was forced to withdraw by that December. I returned to KU a total of three times and each time, chaos ensued.

Then in 2017, I was made aware of KC Scholars by a family friend. It sounded too good to be true at first. When I was awarded my scholarship, I knew that it was time to return to the fight and finish.

For the last 3.5 years I’ve been in a full-time student at UMKC, with a full-time career, while taking care of my son. There were countless days I wanted to give up. When we unexpectedly lost my dad to COVID in September, I felt like the wind and will to finish had finally been knocked out of me. Just like that, my biggest supporter was gone without even a chance to say goodbye.

Everything in me wanted to quit and I mean everything. But on January 1st, 2021 I got my wind back to finish the work. I was too close to give up!

I’ve been working for the federal government for almost 4 years as a federal contractor. There were instances in which I asked myself, why go back when you already have a well paying job? But I realized a good will never equate to the satisfaction of accomplishing your DREAMS! While at UMKC, I participated in my first internship (Donna Reed Foundation), was blessed to sit on Zoom with the mayor, KCK DA, and state congressman and others who are currently acting in roles that in reaching for on some way or another! Those were experiences I DREAMED about and KC Scholars made them come true.

With civic service in sight, I’m completing my degree this summer and looking to effect change locally and one day nationally/globally. It’s NEVER too late to achieve your dreams, it only means you’re more seasoned for the challenge!

One down, 2-3 to go‼️

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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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