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The time to launch your future is NOW!

Our $50,000 college scholarship can change the future of students across Kansas City!

The application window opens SOON, but you can start your application NOW by completing the eligibility section so you are READY to go on January 8th.

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Table of Contents

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

A man with a shaved head and beard, wearing a black shirt and vest, smiles confidently with arms crossed against a blurred indoor background.
As we close out another remarkable year together, I feel deeply proud and profoundly grateful for what we have achieved and am equally excited for what lies ahead. When Great Jobs KC launched with the goal of helping 50,000 Kansas Citians secure great jobs with benefits by 2032, we knew our mission was BOLD. This year, together we have proved that boldness pays off.
 
To our Scholars, whether you’re navigating college, completing a training certificate, starting a new job, or working toward your next step, know that you are not alone. We are with you. Every resource we build, every connection we make, every barrier we work to remove—it’s so you can succeed and so our region can thrive.
 
To our families and supporters, your belief, your collaboration, and your encouragement write the story behind each success. Thank you.
 
To our employers and community partners, thank you for stepping forward, investing in talent, and opening doors. Because of you, opportunities are not just possible; they are a reality.
 
As we head into a new year, our mission remains clear: to help Kansas City’s residents unlock opportunity, build sustainable careers, and contribute to the collective success of our region.
 
If you haven’t yet shared your story, please consider doing so. Your journey with its challenges, pivots, and triumphs inspires others to believe. Invite one friend, one peer, or even one stranger in need to explore what Great Jobs KC offers. Connect with us. Let’s collaborate. Because every additional voice, every extra connection, magnifies our impact.
 
Wishing you and yours a joyful, peaceful holiday season and a new year filled with purpose, growth, and opportunity.
 
Earl
The word "FIRST" in bold blue font, flanked by three vertical blue bars on both the left and right sides, symbolizes access to scholarships and opportunities.

Thank You, Janae’

A young man wearing a maroon shirt and black graduation gown smiles at the camera against a plain gray background, ready to launch your future.

Hi Janae’,

I just wanted to reach out and let you know that I’ve accepted a Systems Analyst role at Menlo Inc. If it wasn’t for your weekly job lead emails, I wouldn’t have even known about this company or the opportunities they had available.

Thank you so much for everything you do! You’re such an amazing resource and a huge help to new grads in the KC Scholars family. I really appreciate your support and the difference you make.

Best,

Anthony Muniz
University of Missouri – Kansas City 
Computer Science BS | Minor in Math

More scholar success

A group of people, including graduates in blue caps and gowns, pose with certificates in front of a "Congrats Graduates" banner, ready to launch your future at this inspiring graduation event.

Our newest Program Managers, Louise and Alex, attended a recent graduation at Mid-America College of Health Sciences in Lenexa to celebrate several Scholars who completed the Dental Assistant and Medical Assistant programs.

Person standing next to a "Beauty Academy" banner, holding up a phone with text on the screen that says "launch your future," obscuring their face. Cleaning supplies are visible on a shelf in the background.
A woman in green scrubs stands smiling and holding a phone next to a "Beauty Academy Magnolia" banner indoors, ready to launch your future in beauty.

And CONGRATS to our newest Scholar graduates of the Nail Tech program, JaiBriauna McDonald and Aniyah VanTrece!

Remember, we love to highlight our Scholars, so send us your graduation photos along with your name, school, and program so we can CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS!

To learn more about our Scholars and their success, please visit our Scholar Success page.

Help empower local students - right from home.

Our annual Scholarship Application Reviewer volunteer opportunity is still accepting applications!

Sign up today
A graphic titled “What It’s Like to Be a Scholarship Reviewer” features quotes from reviewers about how this volunteer role can help you launch your future with unique benefits and opportunities.
A man hands a brochure to a young man at an information table with a sign that reads "Apply To Volunteer Now!" and "Great Jobs KC Scholars—launch your future today!.
Two sets of gray vertical bars with colored arrow-like shapes, symbolizing scholarships and opportunities, are positioned on the left and right sides of a white background, facing inward.

In the Media

Logo for 90.1 FM KKFI Kansas City, featuring large overlapping red, blue, and yellow text on a white background—perfectly capturing the station's vibrant news and music presence.

