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A Message From Our CEO

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Reflecting on Women's History Month: A Message from Earl Martin Phalen, CEO of Great Jobs KC

As we reflect on March as Women’s History Month, I am inspired by women throughout history who have paved the way for progress and equality. From those who raised families to those who fought for women’s right to vote to the brave women who shattered glass ceilings in their respective fields, their legacies have inspired generations to come.

At Great Jobs KC, we are proud to continue this legacy by providing scholarship and credential programs that support women in pursuing their dreams and achieving their full potential. There are 6,479 women across Kansas City that we have impacted through the support of our programs, and we continue to impact more women daily. We believe that knowledge is a powerful tool that can unlock opportunities and transform lives, and we are committed to creating a world where every woman has access to the resources she needs to succeed.

As the CEO, I am constantly inspired by the 91 amazing women I have the privilege of working with every day. It is hard not to be inspired by what the incredible women around you are accomplishing. From our dedicated staff and board to the incredible women we serve, their resilience, strength and determination continue to drive us forward.

In celebration and recognition of the women we serve and those who make Great Jobs KC a force for change in Kansas City, please enjoy a couple of our social media videos from this past month.

Together, let’s continue to celebrate the incredible achievements of women today and throughout history while continuing to work toward a more equitable future for all women.

With deepest appreciation and admiration,

– Earl

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Shaping the fabric of our society

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There are 6,479 women across Kansas City that we have impacted through the support of our programs

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Promotional flyer for the Great Jobs KC Healthcare Hiring Event on April 17, 2024, 4 PM - 7 PM at Chicken N Pickle, Overland Park, KS. Sponsored by HCA Midwest Health. Explore exciting career opportunities and learn about available scholarships. RSVP by April 10th.
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SCHOLARS FIRST

Infographic with heading "Great Jobs KC Community Impact" showing 8,981 lives impacted, 4,302 scholarship awardees, and 4,679 job training scholars. Includes a note on the types of included scholars and the variety of scholarships provided.

Our first Core Value, which is the one that drives our mission and inspires us every day, is SCHOLARS FIRST. Here's what our Scholars have to say:

“KC Scholars has meant redemption for me. I started out in the health field on a different track and health issues set me back. I was also having issues financially. KC Scholars help allowed me the opportunity to quickly bring increase into my household and got me back on track to pursing my career goals again. I am grateful! Thank you KC Scholars! “

 

-Tasharra Johnson, CNA

Text on a black background reads "Great Careers KC Employee Spotlight" in white uppercase letters.
The logo features the text "KC Scholars" with "KC" inside a shield on the left.

High School Scholarship Team

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2024 Application Cycle

We are so excited that more than 1,900 9th and 11th-grade students submitted applications for our KC Scholar’s College Savings Match and Traditional Scholarships!

May 1 is our Award Day when we will announce the scholarship recipients for both programs. We can’t wait to welcome this group of awardees to the KC Scholars program!

Campus Visits

Scholar Advocates continue to be out and about on college campuses to connect with scholarship recipients. We love hearing about our Scholars experiences at their institutions and supporting them in any way that we can. Pictured are Scholar Advocates Danielle Rogg Guillermo, Henry Ortega-Hernandez and Leslie Ramirez at UMKC on March 19 where they led a presentation on the latest updates in the KC Scholars program and connected with 20+ Scholars. Scholar Advocate Danielle Rogg Guillermo is pictured with a handful of the students who checked in during a campus visit on March 21.

Three people pose indoors in front of a large window, smiling and making hand gestures. The person in the center is holding a small object. Their enthusiasm reflects a shared passion for their careers.
A group of seven people standing indoors, holding "Scholars" signs and wearing casual attire. They are posing for the photo in a room with grey walls and minimalistic decor, celebrating their scholarship which marks a significant step in their academic careers.
People sit and converse in a small indoor cafeteria. Some are seated at tables eating, while others stand discussing their careers. Various posters hang on the walls, promoting scholarships and job opportunities, while a yellow door is visible in the background.
A graphic showcasing the logos of various post-secondary network partners of KC Scholars, including universities and colleges such as Kansas State University, Missouri State University, and others, highlighting the rich opportunities for careers and scholarships.

PSN Convening

More than 70 people attended the March 7th Post-Secondary Network Quarterly Convening of the KC Scholars Program, either virtually or in-person. During the convening, Tyler Vela, Academic Coach & Scholar Services Coordinator at Kansas State University, shared information about K-State’s Academic Coaching program entitled “Academic Coaching- How it can be a force multiplier for your advisors and staff.” This presentation was part of a series called “Student Success Sessions” where representatives in the Post-Secondary Network present best practices with the group. Afterwards, those who attended in-person took a group photo!

A group of people stands on a stage in front of a screen displaying "Academic Achievement." Tables, chairs, and some documents are visible in the foreground, highlighting their journey toward promising careers.

