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Great Jobs KC

Making an Impact, One Dish at a Time – Michael Mugisha

Growing up in Congo, Michael Mugisha learned early on how to cook. Because food was scarce, he was forced to make something from whatever ingredients he and his loved ones could find. Learning to cook was how Michael helped provide for his community, which shaped his desire to be a professional chef.

Michael is an inspired Scholar from J.C. Harmon High School, where he first heard about KC Scholars. While attending his high school, Michael also attends Kansas City Kansas Community College for a Culinary Arts Certificate B. Being able to attend KCKCC makes Michael’s day more exciting and helps to lower his daily stress, “I am less stressed about my future because I am pursuing [my] career goals… At KCKCC I get to breathe and express my emotions through the task I am given”.  Michael shares how this taught him so much, and he realized how much of a blessing it is to prepare a hot meal for someone. He aims to give hope through a plate of food.

He plans to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts upon graduation, potentially working up to a master’s degree. After completing his first-generation college education, he hopes to become a Chef. Being a first-generation college student means a great deal to Michael as he intentionally sets an example for his family to go for their dreams no matter what. Michael hopes to have the opportunity to learn how to cook different cultural cuisines and create his own experience with food. He aims to experience the art of Gastronomy, the art of good eating, and exploring culture, history, and food traditions.

Michael reflects on his experience and how continuing to work towards his dreams has been a blessing. While college or continued education isn’t an option for everyone, he recognizes how important the gift of learning is. Michael shares that one of the greatest things about KC Scholars is that the staff “do their jobs for the students and not the money”. He is grateful for the support he has received while he has been a part of the program. He feels that KC Scholars is more than just a support system. Michael shares that to be a KC Scholar is to be a part of the KC Scholar family.

Michael not only appreciates the staff who have helped him daily, but he recognizes the impact KC Scholars CEO Earl Martin Phalen has made on his life. Michael adds how he would like to thank Mr. Phalen for never giving up on young men and women to grow through education, “Starting with the BELL Foundation, he never lost hope for the students all over the world. I am truly honored to be a member of his family”.

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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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