KKFI
KC Scholars Adult Learner Scholarship Program highlighted on Cowtown Conversations

To see other stories featuring Great Jobs KC on both local and national media outlets CLICK HERE.

our team

in the community

Eight people are seated in a row onstage before a mural, dressed in formal attire, with an “EMPOWER” banner on the left side—ready to launch your future.
Six people stand together holding a large check for $1,000 made out to Great Jobs KC at an event, with a Kansas City banner in the background—celebrating new ways to launch your future.

Celebrating Caregivers & Community

The Empowered Wellness KC Gala is dedicated to honoring and supporting caregivers across all professions. This event focuses on wellness and provides tools to improve both the personal and professional lives of caregivers. The event is held in celebration of National Caregivers Month! 

Great Jobs KC received a $1,000 donation to support one of our scholars in the dental assistant training program. This gift was made possible with the support of Empowered Wellness KC and A Hampton Hand 

Macenzie Tucker, Sr. Director of Workforce Development & Scholar Success, represented Great Jobs KC as part of a panel discussion. Nita Daniels, Sr. Director of Community Engagement & Admissions Operations, was celebrated with a Community Impact Award. A glass award with the inscription "EMPOWER Community Impact Award 2022-2023, Vita Davids, Senior Director of Community Engagement" on a table in a decorated office.

Our Great Jobs KC staff and members of the Empower Wellness KC Board pictured from left, Monica Johnson with Spiral Health Systems, Dr. Antjuan D. Hampton from A. Hampton Hand, Kristin Crites with Great Jobs KC, Mikea Williams and Andrea Fountain with Spiral Health Systems, and Karolyn Dreiling with Great Jobs KC.

Serving Our Community

Our own Director of Scholar Support Services, Brandey Chandler, used some of her Volunteer Time Off to sort produce at Kanbe’s Markets warehouse. They rescue food waste from local grocery stores and redistribute it to food pantries and retail outlets in areas without food access. In just one afternoon, they sorted about 2,000 pounds of produce – mostly tomatoes – to go to Healthy Corner Stores, pantries, and animal feed. The rest was composted. Brandey said, “I enjoyed working with the other volunteers and encourage everyone to sign up for a shift!”

A woman stands and smiles in front of wooden doors beneath a "Kanber's Markets" sign inside a room with green walls, orange chairs, and tiled floor—ready to launch your future with confidence.
Three people stand indoors holding grocery bags in front of a "United Way" banner featuring a child reading, highlighting community efforts that help launch your future through education and support.
Chris Lara, April Befort-Neumann and Kate Crockett from our marketing team spent some of their volunteer time packing 300 meals for the United Way’s SNAP into Action initiative.
Great Jobs KC logo with the text "Workforce and Employer Network" in bold blue letters underneath, highlighting our commitment to Building a Stronger KC.

Launching Tech Careers

On November 20, we hosted an event for our Scholars who recently completed IT and cybersecurity certification or degree programs. More than 30 Scholars attended and received insights on how to begin their careers from a panel of industry professionals and recruiters.

Four people sit on stage in a panel discussion, speaking into microphones, while an audience listens in a conference room—an inspiring event designed to help you launch your future.
Logo with "Great Jobs KC" in bold black text and "DEVELOPMENT TEAM" in blue, with "TEAM" highlighted in a blue rectangle, representing scholarships and opportunities for career growth.

Thank you to

Casual animal!

$3,707 raised through Local Motive pour purchases with $4,245 raised overall.

Five women stand outside a brick building holding a large ceremonial check for $2,500 made out to "Great Jobs KC" from "Casual Animal Brewing," supporting programs that help launch your future.

SO MANY WAYS TO GIVE

before year-end!

  • Did you know donations of $50 or more made to United Way can be designated to further the impact of Great Jobs KC? Reach out to Laura Cooke for more details.
  • Great Jobs KC is now a part of the Missouri Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP). Maximize the impact of your donation while receiving a direct state tax benefit for Missouri taxpayers. Reach out to Karolyn Dreiling for more info, or you can READ MORE HERE
  • The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) offers federal employees the opportunity to donate to thousands of participating charities, including Great Jobs KC. Reach out to Laura Cooke for more details on how you can give back to your community through this program.

Are you 70½ Years Old or Older? 

