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My KC Scholars Nursing Success Story: From First-Gen Student to Nurse

Great Jobs KC

A KC Scholars nursing success, a graduate in cap and gown holds a diploma and smiles at the camera, standing outdoors among a crowd during a graduation ceremony.

Hi, my name is Hajra Asif, and I’m a recent graduate from the University of Missouri–Kansas City with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I am proud to be a KC Scholar and part of the Ambassador Program throughout my college journey. As a first-generation college student, this support system played a huge role in helping me achieve my dream of becoming a nurse.

I decided to join the Ambassador Program because I wanted to give back to the same community that had poured so much into me. Being a KC Scholar opened doors I never thought possible, and the Ambassador Program allowed me to represent and uplift others with similar dreams. I chose to stay because it became more than just a program; it became a family. I felt seen, supported, and inspired by the people around me.

One of my favorite memories was speaking at the KC Scholars graduation reception a few weeks ago. It gave me the chance to reflect on my college journey, share my experience with others, and celebrate the success of my fellow peers.

Great Jobs KC, the KC Scholars Program, and the Ambassador Program have completely transformed my life. They not only made college possible financially, but also gave me the confidence, community, and resources I needed to succeed. I’m now a new graduate nurse from UMKC, and this journey wouldn’t have been possible without their support.

My education journey hasn’t always been easy—I faced doubts, setbacks, and moments where I almost gave up. But because of the encouragement and backing of KC Scholars, I pushed through. My future goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, and right now, I’ve taken my first big step by accepting a pediatric mental health nursing position at The University of Kansas Health System.

I recommend this program to anyone with a dream and the determination to chase it. You won’t be alone; this program will walk with you, push you, and celebrate you every step of the way. It’s more than just scholarships and support, it’s about building a future you didn’t think was possible.

About Great Jobs KC

Great Jobs KC is a Kansas City-based nonprofit that provides access to college scholarships and tuition-free job training, along with job placement assistance for young people from low- and modest-income families in the metropolitan area, providing a pipeline of talent for a strong regional workforce. Please join us on our mission for economic independence for all. For more information, visit www.greatjobskc.org.

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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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