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Finding His Path with KC Scholars Scholarship Program – Talha Agha

Talha Agha first heard about KC Scholars through one of his teachers, Mr. Reys. Talha mentions how Mr. Reys impacted his decision to apply to KC Scholars as he is one of the program’s biggest supporters and gives 100% of his time and effort to get his students to apply. Without Mr. Reys, Talha may never have become a KC Scholar, “My journey wouldn’t at all be possible if it wasn’t for the amazing teachers I’ve had along the way. Each and every one of them deserves recognition for helping make me the man I am,”.

After his teachers helped connect him to the program, Talha soon began his experience with KC Scholars. While Talha has had active support from his teachers, KC Scholars ensured they would provide the same. His Scholar Advocate made sure to stick by his side with anything he may need. Talha mentions how having a Scholar Advocate has meant so much. It made him feel supported and showed him that receiving a scholarship from KC Scholars is not only financial support but transitional support that he may need, “It really shows you that this scholarship isn’t just cash or a check, it’s a support system too”. Talha recommends that anyone interested should apply to the programs at KC Scholars. He further explains that everyone should take advantage of the opportunities provided by KC Scholars because they are a blessing.

One of Talha’s favorite experiences with KC Scholars is meeting the people involved in the process and program. He recently attended the first annual Scholar Engage Conference, where he had the opportunity to meet incredible people, from the sponsors who make it all happen to the other inspiring Scholars a part of the program. He shares how he met two Scholars at the conference and has since remained in contact with them.

While Talha is still deciding what school he hopes to attend, the University of Missouri is on his list. Wherever he attends, he hopes to pursue a degree in either biology or biochemistry. For Talha, getting into medical school is the ultimate goal, so having the right path to get him there is super important. Although he hasn’t picked a specialty, he hopes to be a physician someday. No matter how he chooses, Talha’s opportunities are endless with the help of KC Scholars.

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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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