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Research Circles That Take Scholars to the Next Level

Great Jobs KC

Last semester, Belle, Rylee, and Marena, three KC Scholars at the University of Missouri, Columbia, were part of the KC Scholars Undergraduate Research Circles initiative. This initiative concluded with a project where all three Scholars were able to present research on a designated subject. Marena’s research project focused on The History of Dual Language Education in Kansas City Public Schools, while Belle and Rylee collaborated on ‘Multiplying’ Research Impact: Communicating Math-focused Education Research Via Practitioners.

A woman stands next to a research poster titled "The History of Dual Language Education in Kansas City Public Schools" at a presentation event, highlighting themes of resilience and reflection throughout the educational journey.

Marena

Marena, currently studying Middle School Social Studies Education with a minor in Hospitality Management, has received her MU-Specific Scholarship through Great Jobs KC. She decided to embark on her research journey, driven by her passion for Kansas City, history, and the importance of Dual Language Education.

Originally, Marena chose this subject because of her degree, but was able to connect this opportunity to other projects that appeared in her life, such as another scholarship application and Mizzou’s honors program. Because she completed these research circles, Marena feels she has set herself up for success, so she can be a standout candidate in her future career and will even help her through her graduate school admissions process. By being part of this initiative, Marena feels that it has positively impacted her educational journey, as she now feels more confident discussing various topics, especially subjects that may arise in her future career. Additionally, it has opened her mind to new possibilities, inspiring her to continue researching this subject in the years to come.

Marena reflects on her experience with the KC Scholars Program and shares how it has helped her see more diverse perspectives in the classroom, allowing her to learn and value everyone’s lived experiences more deeply and recognize these experiences as assets for the individuals. Marena’s end goal, once completing her schooling, would be to return to the incredible district she mentions in her research to serve as an educator. Through her program and experience within the research circle, Marena shares how blessed she feels to have this opportunity, allowing her to continue breaking barriers and furthering her life.

A woman stands in front of a research poster titled "The History of Dual Language Education in Kansas City Public Schools," pointing to information on the display that highlights resilience and reflection in the district’s educational journey.

"It means a lot to me because [Great Jobs KC Scholar Advocates] genuinely care about the students they help… If it wasn't for this opportunity I was given, I would have never attended a university"

Marena, KC Scholar

Six people stand in front of research posters displayed on bulletin boards, posing for a group photo in an indoor setting that highlights their dedication to resilience and recovery.

Belle and Rylee

Belle, a current Junior, has discovered her love for physical therapy and is on a path to complete a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. At a young age, her foremost goal was to be an educated woman of color, and she knew college would be in her future. Before attending Mizzou and receiving her scholarship, Belle felt lost about how she would accomplish her goal. However, the KC Scholars Program encouraged Belle to step out of her comfort zone and build meaningful relationships with faculty, as well as join research groups like this one. As a first-generation student, that brought ease to Belle because she realized she wouldn’t be going through this experience alone.

"Whole heartedly, if it was not for Great Jobs KC and the opportunity of KC Scholars, I would honestly be so lost in life. As a result of this Scholarship and being able to attend Mizzou, I have the opportunities that I otherwise would not have been available to me as First-Generation student with a single immigrant mother. All in all, this scholarship is my motivation to keep going and not give up on my goals."

Belle, KC Scholar

 Rylee, also a current Junior, is majoring in Health Science Pre-PA, and shares how her dream and career goals end with her being in the medical field and reflects on how many doors this opportunity has opened for her. Through the connections she has made, the skills she has gained, and the positivity and encouragement she has received during her program, this opportunity has become once-in-a-lifetime for her. It is because of initiatives like this research circle that Scholars like Rylee feel prepared for the future, as she has learned many new skills to keep her progressing in her field, such as collaboration, problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication.

Reflecting on their finished project, Belle shares how this experience has been nothing but positive, a crucial learning opportunity for her career, and overall, it has truly empowered her. Rylee originally wanted to participate in this initiative because of her love for kids. She also wants to be an advocate for kids having access to learn differently, and by providing her research to teachers, it will encourage these teaching methods in class to boost specific students’ learning.

"I am so proud of my group and myself for this past year. I feel so blessed for this opportunity. Not only have I learned from the articles I have read but from my whole lab. This was a great project and it was so much fun."

Rylee, KC Scholar

Through the KC Scholars Undergraduate Research Circles, our Scholars were able to gain a great deal from their experience and become more knowledgeable about research. While Marena, Belle, and Rylee are just three incredible examples, it is because of our Scholars’ passion and hard work that they can take their lives to the next level. Thank you, University of Missouri – Columbia, for providing such an impactful experience for our Scholars to have the chance to LEARN MORE so they can EARN MORE in their futures.

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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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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