GET STARTED
BE A DONOR
SCHOLAR PORTAL

KC Scholars

The impact of scholarships on underserved communities

Scholarships have the power to transform the lives of individuals from underserved communities. Education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty and scholarships provide the financial assistance necessary to make education accessible to those who may not otherwise be able to afford it.  Exploring the impact of scholarships on underserved communities allow us to see the ways in which they can contribute to creating a more equitable and just society.

KC Scholars is one of the most effective college scholarship and support programs in the nation. KC Scholars provides three types of scholarships: college savings accounts (9th graders); traditional scholarships (11th graders), and scholarships to adult learners who want to secure an industry recognized credential or return to college to secure their associate or bachelor’s degree.

Access to Education

One of the primary benefits of scholarships is that they increase access to education. Many individuals from underserved communities face significant financial barriers to attending colleg. Scholarships provide financial assistance that can cover tuition fees, books, and other expenses, making higher education a realistic option for those who may not have considered it otherwise. By providing financial assistance, scholarships can help individuals from underserved communities break down the barriers that limit their access to education.

Higher Education Attainment

Scholarships can also increase the number of individuals from underserved communities who obtain a college degree. This can have a transformative impact on their lives and the lives of their families. A college degree can create a wider range of job opportunities and increase earning potential, providing individuals with the tools they need to break the cycle of poverty. Higher education attainment can also have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being, as individuals who obtain a college degree are more likely to have a sense of purpose and direction in life.

Empowerment

Scholarships can also empower individuals from underserved communities by providing them with the tools they need to succeed. Scholarships often come with mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and other support services that can help students navigate the post-college experience. This support can be particularly valuable for individuals who are the first in their family to attend college. By providing a support system and the resources necessary to succeed, scholarships can empower individuals to achieve their goals and create a better future for themselves and their families.

Community Development

Finally, scholarships can have a positive impact on the broader community by creating a more educated and skilled workforce. Individuals from underserved communities who obtain a college degree are more likely to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways, whether by starting a business, working in a high-skill job, or engaging in community service. This can help create a more vibrant and prosperous community, attracting new businesses and industries that can create jobs and drive economic growth.

Scholarships have the power to transform the lives of individuals from underserved communities. By providing financial assistance and support. Scholarships can increase access to education, promote higher education attainment, empower individuals to succeed, and contribute to community development. Scholarships are an investment in the future of our society, creating a more equitable and just world for all. We must continue to invest in scholarships and other programs that promote social and economic mobility, ensuring that everyone has the same opportunity reach their full potential no matter their life circumstance.

KC Scholars is unique because most students graduate debt free, and because of the intensive supports provided to our scholars, the vast majority of our scholars graduate from college, or their credentialing program, and enter good careers. Students who are low- and moderate-income and reside in our six focal counties in the Kansas City Area (Kansas and Missouri) are eligible to apply. Over 90% of our scholars persist annually, and 75% of our traditional scholars are on track for on-time graduation. KC Scholars currently over 6,000 scholars, and awards approximately 750 new scholarships annually. Our goal is to significantly expand our program and its impact in the coming years.

College scholarship recipients receive up to $50,000 ($10,000/year across five years) to attend one of the 17 colleges and universities in the KC Scholars Postsecondary Network. Please visit Great Jobs KC today to learn more!

Related Articles

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.
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds

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

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

GET STARTED

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
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.