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Did you see us on Good Morning America: GMA3 What You Need to Know?

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Best wishes for a joyful holiday season and a happy New Year!

Help support the dreams of our community. Invest in the future of Kansas City!

GREAT JOBS KC DECEMBER 2023 NEWSLETTER

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Table of Contents

A Message From Our CEO

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“November 17th was a momentous day for Great Jobs KC and 105 of our college-bound scholars. We are grateful for our scholars, their families and our community members who support our mission.” -Earl Martin Phalen

November 17th was a momentous day for Great Jobs KC and 105 of our college-bound scholars. We are grateful for our scholars, their families and our community members who support our mission. These 105 scholars who had applied for our scholarship program, KC Scholars, showed up at Science City thinking it was a chance to meet our leadership team and be featured on GMA3 (the 3rd hour of Good Morning America). With the help of “GMA3 What You Need to Know,” we surprised them all on live TV with $50,000 scholarships. Awarding scholarships totaling $5,250,000 to area students, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, shows our belief in providing opportunities and support for our scholars to succeed.

We invest in talented young Kansas Citians from low and modest-income families by providing scholarships when college makes sense and career training when scholars want to enter the workforce. By making these investments, Great Jobs KC supports adults in gaining economic independence and building careers that sustain themselves and their families.

Since our inception in 2016, we have awarded more than $250M in scholarships to Kansas Citians. We also provide mentorship, job placement assistance, and access to resources that ease the financial burdens of childcare, higher education, transportation, and housing that can get in the way of building a career.

Our scholarship program, KC Scholars, receives about 1,200 qualified scholarship applicants each year, and while we were blessed to award 625 college scholarships last year, we had nearly 600 qualified applicant that may not realize their dream of college without you. We truly cannot thank you enough for your support of our scholars!

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We have awarded more than $250M in scholarships

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We were blessed to award 625 college scholarships last year

GJKC on GMA3

On November 17th, 2023 Great Jobs KC was featured on the third hour of Good Morning America: GMA3 What You Need To Know.

Through our amazing post secondary partners, UMKC and KCAI we were able to award 105 Scholars scholarships totaling over $5 million. GMA3’s own Steve Osunsami emceed the day and did an amazing job highlighting Great Jobs KC, Earl, and two of our incredible Scholars: Tina Downey and Elizabeth Lavalle.

KC’s own Tech N9ne and Eric Stonestreet were on hand that morning to celebrate the accomplishments of these amazing students.

A HUGE thanks to all of our partners and team members who made this momentous event possible and a great success.

If you missed the airing or wish to share it, the story can be found here: NEWS

A crowd holds large "GMA3" signs and a smaller sign with "GMA3 ❤️ KC" at an indoor event with vibrant purple lighting, celebrating new career opportunities for all.
A group of people gather to take a selfie inside a building. Some are wearing matching shirts with a heart design and letters "KC." The environment, resembling a vibrant career fair, appears energetic and well-lit.
A large crowd gathers at an indoor event with "GMA3" and "Kansas City" signage, featuring blue and orange balloons. Speakers on a platform address the audience, discussing job opportunities and scholarships.
Four men, one with a microphone and wearing a red outfit, engage with a crowd from a stage with a stone and tree backdrop, discussing promising careers and available scholarships.
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SCHOLARS FIRST

Our first Core Value is the one that drives our mission and inspires us everyday is SCHOLARS FIRST, here is what our scholars have to say.

My name is Kya Maskill and I am freshman at Mizzou Studying Finance/Banking & Economics. When the school year started off I was overwhelmed with the amount of involvement here on campus. Now that I’ve gotten a chance to acclimate to everything, I am apart of the Association of Businesswomen, First-Gen Tigers, and I also have a part-time job at the career center. Being involved with the career center aligns very closely with KC scholars. I’ve gotten to meet older scholars, as well as our KC scholars director for Mizzou. The Kansas City “culture” is abundant, and when I meet a KC scholar we always have something to connect over. Our director for KC scholars hosts numerous events, allowing for all the scholars at Mizzou to meet one another. It’s now safe to say that I have a community here as a student. I also have the opportunity to interview the director of finance/business operations for KC scholars for my business class. I can’t wait to meet with her, as I know this will not only impact me in the future, but also now in my education as a student. I am so thankful for all that KC scholars has done! My advice to all other students, is to get out there and get involved, find your community, and find those Kansas City connections, it really goes a long way!!

– Kya Maskill, freshman University of Missouri

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The logo features the text "KC Scholars" with "KC" inside a shield on the left.

Our KC Scholars High School Scholarship Team

Create your FSA ID Workshop

With the delayed launch of the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), we are hosting workshops for students and parents to create an Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID so they’re ready to complete the FAFSA when it launches at the end of the year. The first workshop was held at Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley and assisted nearly 25 students and parents in creating their FSA ID. We hosted a virtual workshop on December 6, and will offer several FAFSA completion workshops in January including two in Spanish. Keep your eye on your email for more information on these workshops.

