A smiling person with long hair stands beside the words: "Don't Abandon Your Dreams Achieve Them!" on a vibrant green and blue background.

scholarship application is now open!

Are you an ADULT LEARNER 24+ and looking to earn your degree?

CLICK HERE to START YOUR FUTURE

Need help with your SAI? Here are some tools to help!

OUR SCHOLARS NEED yOU!

Are you looking for an opportunity to give back?
 
Does the thought of helping someone achieve their dream of a college degree fill you with hope for our future? 
Then APPLY TO BE A SCHOLARSHIP REVIEWER!
 
You can make a difference in the lives of students and adults in our community without ever leaving the house. 

 

APPLY TODAY!

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.

As we move through this season of change and growth, I want to celebrate one of the most powerful opportunities we offer, the Adult Learner Scholarship.

At Great Jobs KC, we believe that it’s never too late to pursue the education and career you deserve. For adults 24 and older, our scholarships of up to $25,000 toward an associate, bachelor’s degree, or credit-bearing credential can be the key to unlocking better jobs, higher income, and lasting stability.

Our support doesn’t end with tuition. Through partnerships with over 100 local organizations, we help learners navigate everything from academic guidance to job placement. We walk alongside them because we know the path isn’t always easy.

We know adult learners bring drive, experience, and resilience. Many have paused their education to raise families, work multiple jobs, or support others. This program is designed to help them return to school with confidence and with support every step of the way.

A degree or credential opens doors, leads to new careers, stronger wages, and new beginnings. Most importantly, it sends a powerful message to children, to communities, and to Kansas City that growth is always possible.

If you or someone you know is ready to take that next step, I encourage you to explore the Adult Learner Scholarship at greatjobskc.org. Your journey doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to begin.

Thank you for continuing to believe in the power of education, opportunity, and second chances.

 

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.

SCHOLAR COLLABORATION

Six people stand in front of research posters on display boards, posing for a group photo at an academic event that inspires you to not abandon your dreams—achieve them.
A student stands next to a presentation board titled "The History of Dual Language Education in Kansas City Public Schools" at an academic event, embodying the spirit of Don't Abandon Your Dreams Achieve Them.

Last semester, Belle, Rylee, and Marena, three KC Scholars at the University of Missouri, Columbia, were part of the KC Scholars Undergraduate Research Circles initiative. This initiative concluded with a project in which all three Scholars presented research on a designated subject. Marena’s research project focused on The History of Dual Language Education in Kansas City Public Schools, while Belle and Rylee collaborated on ‘Multiplying Research Impact: Communicating Math-focused Education Research Via Practitioners.

“It means a lot to me because [Great Jobs KC Scholar Advocates] genuinely care about the students they help… If it wasn’t for this opportunity I was given, I would have never attended a university.” – Marena, KC Scholar

“Wholeheartedly, if it were not for Great Jobs KC and the opportunity of KC Scholars, I would honestly be so lost in life. As a result of this Scholarship and my ability to attend Mizzou, I have opportunities that I otherwise would not have had as a first-generation student with a single immigrant mother. All in all, this scholarship is my motivation to keep going and not give up on my goals.” – Belle, KC Scholar

“I am so proud of my group and myself for this past year. I feel so blessed for this opportunity. Not only have I learned from the articles I have read, but also from my whole lab. This was a great project, and it was so much fun.” – Rylee, KC Scholar

(Photos: Marena pictured with her project board and Brian Booton – Scholar Advocate, Belle – in black shirt and Rylee – in red shirt)

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

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.

In the Media

our team

in the community

A promotional graphic for the Missouri Chamber Foundation Workforce2030 Conference, scheduled for October 21-22, features a cityscape background and the inspiring message: Don't Abandon Your Dreams—Achieve Them.

Last month, Kansas City hosted the Missouri Chamber of Commerce’s Workforce2030 conference. This annual gathering of employers, educators, organizations, and legislators explores the many strategies and programs the state can implement by 2030 to make our state the home of a thriving, vibrant workforce.​

Our very own Natalie Lewis gave the keynote during the conference, speaking on the ROI of Workforce Partnerships. Employer Engagement Manager, DeLano Sheffield, hosted a breakout session on Employee Engagement & Retention Through Development Opportunities: How Investment in Education and Training Drives Employee Retention. DeLano was even featured in the Chamber’s recap sizzle reel.

our scholars

giving back

Some of our Scholars in the Community Health Worker program at MCC were featured on the news recently: Fill the Fridge | MCC students take classwork outside classroom at Harvesters 
 
Bailee Sistrunk earned her Certified Nursing Assistant certification through Great Jobs KC, and Hallee Kent is overcoming obstacles with the help of Great Jobs KC to complete the Community Health Worker Program.
Logo of Harvesters Community Food Network featuring an illustration of wheat and the organization's name on a red background, reminding you: Don't Abandon Your Dreams—Achieve Them with community support.
Great Jobs KC logo with the text "Workforce and Employer Network" in bold blue letters underneath, highlighting our commitment to Building a Stronger KC.

