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A group of eight casually dressed 2026 adult learners stand together, holding books and a laptop, posing for a group photo against a plain background.

CONGRATS to our 150 newest Adult Learner awardees!

Your future is BRIGHT and we can’t wait to have a front seat to your success!

A geometric design for the 2026 adult learner, featuring a navy blue section on the top left, a yellow diagonal band in the center, and an olive green area on the bottom right.

Would you like to share a piece of advice with our newest KC Scholars or drop a CONGRATULATIONS comment?

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Table of Contents

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

A man with a shaved head and beard, wearing a black shirt and vest, smiles confidently with arms crossed against a blurred indoor background.
This year, we are incredibly proud to celebrate our 150 Adult Learner Scholarship recipients, which equates to $3,750,000 provided to the community. Each of you represents something powerful: the decision to bet on yourself. Returning to school as an adult is not the easy path. It requires sacrifice, discipline, late nights, early mornings, and the willingness to push past doubt. Yet you chose growth. You chose possibility. You chose a future that looks different from your past.
 
Your dedication inspires all of us. You have proven that pursuing education, no matter your age, circumstance, or season of life is an act of courage and hope. These scholarships are not simply financial awards; they are affirmations. They are reminders that your goals matter, your ambitions are valid, and your potential is limitless.
 
Behind every scholarship recipient is a story of resilience — families cheering you on, children watching you model determination, employers recognizing your drive, and a community standing beside you. Your achievements are a testament to what happens when determination meets opportunity.
 
To our donors, partners, staff, and supporters, thank you. Your generosity makes these life-changing moments possible. Because of you, adult learners don’t have to choose between responsibility and ambition. They can pursue both.
 
Together, we’re not just investing in education, we’re investing in futures, in families, and in the long-term strength of our workforce and our community.
 
Here’s to courage.
Here’s to perseverance.
 
And most of all, here’s to our Scholars, the heart of Great Jobs KC and the reason we do this work every single day.
 
Earl
The word "FIRST" in bold blue font, flanked by three vertical blue bars on both the left and right sides, symbolizes access to scholarships and opportunities.

Scholarship to Success

Your investment changed the trajectory of my life.

An older woman with gray hair styled in an updo, wearing a light-colored blouse, smiles confidently as a 2026 adult learner in front of a blurred outdoor background.

I am deeply grateful to KC Scholars, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City KC Scholars Program for the scholarship support that made the completion of my undergraduate education possible. Your investment changed the trajectory of my life. I first learned about KC Scholars through Tammy Edwards, a KC Scholars Board Director and fellow church member. Her encouragement helped open the door to this life-changing opportunity.

As an older adult learner, I returned to the University of Missouri-Kansas City to complete what I began in 1971. In December, I earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Communication with a Strategic Communication emphasis and in Media, Art and Design.

I was honored at the December mid-year commencement to be:

  • The sole UMKC Honors Scholar for the December commencement
  • One of 15 students total to receive University Honors across the undergraduate schools
  • One of three students recognized as an Undergraduate Research Fellow
  • The only graduate to walk with three medallions:
    • Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA
    • Undergraduate Research Fellow
    • University Honors

By God’s grace, this achievement (receiving four honors) was not about proving anything. It was about finishing well and honoring the belief that it is never too late to become who God always knew we could be. This moment also represents Black excellence, perseverance, and legacy. I carry my community with me.

Thank you to Carrie, my Scholar Advocate, I am especially thankful for her advising and steady support. Her role in walking alongside me through this process mattered more than you may know, and I am deeply appreciative.

Shicagolyn Hams Scroggins, Adult Learner
UMKC – Communications

To learn more about our Scholars and their success, please visit our Scholar Success page.

 

ARE YOU A SCHOLAR LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES?

Check out the March 2026 Career Fair Calendar

March calendar with job fairs and staffing events marked; includes a quote from George Washington Carver, inspiring the 2026 adult learner, and a black-and-white photo of him on the left side.
Click to enlarge
Two sets of gray vertical bars with colored arrow-like shapes, symbolizing scholarships and opportunities, are positioned on the left and right sides of a white background, facing inward.

SCHOLAR SUCCESS!

Brian, a CDL Scholar, recently accepted a position as a regional truck driver with Schneider National. He credits his Scholar Advocate, William Rodelo, with helping and guiding him throughout the process and hopes his success will inspire others. Congrats Brian! We are so proud of you.

Our partnerships

ARE CREATING IMPACT

We love to celebrate firsts around here, so let’s celebrate our first Scholar to complete training through our partnership with SkillUp Missouri.

With her children’s support, Annie reached out to her local SNAP office to explore the SkillUp training component. Annie completed the Administrative Assistant and Supply Chain Technician (AASCT) program. She graduated in December, earning both her OSHA 10-Hour Outreach Certificate and a Business Training Certificate. Today, Annie is no longer just “returning” to the workforce; she is entering it as a highly-skilled, certified professional.