A classroom with students seated at computer desks attentively facing a teacher at the front who is presenting information on a large projector screen labeled "Timeline," highlighting key points for their future careers.
A group of people inside a classroom or studio, listening attentively to a woman speaking about potential jobs. Various equipment and monitors are visible in the background.
A speaker addresses a group of six seated individuals on stage in front of a blackboard with "Welcome KC Scholars" written on it. Balloons and flags decorate the space. Audience members are visible. The speaker emphasizes how this scholarship can be a stepping stone to promising careers.
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University of Missouri Campus Tour

25 KC Scholars and family members traveled to visit the University of Missouri-Columbia’s campus on Saturday, November 4. Scholars and families enjoyed lunch at a dining hall, explored majors within academic departments, and toured campus. The Scholars heard from a special panel of current KC Scholars who are Mizzou students. The panel was facilitated by Ana-Maria Fernandez, Student Service Coordinator at the Center for Academic Success and Excellence (CASE). Students and families heard firsthand how important finding community is in college and how to access resources from KC Scholars and the college.

A group of people holding signs reading "Be Bold" stands in front of a wall with "KC Loves Potential" text. A banner above details an adult learner scholarship: up to $50,000 for degrees aimed at advancing careers. Apply by Dec 14th.
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Our KC Scholars Adult Learner Scholarship Team

Adult learner scholarship window now open! Application deadline December 14th. Spread the word!

APPLY NOW OR SHARE THIS LINK WITH ANYONE WHO MAY QUALIFY

Apply Now
Description: Flyer for volunteering as a scholarship reviewer with details to apply beginning January 9th and deadline on January 31st. Boost your career while helping others achieve their scholarships. Includes QR code and website: greatjobskc.org/become-a-reviewer/.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

We need reviewers. Interested, or know someone who would be?

Click Here
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What is

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Access to 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 Great Jobs KC 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, Interviewing, 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
  • Support National/State Certifications

4. Employer Network Team: EMPLOYMENT

  • Introduction to Career Resource Manager
  • Update and complete resume
  • Introductions to Employers

5. ONE YEAR COACHING & MENTORING POST-EMPLOYMENT

  • Frequent communication from Scholar Advocate during first year of employment
  • Assistance with additional certifications
  • Alumni Support

What programs does Great Jobs KC offer?

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Healthcare

  • Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA)
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
  • 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

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
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.

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#

Our Great Jobs KC Program team attended and was recognized at the New Reflections Technical Institute's 5th Annual Unity Ball. Celebrated scholar successes, and we received an award from them for Education Investment. Our team was represented by our COO- Natalie Lewis, Director of Great Jobs KC – Terri Hart, Education Partner Manager – George Hudson, Director of Community Engagement – Nita Daniels, and Vice President of Scholarship Programs – Manomay Kidd. They were joined in celebrating our program successes by Mark Byrd – the founder and director of New Reflections as well as a few of our program graduates in culinary arts and construction fundamentals. We are so proud of the success our Scholars are having and proud to be an integral part of their journey.

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A group of six people, dressed in formal attire, stand together in front of a backdrop featuring various sponsors' logos, celebrating their career achievements.

Our Job-Training Partners

What our partners are saying...

“The new classes that you are requiring students to participate in seem to have resulted in a significantly more motivated and higher quality student attending our program. We have gotten very positive feedback from our instructors who have worked with students that attended these classes.” – Zeta Truck Driving

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Happy Holidays" message with the "Great Jobs KC" logo, surrounded by green and blue snowflakes, celebrating job successes and scholarship opportunities.

Our Donors, Our Heroes

Join us in transforming lives this holiday season! Your year-end gift can be the catalyst for someone’s future. With your support, we pave the way to promising careers through college scholarships and tuition-free job training. Every contribution propels us closer to our goal of empowering individuals with the tools for success. Make a difference today by donating and helping us to create brighter futures.

Donate Today

“Inspiring … watching you on GMA3 … fills my soul with hope”

Someone who made a donation the afternoon of the GMA3 broadcast. They had never donated before and are from Oregon!

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Our Community Engagement Team

Five people are standing in front of a whiteboard with geometric drawings and formulas. They are smiling, wearing name tags, and discussing their careers with enthusiasm.
A person is pointing at a screen displaying "Training Programs & Career Paths" during a presentation. The screen lists various job sectors, complete with descriptions and icons, helping attendees explore potential jobs.

High School Recruitment Efforts Hits First Milestone!