Coming Soon: KC Scholars Ambassador Program

The KC Scholars scholarship program is launching an ambassador program! The KC Scholars Ambassador Program is an opportunity for current Traditional and Adult Learner scholarship recipients to become more involved with the organization, create a culture of belonging among Scholars on their college campuses, and further develop their leadership skills. The program will begin at a few select institutions for the 2024-25 academic year before expanding to the entire Post-secondary Network. Learn more and stay updated at greatjobskc.org/ambassador/

Logo of KC Scholars Ambassador program, featuring the text "KC Scholars Ambassador" within a shield-shaped design, symbolizing the gateway to scholarship opportunities and future careers.
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Adult Learner Scholarship Team

Adult Learner Welcome Session

We awarded 159 Adult Learner Scholarships on February 29! On March 12, the Adult Learner team hosted 128 Scholars and several of their guests at a Welcome Session to share more about the Adult Learner Scholarship and how Scholar Advocates would support them throughout their collegiate journey. Shoutout to our amazing Adult Learner Advocates, Andrea Diaz and Carrie Barnes, for facilitating sessions during the Welcome Session! It was our biggest Welcome Session yet and they did great – many of their Scholars stayed after just to talk with them more!

A large group of people posing for a photo in a conference room with a presentation screen displaying a logo in the background. Circular tables with chairs are arranged in the foreground, indicative of networking opportunities for potential careers and scholarships.
A person stands at the front of a room with rows of seated people, presenting slides on a screen. The room is well-lit with a modern ceiling and a projector, setting the stage for an insightful discussion on careers.
black & white image of scholars celebrating graduation.
Logo reading "Great Jobs KC" in blue and green text, with "KC" inside a shield-like shape on the right. Perfect for highlighting career opportunities!
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Currently in Training

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What is

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Access to a short-term, flexible, skills-based career training program that is TUITION-FREE, if you qualify.

  • It’s short-term because you can complete the program in less than a year.
  • It’s flexible because our training partners offer programs that include virtual, online, on-campus, hands-on, or even hybrid training.
  • It’s skills-based because you master high-demand skills that employers are seeking in the following careers: healthcare, construction, information technology, logistics/warehouse, or manufacturing. 

It’s a career training program because it trains you for a career, not just a job. A career with a salary that helps you secure your future.

How does the Great Jobs KC Program Model Work? Program Model: Five Elements of the Great Jobs KC Model

1. Intake

  • Identify Career Interests/Goals
  • Schedule interested participants for career specific orientation
  • Introduction to Scholar Advocate

2. PROFESSIONAL CAREER SKILLS WORKSHOPS

  • Life Skills: Time, Money, and Stress Management
  • Career Skills: Resume, Networking & Job Search, Building your Brand
  • Workplace Skills: Working as a Team, Effective Communication, Managing Change

3. OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS TRAINING

  • Scholar Advocate Support
  • Scholar Support Resources
  • Complete Training
  • Assistance National/State Certifications
  • Introduction to Career Resource Manager

4. Employer Network Team: EMPLOYMENT

  • Update and complete resume
  • Introductions to Employers
  • Interviewing Preparation 

5. ONE YEAR COACHING & MENTORING POST-EMPLOYMENT

  • Frequent communication from Scholar Advocate during first year of employment
  • Alumni Support

What programs does Great Jobs KC offer?

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Healthcare

  • Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA)
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • Dental Assistant
  • EKG/ECG Technician
  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Administrative Medical Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Sterile Processing
  • Certified Medication Technician (CMT)
  • Certified Medication Aide
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
  • Firefighter/ Fire Science

Manufacturing

  • Certified Manufacturing Associate
    • Assembler
    • Machine Operator
    • Operations Clerk
  • Welding Technician
  • Environmental Remediation/ Hazmat
  • FANUC Handling Tool Operation and Programming

Information Technology

  • Networking Technician
  • Computer User Support
  • IT Support Specialist
  • Digital/ Social Media Marketing
  • Data and Business Analytics
  • Sales Development and Operations
  • UX Design
  • Software Development
  • IT Apprenticeships (separate application process)
  • Data Analytics
  • Project Management
  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Web Development and Design

Logistics/Warehousing

  • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Warehousing Specialist/ Materials Handler

Construction

  • Construction Fundamentals
  • CAD (Computer Aided Drafting and Design)
  • Revit BIM (Revit for Building Information Modeling)
  • Pre-Apprenticeships and apprenticeships:
    • Iron workers
    • Electricians
    • Carpentry
    • General labor
    • Painters/glaziers
    • Operating engineers

Service Careers

  • Dog Grooming
  • Insurance Agent
  • Insurance Specialist
  • Claims Adjuster
  • Culinary Arts
  • Community Interpreter
  • Medical Interpreter
  • ESL Courses

Want to find out if you qualify?

Fill out the form and find out. Or, if this is the perfect opportunity for someone you know, please share the link with them.

Click Here For Link

Have questions or want to find out more?
Join us online EVERY Wednesday 12:00pm-1:00pm
for a virtual information session.
Join on your computer, mobile app, or device.
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 221 112 442 485
Passcode: 37VfG6
Or call in (audio only)
+1 816-406-3910 618051675# United States, Kansas City
Phone Conference ID: 618 051 675#

A man wearing a blue hard hat, high-visibility vest, and blue earmuffs around his neck stands with arms folded, embodying the dedication required for thriving careers in construction.

