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KC Scholars

Helpful Tips for Applying for College Scholarships

Applying for college scholarships can be an overwhelming task, but it’s worth the time and effort. Scholarships can help to reduce the financial burden of college, and they can also be a great way to showcase your academic achievements and extracurricular activities.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

  1. Start early. The earlier you start applying for scholarships, the better. This will give you more time to research scholarships, find ones that you’re eligible for, and complete the application process. Our traditional scholarship is awarded to 11th graders with an application window of January – February of your junior year.
  2. Do your research. Not all scholarships are created equal. Some scholarships are based on academic achievement, while others are based on extracurricular activities, community service, or financial need. It’s important to do your research and find scholarships that are a good fit for you.
  3. Be organized. The application process for scholarships can be complex. It’s important to be organized and keep track of all of the deadlines and requirements.
  4. Get help. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your parents, teachers, or counselors. They can help you with the application process and provide you with valuable advice.
  5. Don’t give up. The application process can be tough, but don’t give up.

Here are some additional tips to help you win scholarships:

  • Write a strong personal statement. The personal statement is your chance to tell your story and explain why you deserve the scholarship. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully and have someone else proofread it as well.
  • Get good grades. Good grades are essential for winning scholarships. Make sure to keep up with your schoolwork and get good grades on your tests.
  • Get involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities show that you’re a well-rounded student. Get involved in activities that you’re passionate about and that you can use to demonstrate your leadership skills and community service.
  • Get letters of recommendation. Letters of recommendation are a great way to show scholarship committees that you’re a good student and a valuable asset to your school. Ask teachers, counselors, or other adults who know you well to write letters of recommendation for you.

Winning scholarships can help you pay for college and achieve your educational goals. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of winning scholarships and getting the financial assistance you need.

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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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