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Taiwo's Journey: From Financial Stress to Future Physician

Great Jobs KC

A person stands indoors, smiling despite financial stress, wearing a bright pink t-shirt that reads "Created With a Purpose," brown cargo pants, and pink sneakers against a plain white wall.

I first learned about the KC Scholars Scholarship through my high school’s financial aid advisor. As a first-generation college student and a twin, I knew that sending two children to college at the same time would be a significant financial challenge for my parents. Early on, I realized I needed to apply for as many scholarships as possible to lighten the burden. Thanks to Great Jobs KC, I’m able to attend Rockhurst University without financial stress. This opportunity has made a life-changing difference. After graduation, I plan to attend medical school and become a physician, with the goal of returning to serve the community that has given me so much. This scholarship is more than just financial support—it’s a symbol of hope, possibility, and God’s faithfulness in my life. It has shown me that dreams are valid and achievable. I’m forever grateful to this organization.

Great Jobs KC, the KC Scholars Program, and the Ambassador Program have had a tremendous impact on my educational journey. Because of them, I’ve been able to focus fully on being a student without the constant worry of how I’ll pay for tuition. Through Great Jobs KC, I earned my medical assistant certification, which has given me valuable clinical experience—an essential step on my path to medical school. The Ambassador Program has allowed me to connect with like-minded peers, grow my leadership skills, and spread the word about this incredible organization. Overall, I’ve been truly blessed by this program and remain forever grateful for the opportunity and support it has provided.

My favorite memory was the moment I found out I received the Traditional KC Scholars Scholarship back in 2022. I was in my Spanish class checking my email when I saw the congratulations message. I screamed out loud and immediately asked my teacher if I could go to the bathroom. I ran out and called my mom to share the amazing news.

Taiwo

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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