New employer partners

Garmin, an Olathe-based GPS-enabled technology company that works across diverse markets, including sports and fitness, outdoor recreation, marine, automotive, and aviation. They will have numerous opportunities to consider scholars on both the degree-seeking and short-term sides, including Product Support Specialist, Production Technician, and Material Handler Equipment candidates.

Medix, a healthcare staffing agency, will be working to place many of our degreed healthcare Scholars. They will also have some available positions for Medical Assistants trained by our job training partners.

Webco Manufacturing, a custom metal fabrication company based in Olathe with locations in Kansas and Missouri, is seeking to hire MIG welders, laborers, and material handlers. 

 

Heartland Center for Behavioral Change, a non-profit based in Kansas City dedicated to providing treatment and recovery services. They have several hiring needs, including maintenance techs, LPNs, and Front Desk specialists.

employer partner networking

On October 14th, the Great Jobs KC Employer Network Team hosted our first networking event at Casual Animal Brewing. We were joined by representatives from our employer partners and those interested in how we can work together to strengthen and advance their workforce. We look forward to hosting more events and continuing to build community connections.

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.

there are so many ways to give

make GIVING BACK

easy & smart

Have you heard about NAP TAX CREDITS to reduce your Missouri State Tax? We are thrilled to announce that our organization is now a part of the Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). This incredible opportunity allows you to maximize the impact of your donation while receiving a direct benefit on your state taxes for Missouri taxpayers. Reach out to Karolyn Dreiling for more info or you can READ MORE HERE.

our donors,

we appreciate you!

Thank you to Daryl Williams, CEO of Urban Market Investments, and Peter Mallouk, CEO of Creative Planning and the Mallouk Foundation, for choosing Great Jobs KC and our Scholars! With their generous support, we are able to fund 20 Scholars through our short-term career training pathways: 10 in IT, 5 in construction, and 5 in manufacturing. 

Pictured with our Great Jobs KC Development Team, Daryl Williams – Chief Executive Officer, Urban Market Investments 

two more

easy ways to give

Graphic stating "Proud 2025 United Way Impact 100 Partner" with the United Way Impact 100 logo, "United Way of Greater Kansas City" text below, and the phrase "Stronger Futures Start Now.

We are honored to be an Impact 100 Honoree with United Way of Greater Kansas City. Did you know donations of $50 or more made to United Way can be designated to further the impact of Great Jobs KC? Consider donating today and help us build a stronger KC! Reach out to Laura Cooke for more details.

Two upright white hands with green heart shapes on the palms, displayed on an orange background, symbolize that Stronger Futures Start Now.

We are thrilled to announce our participation in the 2025 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Federal employees and retirees can find us in the charity list this fall with the code 79501. For more information on how to give reach out to Laura Cooke.

Looking for a way to support our mission and Scholars, reach out to Kristin Crites, Director of Corporate & Individual Development at kristin.crites@greatjobskc.org.

Our KC Scholars

Scholarship team

A young man smiles beside text reading, "Stronger Futures Start Now. Your college era starts now. Traditional scholarship including college-specific scholarships." Green and orange text on a light background.

traditional Scholarship season is just around the corner

A man stands with hands in pockets beside text listing three reasons to select a college-specific scholarship, including financial support and guidance—because Stronger Futures Start Now.

Did you know?

You probably knew that our application opens in January for our KC Scholars Traditional Scholarship, where 250 KC Area 11th graders can secure up to $50,000 to any one of our 26 KC Scholars College Network partners. BUT DID YOU KNOW…. We have nearly unlimited opportunities for up to $50,000 in scholarship funds to one of our College-Specific partners? You find the partner that’s the right fit for you, qualify for the scholarship, and we will award you up to $50k to THAT college partner.

don't Wait. you can start your application now!

You can start the process NOW by completing the eligibility requirements and then be one-step-ahead once the application opens in January. Just CLICK HERE to start on the path to your future today!

Want to check out our college partners and see which one is right for you? Click the map to find out!

reviewers: we thank you!