Our Donors, Our Heroes

The incredible response to our recent Traditional Scholarship application cycle was inspiring! But with more applications comes more need for donations to fund scholarships. We want to be able to award EVERY eligible student or adult applying but to do that we need YOUR HELP!

Please join us and INVEST in the future of Kansas City. You can make a one-time donation or even set up recurring donations.

Five people stand indoors, smiling and holding a large ceremonial check for $25,000 made out to "K.C. Scholars." Text on the wall encourages boldness and achieving dreams. This scholarship aims to open doors, paving the way for successful careers.

Our Development Team had a recent visit from Jay Fisher, President of the Van Horn High School Alumni Association. The Alumni Association has provided for TEN named scholarships to be awarded to deserving students around Kansas City. Being a part of supporting such talent can mean so much, Jay reached out after his visit to say “Thank you for creating and maintaining initiatives having the potential to positively change lives, as well as the trajectories, aspirations, and expectations of entire families.”

If you are interested in learning more about our Named Scholarship opportunities please reach out to Karolyn Dreiling at karolyn.dreiling@greatjobskc.org

Employer Partner Program

Thanks to all of our Employer Network Partners, working in partnership with us to place our Scholars in GREAT JOBS!

Our Employer Partnership Program has three options that will allow you to increase the skill level and diversity of your current workforce while impacting the entire Kansas City workforce of tomorrow.

If we can help you find the staff you need, contact us at EmployerNetwork@greatjobskc.org.

How does the partnership work?

What's your Investment?

TALENT SUPPLY

Annual membership for a set number of hires.

TALENT ACQUISITION

Per hire fee based on industry and number of hires.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

Partnership where you cover 50% of training funds to upskill current staff to better paying jobs.

What's your Return?

TALENT SUPPLY

Access to our qualified Scholar candidate pool on an ongoing basis to fulfill yearly hiring needs.

TALENT ACQUISITION

Access to our qualified Scholar candidate pool to fulfill immediate staffing needs.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

Great Jobs KC financial investment covering 50% of training funds to upskill your current employees to better paying jobs.

What are the three program options and how do they work?

TALENT SUPPLY

OUR CONTRIBUTION:

Access to our qualified scholar candidate pool.

EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION:

Annual membership of $20,000 with up to 10 trained hires guaranteed.

Annual membership of $28,000 with up to 20 trained hires guaranteed.

Annual membership of $40,000 with up to 40 trained hires guaranteed.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:

New hire follow-up and support:

GJKC Advocates

One-on-one personal support through training and the first year of employment.

Workforce Development

We offer online training courses to support each new hire’s soft-skills development during their first consecutive six months of employment.

Scholar Support Resources

Access to community resources that aid in the managing of responsibilities while scholars adapt to work schedules and job expectations during the first twelve months of employment.

TALENT ACQUISITION

OUR CONTRIBUTION:

Access to our qualified scholar candidate pool.

EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION:

$1,200 per hire in manufacturing and construction

$2,500 per hire in the medical or IT field.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:

New hire follow-up and support:

GJKC Advocates

One-on-one personal support through training and the first year of employment.

Workforce Development

We offer online training courses to support each new hire’s soft-skills development during their first consecutive six months of employment.

Scholar Support Resources

Access to community resources that aid in the managing of responsibilities while scholars adapt to work schedules and job expectations during the first twelve months of employment.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT

OUR CONTRIBUTION:

Great Jobs KC provides you with up to 50% of training funds to support your identified training needs. Per Scholar maximum contribution:

$5,000 (Health Industry)

3,500 (IT Industry)

$2,000 (Manufacturing Industry)

$1,250 (Construction Industry)

EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION:

You are partnering with us to cover the remaining cost of training, 50%.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:

Follow-up and support:

GJKC Advocates

Not applicable.

Workforce Development

Additional training funds could be facilitated if applicable.

Scholar Support Resources

Access to community based resources available if needed.

In The Media

Listen to Great Jobs KC CEO, Earl Martin Phalen speak about his recent trip to the White House on “The Grio with Marc Lamont Hill”.

Read our CEO’s recent opinion piece in the KC Star. “It’s not too late to learn job skills, no matter your age.”

HELP US HELP MORE

We thrive on feedback. Let us know what you think, review us on Google. It provides us feedback, and the review helps us rank higher on Google, which means more people find us, and we can CHANGE MORE LIVES. Click Here For The Link

A flyer titled "Great Jobs KC" prompts users to scan a QR code, linking to Google reviews. The text encourages leaving a review to help more people find great jobs and scholarships. The background features someone working at a computer.

Notice Our Email Addresses Have Changed?

To go along with the recent expansion of our name to Great Jobs KC, our organization’s email addresses are changing. Please reach out to your contact(s) here to get an updated email address. Our previous emails will continue to work for a few months, but please make sure to update them soon. Staff emails will be based on first and last name, but email addresses referenced on our website will remain the same before the @, but after the @, it will now be @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

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

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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