KANSAS CITY, MO — Great Jobs KC is excited to announce the receipt 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 adults to high-tech career paths in advanced manufacturing and construction.
As the demand for skilled technical workers grows, this initiative aims to demystify these modern industries through hands-on, exploratory learning. Participants will not only gain technical proficiency but will also be paid to learn, receiving up to a $6,000 stipend for their participation in this intensive 8-week summer program.
“Today’s manufacturing and construction sectors revolve around robotics and digital design,” said Karolyn Dreiling, Associate Vice President of Development at Great Jobs KC. “Thanks to the National Science Foundation, Kansas City students can now access hands-on training and a direct route to advanced certifications in these high-demand industries. We are empowering them to gain technical mastery and high-wage stability through a program that prioritizes both real-world experience and continuous professional growth.”
The program is designed as a deep dive into the technologies shaping the future of the built world. Participants will take part in extensive 4-week on-campus courses at UMKC as well as on-site job visits, designed to receive certification in:
Students will experience employer exposure to learn how these skills are applied in real-world employment applications.
The program is unique in its approach. Upon completion of the four-week on-campus learning, participants are not locked into a single track. Instead, Great Jobs KC staff will provide personalized coaching to help graduates transition into:
While the program is open to adults looking to pivot careers, its major focus is recruiting current high school seniors who are due to graduate. This hybrid style experience allows students to earn money while exploring a career path before making a long-term commitment to work or school.
Great Jobs KC (www.greatjobskc.org) is a 501(c)(3) organization designed to transform the region by preparing the future workforce and securing family-sustaining careers for low- and modest-income individuals. Great Jobs KC does this through college scholarships (up to $50,000) and tuition-free job training in high-demand fields like construction and healthcare. All Scholars in their programs receive support through training and into their first year of employment.
Founded in 1865, Ottaway University prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity as a Christ-inspired community of grace and open inquiry. Ottaway University is a comprehensive, not-for-profit educational institution, serving more than 4,500 students through its residential campuses in Ottaway, Kansas, and Surprise, Arizona, and adult campuses in Overland Park, Kansas; Surprise, Arizona; Brookfield, Wisconsin; and online. Visit Ottawa.edu for more information.
The Kauffman Foundation’s generous grant helps Great Jobs KC get closer to its $100M goal, supporting 50,000 Kansas City residents with job training and education.
The Kauffman Foundation’s generous grant helps Great Jobs KC get closer to its $100M goal, supporting 50,000 Kansas City residents with job training and education.
The Kauffman Foundation’s generous grant helps Great Jobs KC get closer to its $100M goal, supporting 50,000 Kansas City residents with job training and education.
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.
Program offers:
Eligibility Requirements:
If you need more information on program details, please find our FAQs HERE
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.