Her journey was guided by the dedicated team at Great Jobs KC, including LaCherl Rainey, Funding Oversight & Compliance Manager, who provided the initial roadmap, and Judith Simmons, our SkillUp Advocate, who helped Annie align her natural talents with professional goals using the ONET Profiler assessment.

A 2026 adult learner wearing pink glasses holds a Certificate of Achievement awarded to Annie Thomas in front of a blurred background.
The word "skillUp" with arrows forming the letters U and P, overlaid on a light blue outline of Missouri, represents the journey of the 2026 adult learner advancing their skills.

In the Media

Logo for "La Mega," a Spanish news radio station in Kansas City, featuring the slogan "La Mera Mera!" on a striking red and white background.

La Mega KC – Spanish language radio/Facebook Live event reaching the LatinX community with information on our scholarships and training opportunities

To see other stories featuring Great Jobs KC on both local and national media outlets CLICK HERE.

Great Jobs KC logo with the text "Workforce and Employer Network" in bold blue letters underneath, highlighting our commitment to Building a Stronger KC.

Veterans Hiring event

Our Great Jobs KC Employer Partner team supported the most recent Veterans’ Hiring Event. This event is Kansas City’s premier connection point between veteran talent and the employers who truly value what they bring to the table — leadership, adaptability, grit, and a mission-first mindset that strengthens every organization they join. When we connect military talent with forward-thinking employers, everybody wins.

New employer partners

Logo for "The Blue Collar Recruiter" featuring a stylized blue and gray house icon next to the company name in bold blue text.

The Blue Collar Recruiter is a female-owned, locally based franchise in Eastern Jackson County that recruits for various employers, including positions such as maintenance, diesel tech, and assembly tech.

Republic Services logo featuring a red star formed by arrows on the left and the words "REPUBLIC SERVICES" in blue text on the right—an emblem recognized by 2026 adult learners nationwide.

Republic Services delivers comprehensive environmental services to support businesses, homes, and communities. We’re partnering with them to connect our Scholars to their CDL, diesel tech, and other opportunities.

KC Metro Physician Association logo featuring "KC+METRO" in bold letters and "Physician Association" in smaller text below, designed to appeal to the 2026 adult learner.

The Kansas City Metropolitan Physician Association, LLC, is a physician-led organization dedicated to supporting independent practices. Great Jobs KC will support the recruitment needs of its membership across allied health and nursing.

QPS Employment Group logo with text "Employee Owned" displayed below.

QPS Employment Group is a regional staffing company with multiple Kansas City offices, offering opportunities for our Scholars in a wide range of roles, including warehouse, assembly technician, logistics, and more.

IBC logo featuring a stylized globe with blue dots and a curved swoosh, followed by the capital letters "IBC" in a blue-to-orange gradient.

IBC Carpentry is a female-owned local employer that supports our Scholars in the following roles: diesel mechanics, CDL holders, welders, laborers, shop mechanics, and more.

University Health logo featuring a stylized "u" and "h" in blue and yellow, with "university health" text below in blue.

University Health is an academic medical center providing quality healthcare to the Kansas City community and beyond. We are excited to partner with them to connect our Scholars to their opportunities for Medical Assistants, CNAs, LPNs, nurses, and more.

Logo with "Great Jobs KC" in bold black text and "DEVELOPMENT TEAM" in blue, with "TEAM" highlighted in a blue rectangle, representing scholarships and opportunities for career growth.

TURNING SUPPORT INTO ACTION:

Grants make a huge impact!

Blue banner with icons of tools, a badge, and a gear on the left, plus text reading "WANTO: Women in Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Occupations"—empowering 2026 adult learners to pursue new career paths.

WANTO Grant

We have been selected as a recipient of the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. This two-year, $680,000 award will help bridge the gender gap in high-demand, high-wage industries across the Kansas City region.

NSF logo featuring large white letters "NSF" over a blue globe with gold gear-like border, similar to those used in WANTO grant Kansas City program materials.

NSF ExLENT Grant

We were recently named the recipient of a prestigious Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). In collaboration with the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), this grant will fund a paid, transformative 8-week summer program for three years, designed to introduce 90 area individuals to high-tech career paths in advanced manufacturing and construction.

Illustration of a tree with roots made of coins, branching into icons for community, education, 000 Scholarship, housing, teamwork, innovation, and sustainability—symbolizing growth and opportunities like a $50 scholarship.

ONLY 4 months left to take advantage of our

NAP Tax Credits to DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT.

Great Jobs KC is now a part of the Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). Maximize the impact of your donation while receiving a direct state tax benefit for Missouri taxpayers. Reach out to Karolyn Dreiling for more info, or you can READ MORE HERE.

