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Honoring a Visionary’s Birthday and the Success of a Transformative Organization

As the autumn leaves start to paint the landscapes with warm hues, September brings a double celebration in Kansas City! September 21st marks the birthday of the visionary entrepreneur Ewing Marion Kauffman, while the month also commemorates the 7th anniversary of KC Scholars impact in the community. These two milestones intertwine, representing a shared commitment to education, empowerment, and community progress.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Ewing Marion Kauffman was a man of towering vision and unwavering commitment to his community. Born on September 21st, 1916, he would grow up to become a pioneering entrepreneur and the founder of the Kauffman Foundation. His life story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a genuine desire to uplift those around him.

Kauffman’s entrepreneurial journey began when he founded Marion Laboratories in the basement of his home in Kansas City. With dedication and an innovative spirit, he transformed his modest venture into a global pharmaceutical company. However, what truly set Kauffman apart was his belief in giving back. He channeled his success into creating opportunities for others, particularly in education and entrepreneurship.

The Birth of KC Scholars: 7 Years of Impact

Inspired by Ewing Marion Kauffman’s legacy, KC Scholars emerged in 2016 as a beacon of hope for many aspiring learners. KC Scholars is a non-profit organization that envisions a future where all individuals, regardless of background, have access to education and the tools to succeed. The organization aims to empower Kansas City’s youth and adults by providing scholarships, credential programs, resources, and support for educational and training pursuits.

For seven years, KC Scholars has been instrumental in transforming lives and communities. The organization has empowered countless individuals to pursue their dreams of higher education through a range of scholarship programs, college savings incentives, short-term pathways through Great Jobs KC, and support services. The ripple effect of this empowerment extends far beyond individual success, contributing to the growth and prosperity of the entire region.

A Shared Vision for Education and Empowerment

The parallel celebrations of Ewing Marion Kauffman’s birthday and KC Scholars’ anniversary underscore the enduring connection between their missions. Both entities recognize the transformative power of education in creating opportunities, fostering innovation, and shaping a brighter future.

As we celebrate Ewing Kauffman’s legacy, we also celebrate the embodiment of his ideals in the form of KC Scholars. The organization’s dedication to breaking down barriers to education resonates deeply with Kauffman’s belief that everyone should have the chance to reach their full potential.

As September unfolds, let us join hands in celebrating the life and legacy of Ewing Marion Kauffman, a visionary entrepreneur who understood the value of giving back to his community. Let us also applaud the remarkable journey of KC Scholars. This organization carries Mr. K’s vision forward by empowering individuals and fostering a culture of education.

In a world where education remains one of the most potent catalysts for change, the stories of Ewing Marion Kauffman and KC Scholars remind us that collective efforts can transform lives and shape destinies. As we commemorate these milestones, let us be inspired to continue supporting initiatives that promote education, empowerment, and community progress. Happy Birthday, Ewing Marion Kauffman, and Happy 7th Anniversary, KC Scholars!

Two older men are smiling in separate grayscale circular photos on a blue background with the KC Scholars logo and the text "OUR LEGACY." White lines and dots decorate the background.

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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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