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Scholarship Application Resources

Great Jobs KC

How to get your questions answered

Email: applicationhelp@greatjobskc.org

Application Workshops: In-person and Virtual Schedule

Application Window

The 2027 application window is October 20, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. through November 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The 2027 Awards Day for the Adult Learner Scholarship is February 12, 2027.
 
The 2027 application window for the 11th-Grade College Scholarship is January 7, 2027 8:00 at a.m. through February 26, 2027 at 5:00 p.m. The 2027 Awards Day is May 4, 2027. Complete our Interest Form to stay updated! 

2026 Application Resources

2027 resources will be published in early fall.

Adult Learner Scholarship Resources 

11th Grade College Scholarship Resources

FAQ

KC Scholars is using the Federal Student Aid Estimator to determine financial eligibility. To be eligible to apply, a student's Student Aid Index (SAI) must be 12,000 or less. Review the FSA Estimator Guide for help.

Yes! Outreach will be conducted virtually and in-person! Check the dates for virtual events here. 
The prompts are on the Scholarship Application Checklists and are below:
Adult Learner Scholarship Prompts - 24+
Prompt 1: Everyone has a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful that their application would be incomplete without it. Please share your story.
Prompt 2: What motivates you to pursue a college degree? How will earning a degree enable you to reach your personal and career goals?
11th-Grade College Scholarship Prompts
Prompt 1: Everyone has a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful that their application would be incomplete without it. Please share your story.
Prompt 2: Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. How does this motivate you to pursue a college degree?
Use these Application Checklists to help prepare for the application:
Adult Learner Scholarship Application Checklist - Adults 24+
11th-Grade College Scholarship Application Checklist

11th-Grade College Scholarship recommender questions:

  1. Does the applicant possess high character and exhibit good citizenship?
  2. Does the applicant possess persistent study habits and showcase a commitment to learning?
  3. Does the applicant possess leadership and involvement experience in areas such as in-school or extracurricular activities, community volunteerism, or employment?
  4. Is the KC Scholars Scholarship vital to the applicant's ability to attend college and to achieve their future goals?
  5. Has the applicant participated in college preparation enrichment activities (AP courses, ACT / SAT test prep, dual credit courses, early college, Real World Learning, AVID, IB, colleges access program participation)?
  6. Is there any additional information about the applicant that you would like to share?
Adult Learner Scholarship Transcripts - 24+
Transcripts may be unofficial and must include recipient's full name, name of college, number of credit hours attemped and completed, and the semesters and years of enrollment.
If no previous college course work, applicants can provide final high school transcript, diploma, or equivalent that clearly displays recipient's name and name of school.
11th-Grade College Scholarship Transcripts
Transcripts may be unofficial, and they must have school name and student name. 11th grade transcripts should show final grades for both semesters of 9th grade year, 10th grade year, and the 1st semester of their 11th grade year.
Applicants who are not awarded an 11th-Grade College Scholarship may be considered for College-Specific Scholarship which can ONLY be used at the awarded college.
Applicants must indicate interest on the application to be considered. Checking 'Yes' will not decrease an applicants chance of being considered for an 11th-Grade College Scholarship, it increases their chance of receiving a scholarship overall!​
Awarding decisions are based on:​
  • Applicant interest in the college based on ranking within the application.​
  • Specific college eligibility requirements (See: College Specific Quick Guide ).
  • Overall application score.
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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