Our KC Scholars

Scholarship team

An instructor stands by a presentation screen while a diverse group of 2026 adult learners sit at desks using digital devices.

Application Workshops

The Community Engagement Team and Applications Team were out and about, hosting 11th-Grade College Scholarship application workshops in various formats to support applicants. 

  • 4 eligibility workshops (in-person, high school)
  • 18 informational workshops (in-person, high school)
  • 16 application workshops (in-person, high school)
  • 3 Submit Day (in-person, high school)
  • 22 virtual workshops
  • 3 community workshops

High School Scholar Advocate Support

As high school senior Scholars are in their last semester, Scholar Advocates are supporting them in making final college decisions, applying to local scholarships, and preparing for the college transition. Advocates are meeting individually with Scholars at their high schools, virtually, and at community workshops around the 6-county service area.

Illustration of a 2026 adult learner holding books and a folder, talking to a woman who is gesturing, with a graduation cap and books floating between them.
A man hands a brochure to a 2026 adult learner in front of a display board about political science majors, minors, careers, and opportunities.
Students and 2026 adult learners sit scattered throughout a large lecture hall, attentively facing the front where a presentation or lecture might be taking place.
A group of students, including a 2026 adult learner, poses indoors with a person in a Bearcats mascot costume, standing on a green and beige carpeted hallway at Missouri State University.
A group of people, including a 2026 adult learner, sit and pose for a photo on green bleachers inside a gymnasium with gray walls. Some are smiling and waving at the camera.
Three people, including a 2026 adult learner, stand beside a bearcat mascot in a green "00 BEARCATS" jersey; one waves as they gather indoors in a hallway.

SCHOLAR CAMPUS TOUR

Scholars and their family members visited Northwest Missouri State University and were able to explore academic areas, hear from admissions, TRIP/SSS, the Student Success Center, and Center for Engagement & Community Connection, participate in a student panel, hear from financial aid, eat lunch on campus, tour campus, and attend both the men’s and women’s basketball games!

Our KC Scholars

Ambassador team

Fueled for Finals

KCKCC Ambassadors hosted a Winter Survival Kit Giveaway. Scholars stopped by to pick up supplies, enjoy lunch, and connect with one another. All attendees stayed to talk, sharing both the challenges and successes they’ve experienced in their college journey. The ambassadors were incredibly intentional about creating a welcoming space and offered encouragement and helpful advice to their peers. Everyone left the event feeling inspired to tackle the rest of the semester!

Three people sit at a table; a woman in a beanie is talking, a child in a Mahomes jersey faces her, and another woman, possibly a 2026 adult learner, listens. Food and drinks are on the table.
Five adult learners gather around a round table with food and drinks, talking and smiling in a well-lit indoor setting.
Two people, possibly 2026 adult learner attendees, stand and talk at a table with tote bags and snacks, while another person sits in the background by a window.
A group of students, including 2026 adult learners, sit and eat at tables in a modern indoor common area; some talk while others eat, with laptops and food on the tables.
People are seated at tables in a modern, open office space, where 2026 adult learners enjoy food, use laptops, and engage in conversations during an informal gathering or meeting.
A group of people, including a 2026 adult learner, sit around a table eating, talking, and playing cards, with papers and snacks scattered on the table in a bright, casual room.

Cozy Up & Crush It

UMKC Ambassadors hosted their Winter Survival Kit Giveaway on February 5th where Scholars enjoyed hot chocolate, pastries, and gathered some essential items for their semester – colorful highlighters and motivational stickers were among the favorites! Ambassadors welcomed Scholars warmly and it was amazing to hear the many conversations happening and new connections being made!

A blue shield-shaped logo with the words "Great Jobs KC Scholars" in large white letters, celebrating 2000 Scholars.

Scholars on the path to SUCCESS

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TOTAL SCHOLARS ON A PATH TO THEIR FUTURE

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SCHOLARS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN A GREAT JOBS KC PROGRAM

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SCHOLARS WORKING IN A GREAT JOB

Young person in a hoodie stands beside a blue background with text encouraging survey participation for the 2000 Scholars of Great Jobs KC.

Throughout the Great Jobs KC experience, we will request that you complete a few short surveys to collect data that allows us to:

  • Show our impact to our donors and partners to secure more funds to continue our programs
  • Improve our program process so it works for everyone
  • Tailor our support services to Scholars’ needs
  • Share stories of Scholar success to inspire others to change their lives

We want to build a stronger Kansas City, one life at a time, and we need your help and input to do it.

Select survey participants will be entered into ongoing drawings for high-end tech prizes including laptops, headphones, and tablets.

Keep an eye on your email and texts, take a few moments to PAY IT FORWARD by helping to provide access to opportunities for others.

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Find out more about our programs and support!

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

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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