Last month, we gathered at Casual Animal Brewing for Brews & Reviews: Our Thanks on Tap, an evening dedicated to celebrating and appreciating our incredible Scholarship Reviewers. Guests enjoyed local brews and great company. The event was also an opportunity to welcome new faces interested in becoming Scholarship Reviewers and joining this meaningful work. 


Our KC Scholars

Scholarship team

INFORMATION SESSIONS, SCHOLAR SUPPORT, AMBASSADOR EVENTS, CAMPUS VISITS & MORE!

5

CAMPUS VISITS WITH SCHOLARS IN OCTOBER

5

COLLEGE READINESS WORKSHOPS IN OCTOBER

PREPARING FOR SCHOLARSHIP SEASON
 

Adult Learner Application Preview Week was October 6-10. It kicked off with the Applications team, Amanda Oliver, and Brian Hernandez Mota, who hosted a session for all Great Jobs KC staff to learn about the 2026 Adult Learner Scholarship application. A similar session was held for College Partners to share resources, helpful links, and contact information to support applicants throughout the application cycle. Finally, a session was held for interested applicants to prepare for the application opening in early November and to have any lingering questions answered. The team was thrilled to have 76 applicants join the session!

GROWTH AND LEARNING ARE PARAMOUNT TO SUCCESS
 

The team gathered at community libraries to virtually attend the NSPA (National Scholarship Providers Association) conference. They attended four breakout sessions, including “Career Pathways & Advocacy Strategies for Undocumented Students” and “Designing with Students in Mind – Support, Belonging, and Flexibility.” At the end of each day, the team debriefed on learnings and takeaways that apply to our Scholars and programs

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS –  CARING FOR OUR SCHOLARS
 

The high school Advocate team hosted a two-part mental health event series. Led by Chris Hullaby, the team brought in Dr. Laura Rizo , who shared her story of mental health and identity crisis and how to champion your well-being. This event series was made possible by a generous grant from the Children’s Services Fund of Jackson County.

In October, KC Scholars Ambassadors at KU hosted their second event, Rock Climbing at the Rec. Scholars were invited to climb the tall wall or try bouldering. Almost every student who came was trying rock climbing for the first time! It was so fun to see how they encouraged each other to overcome their fear and brave a new challenge. Scholars had a great time connecting and walked away with a bag of snacks and some new KC Scholars swag!

Four people stand smiling with arms outstretched in front of an indoor rock climbing wall, showing that you shouldn't abandon your dreams—achieve them together.

KC Scholars Ambassadors at Rockhurst University hosted a Game Night + Uno Tournament on October 16th, 2025. KC Scholars students were invited to come play games, eat dinner, and compete in an Uno tournament to win prizes. The laughter could be heard throughout the hallways; everyone who attended walked away with some KC Scholars swag and a smile on their face.

KCKCC Ambassadors hosted a Fall Fest featuring pumpkin painting and sugar cookie decorating contests. Students enjoyed Italian food while chatting and crafting. It was a fun and relaxing way to spend a study break during a fall afternoon, and our Ambassadors made sure everyone felt welcome!

connecting & COLLABORATING

scholar support services

We are working with Systems of Care Initiative (SoCi) to offer cost reduction scholarships for Scholars using childcare subsidies. The goal is to cover some of the gap that state funding doesn’t pay. They are currently providing funding to offer five scholarships with a goal of funding 25 total this fiscal year. https://socicommunities.org/

Logo with four orange squares containing the letters "SOCI" above the text "Systems of Care Initiative" in orange on a light background. Don't Abandon Your Dreams—Achieve Them with us.

are you in need?

If you are, or know someone in need, below are some local resources to help with daily life as we all work to look out for and care for each other. 

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

0

TOTAL SCHOLARS ON A PATH TO THEIR FUTURE

0

SCHOLARS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN A GREAT JOBS KC PROGRAM

0

SCHOLARS WORKING IN A GREAT JOB

A person stands on a large search bar labeled "JOBS SEARCH," looking through a telescope; a ladder is positioned nearby against a blue background, emphasizing that Stronger Futures Start Now.

are you a scholar looking for a job?

Reach out to your Career Resources Manager for help.

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.

If you’ve received this newsletter as a share and would like to be added to our distribution list, please enter your email address here.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Logo with the text "Great Jobs KC Scholars" in blue, featuring the letters "KC" inside a shield between "Jobs" and "Scholars," highlighting that Stronger Futures Start Now.

Check out our BLOG and support our mission

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

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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