Exciting news from the Great Jobs KC Community Engagement Team! We’re passionately working towards reshaping the future for students in the Kansas City Metro area. In recent weeks, we’ve amped up our outreach, achieving a remarkable sign up increase of more than 17% Black men and 20% for Hispanic men. Our school visits are buzzing with dynamic activities — think engaging presentations, interactive lunch setups, insightful classroom discussions, vibrant career day displays, and so much more. If you’re connected with school administrators, educators, or organizations that align with our mission, we’d be thrilled to get an introduction or have you spread the word. Your support is pivotal in driving this positive change!

Scholar Support Resources

On November 16, GJKC hosted a Community Resource Partner Convening, with 30 program and executive staff from local social service agencies. Partners received updates on the various programs offered by GJKC, and reaffirmed their commitment to working together on behalf of Scholars. The gathering provided an opportunity for partners to make suggestions on ways we can improve our intake processes, as well as track data throughout the Scholar Journey.

Screenshot of a virtual meeting with various participants in small windows at the top. The main window displays a slide with the title "Great Jobs KC Community Resource Partner Convening, November 2023," highlighting career opportunities and scholarships available for attendees.

If your business or non-profit would like to become a scholar support resource partner helping to provide support for our scholars please reach out us at CommunityResources@kcscholars.org

Are you in need of assistance during the holiday? Here are some local resources to help!

Grandview Assistance Program is accepting applications for holiday assistance for residents of Grandview. For more information please call: 816-761-1919. First come, first served.

Redemptorist Center is taking applications for Christmas and Angel Tree but is only open to the first 350 applicants. For more information about where/how to apply, qualifications, and more please call: 816-931-9942.

St. Monica Catholic Church is having a holiday basket giveaway on November 19th and December 17th. Please call for more information: 816-471-3696. The location is: 1600 Paseo Blvd., KCMO BUT CALL TO SEE ABOUT QUALIFICATIONS

Catholic Charities of Johnson County – Northeast Kansas

Address: 9806 W. 87th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66212. Phone: 913-384-6608

Resources range from free food (including at the holidays) to Christmas toys and gifts. There are other social services, such as emergency rent help, Meals on Wheels, and more. The charity is also a source of information on Toys for Tots application sites and other Christmas programs.

Salvation Army in Olathe

Location is 400 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, Kansas 66061. Telephone number – 913-829-0578

Christmas assistance is for families with Children under the age of 15, and include Angel Tree. There is also a thrift store with furniture. Other goods include financial help, free winter coats or boots, and the applications to Toys for Tots. More on Salvation Army assistance programs in Johnson County.

Regional Christmas charities

Some churches and charities help the less fortunate in Johnson County and other areas. A small Christmas toy or free gift giveaway service may be offered or they serve hot free turkey dinners, Christmas meals, and more. These groups operate in Johnson County. They include:

Grace United Church ((816) 231-5745)

City Union Mission (dial (816) 329-1444), and various senior citizens centers (call 211).

Free Toys for Tots – Johnson County KS

Children, infants and kids can get free Christmas gifts, that are unwrapped. Based on donations, there may be books, video or educational games, sporting goods, electronics, dolls, hot wheels care and more. There are also free Christmas clothes, winter coats and more from the program. Apply here.

Johnson County Christmas Bureau

Location is 9503 Johnson Dr, Merriam, KS 66203. Call (913) 341-4342

They help the working poor, jobless, homeless and unemployed. Free warm shelters, Christmas gifts or games, books, underwear and more. There are also free Christmas meals, warm clothes and other goods.

Johnson County Interfaith Hospitality Network

6315 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS 66211. Dial 913-345-2121

The faith based charity provides many forms of assistance. Single moms can register for season assistance, such as free Christmas toys, books, or games. There are also school supplies, shelter for the homeless, and a daily, 300+ day per year meal service.

Center of Grace

520 S. Harrison St., Olathe, KS 66061. For details, call 913-764-1353

Low income families as well as Hispanics and immigrants can get help. They arrange Christmas meals, give small toys to kids, and operate a clothing closet. This may have vouchers or gift cards, boots, winter attire, and other goods. Some are sold, others are given out for free at Christmas.

Village Church Food Pantry and Clothes Closet Address is 9900 Mission Road, Overland Park, KS 66206. Main number is 913-671-2315 Low cost clothing is for sale. Families can shop for toys, games, electronic such as computers and more. They have referrals to Toys for Tots too. Johnson County Multi-Service Centers There are several. Referrals are given to various social services, which may include holiday food baskets. There are holiday programs, free Christmas presents or books for kids, food baskets for the unemployed and more.

North Central part of the county can dial (913) 715-6653, and it is in Lenexa. Southwest Multi-Service Center location is Gardner, KS. Dial (832) 395-9900 North East Multi Service Center is in Mission KS. Call (913) 715-6653 Olathe Multi-Service Center can be reached at (913) 715-6653.

