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Alumni Program

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Welcome to the GREAT JOBS KC Alumni Program!

Become part of our dynamic alumni community, where lifelong learning, leadership, and community engagement thrive. Together, we can create lasting connections and celebrate the ongoing success of YOU and our graduates. Join us and make an impact that resonates far beyond graduation!

WHAT IS IT?

The GREAT JOBS KC Alumni Program is designed for individuals who completed their program in KC Scholars, Great Jobs KC, or Kauffman Scholars. This program allows graduates to connect for a lifetime of community, networking, mentorship, and leadership opportunities. Our program aims to provide ongoing support and resources to ensure our alumni continue to thrive and contribute positively to the Kansas City area and beyond.

Why should you get involved?

Joining the alumni program is a great way to benefit from ongoing support from Great Jobs KC to help you continue to thrive! Our program offers a variety of opportunities to enhance both your personal and professional growth while cultivating valuable connections with a powerful network of fellow alumni professionals.

What The Alumni Program Offers:

ENGAGEMENT & SUPPORT:

Activities and resources to keep alumni engaged with the community, including career development, advocacy, and social events.

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Four women are seated around a small table in a lounge area, engaged in conversation. One holds a notepad, and various items are on the table, including a tissue box and a cup.

LEADERSHIP & MENTORSHIP:

Opportunities for alumni to take on leadership roles and mentor current students and recent graduates of the Great Jobs KC programs.

NETWORKING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Facilitate professional growth and development through alumni-only social events, networking events, career fairs, and industry-specific engagements.

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A group of people in Kansas City Royals attire are chatting in a parking lot. Some are holding Royals baseball gear. Several cars and a grassy hill are visible in the background.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT &
GIVING BACK:

Opportunities to give back through service projects, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Great Jobs KC (GREAT JOBS KC) alumni is someone who meets one of the following criteria: 1) KC Scholars Program: Graduated with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree from one of our Postsecondary Network Partners OR Fulfilled their funding requirements through our College Savings Match Program. 2) Great Jobs KC Program: Received a credential or certificate from one of our Training Partners. 3) Kauffman Scholars Program: Graduated with a college degree.

GREAT JOBS KC Alumni receive numerous benefits, including exclusive access to networking events, career development resources, leadership and mentorship opportunities, and exclusive alumni services like job boards and life skills workshops.

Absolutely! We encourage alumni to share their success stories. You can send your story to our marketing department at kcsmarketing@greatjobskc.org or by contacting our Alumni Relations Specialist at alumni@greatjobskc.org.

You can stay updated by subscribing to the GREAT JOBS KC newsletter, following our social media accounts, and regularly visiting the News and Updates section of the alumni page on our website.

You can stay updated by subscribing to the GREAT JOBS KC newsletter, following our social media accounts, and regularly visiting the News and Updates section of the alumni page on our website.

For more information, you can contact your Alumni Relations Specialist at alumni@greatjobskc.org.

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Submit Your Alumni Update

Share your latest contact, academic, career, or personal updates with Great Jobs KC, and submit any questions you may have. We’re here to stay connected and support your Alumni journey. We look forward to hearing about your achievements!

Great Jobs KC

IN THE NEWS

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

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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