Employer Partner Program

Three people conversing about careers around a table in a brightly lit room with large windows. Two are standing; one is sitting. The person standing on the right is wearing a colorful shawl.

This month, the Career Resources Managers coordinated and hosted our first “Application Event”, designed to assist scholars with applying for jobs with our Employer Partners. The event was held at the Southeast Community Center with laptops supplied by the KC Public Library. Seven scholars who are interested in Healthcare attended and applied for several positions with our partners. The feedback from our scholars was very positive and we plan on conducting these events on a regular basis.

Three individuals sit at a table in a well-lit room, working on laptops, focusing intensely on their tasks. Nearby, another person discusses scholarship opportunities and career growth with the group.

We’d like to welcome and THANK our newest Employer Partners who have signed on with us to gain access to our exceptional pool of qualified Scholars to fill their much needed open positions.

Logo of Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center featuring a stylized swan icon in brown and orange text, symbolizing a welcoming place for health and wellness careers.
Logo of Clay Platte Family Medicine Clinic with a stylized yellow graphic depicting a family of three and the clinic name in grey text on the left, representing their commitment to community health and providing scholarships for aspiring medical professionals.
Logo of Tutera Senior Living & Health Care featuring a green circular design with the letter "T" in the center above the company name, symbolizing promising careers and opportunities.

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@kcscholars.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.

What makes our Scholars different?

1. Great Jobs KC candidates come from our six county area (Cass, Clay, Platte, and Jackson in Missouri-Johnson and Wyandotte in Kansas), so they are local talent, meaning they are invested in the community and in staying at your organization.

2. Great Jobs KC invests thousands of dollars per candidate in soft skills workplace and life skills workshops to develop a more stable individual.

In The Media

Tech N9ne and Eric Stonestreet help surprise students with $50,000 scholarships on GMA3, as part of Great Jobs KC initiative. A crowd of students and presenters cheer on stage, celebrating the promising careers ahead.

Our feature on GMA3 covered by local ABC affiliate KMBC-TV

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
A large university building with columns and fall foliage. Headline reads, "Endowment-rich, high-tuition colleges are hoarding wealth — it's time to pay it forward through scholarships.

Our CEO, Earl Martin Phalen penned an op-ed that was picked up in national media outlet, The Hill – a top US political website read by the White House and more lawmakers than any other political site.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE OP-ED

See Our Impact

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Illustration of a gold trophy with a red base on a blue background. White text below the trophy reads "Great work!" with decorative stars and swirls around the trophy, celebrating success in one's career.

Zachary Racy

One of our KC Scholars, who graduated from UCM, is currently in Law School at Washburn and is now one of our volunteer reviewers. The Governor of Missouri appointed him to serve on UCM’s Board of Directors, which is a very prestigious honor. We are so very proud of Zachary’s accomplishments.

A man wearing a blue vest and checkered shirt holds a blue curvy award with a small base, symbolizing his career achievements. He stands proudly in front of a blue and yellow banner.

Our Successes Celebrated

On October 25th, our CEO Earl Martin Phalen was honored with the the 2023 Raindrop Community Education Award from The Dialogue Institute of Kansas City.

A diverse group of people stands on stage, posing for a group photo at a UMKC event celebrating scholarship recipients. A screen in the background shows a live feed of the audience. The UMKC podium is visible in the foreground.
Two hands hold award trophies with the inscription "Bronze 2023 Philly Awards" and "KC Scholars Short Video Philly Award Gold". A large screen in the background reads "2023 Thank you!"—highlighting achievements that open doors to scholarships and job opportunities.
Three women stand on a stage holding awards and smiling. A large screen behind them displays the text "Thank you!" This recognition celebrates their outstanding jobs and contributions.

On November 9th we were awarded TWO Nonprofit Connect Philly Awards. A GOLD for the short video category awarding one of our inspirational scholar feature videos and a SILVER for our identity campaign awarding our brand update from Fall 2022. Great Jobs KC’s own Laura Cooke, Karolyn Dreiling, and Emma Cruciani were on-hand to accept the awards.

Kailee Karr, Adult Learner Scholars Success Manager was featured as an Equity Champion by MOCAN – Missouri College & Career Attainment Network. Congrats Kailee, and thank you for all you do to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion both internally and externally we are proud to have you as part of our team.

A flyer featuring a profile of Kaillee Karr, a program manager and equity champion. The flyer highlights her educational background, professional role, focus on scholarships, and her involvement in diversity and equity initiatives.

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 IMPACT MORE LIVES. Click Here For The Link

A QR code for Google reviews is featured on a "Leave Us a Review!" poster. The text encourages users to leave reviews to help attract more people and boost careers. The logo of "Great Jobs KC" is prominently displayed in the top left corner.
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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