      • You can give any amount (up to a maximum of $105,000) per year from your IRA directly to Great Jobs KC without having to pay income taxes on the money. This popular gift option is commonly called the IRA charitable rollover, but you may also see it referred to as a qualified charitable distribution (QCD).
      • Why Consider This Gift?
        • Your gift will make an impact today, allowing you to see the difference your donation is making.
        • Beginning in the year you turn 73, you can use your gift to satisfy all or part of your required minimum distribution (RMD).
        • You pay no income taxes on the gift. You benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.
        • Since the gift doesn’t count as income, it can reduce your annual income level.

Please contact Karolyn Dreiling for more information!

Our KC Scholars

Scholarship team

A young man smiles beside text reading, "Stronger Futures Start Now. Your college era starts now. Traditional scholarship including college-specific scholarships." Green and orange text on a light background.
A man stands with hands in pockets beside text listing three reasons to select a college-specific scholarship, including financial support and guidance—because Stronger Futures Start Now.

traditional Scholarship season is just around the corner

DID you know?

You probably knew that our application opens in January for our KC Scholars Traditional Scholarship, where 250 KC Area 11th graders can secure up to $50,000 to any one of our 26 KC Scholars College Network partners. BUT DID YOU KNOW…. We have nearly unlimited opportunities for up to $50,000 in scholarship funds to one of our College-Specific partners? You find the partner that’s the right fit for you, qualify for the scholarship, and we will award you up to $50k to THAT college partner.

traditional Scholarship season is just around the corner

Map highlighting the KC Scholars College Network, showing locations of partner colleges and universities in Kansas and Missouri, with a color-coded legend for schools within and beyond 60 miles of Kansas City—because Stronger Futures Start Now.

You can start the process NOW by completing the eligibility requirements and then be one-step-ahead once the application opens in January. Just CLICK HERE to start on the path to your future today!

Want to check out our college partners and see which one is right for you? Click the map to find out!

A person sits at a table covered with art supplies, snacks, and stickers in a gymnasium with a "NORTHWEST MISSOURI BEARCATS" sign in the background.
A group of people sit around a table with craft supplies in a gymnasium; “Bearcats” and “Missouri State University” are visible on the wall in the background.
A vision board clip art book titled “VISION” by Olivia Everly is covered with various colorful cutouts of inspirational words, images, and travel icons.
Three students stand indoors holding KC Scholars tote bags and backpacks, smiling at the camera. Folded chairs and tables are visible in the background.

Northwest Missouri State University Hosts Fall Party for KC Scholars

Northwest Missouri State University welcomed KC Scholars to a festive Fall Party—and it was a hit! The event drew an impressive crowd, with Scholars even bringing friends to join in the fun.

While there was a little apprehension at first, the atmosphere quickly shifted as participants settled in and began creating their vision boards. The room buzzed with creativity and connection as Scholars shared ideas and built new relationships.

A special shout-out to our amazing Support Contacts for organizing such a memorable event. Their efforts made this gathering a wonderful opportunity for Scholars to connect, collaborate, and dream big!

Sounds of the semester

Every month, we support our Scholars in college by conducting a Monthly Check-in. For November’s check-in question, our College Scholar Advocates invited Scholars to reflect on their semester through a simple, creative question. “If your semester had a theme song, what would it be?” The responses did not disappoint. They were heartfelt, honest, and full of personality. The Advocates enjoyed their responses so much that they curated some top picks and built a playlist. Some chose “Stronger” by Kanye West to express growth and resilience. Others resonated with “Me, Myself and I” by Beyoncé, highlighting the challenges of balancing school, work, and family. A few selected lighthearted tracks, like the “Cha Cha Slide” for those who said they’re just following whatever steps their professors call out. And of course, “Young, Dumb & Broke” made the list, a relatable anthem for students stretching their budgets but still finding reasons to laugh and enjoy the moment. 

🎧 Listen to the playlist here: A Survival Playlist: Sounds of the Semester

Three students sit around a table, each using laptops or tablets and wearing headphones, backpacks and papers spread out as they collaborate to launch your future.

Our KC Scholars

Ambassador team

Friendsgiving at UMKC

UMKC Ambassadors hosted their first-ever Friendsgiving event, where Scholars enjoyed delicious food from local restaurants PeachTree and TeeTasty! Scholars had fun connecting over the meal, playing games, and participating in a fall-themed photobooth. This event embodied the heart of the KC Scholars Ambassador Program by creating space for Scholars to relate and make new connections with other KC Scholars on their campus.

Four people sit and stand around a table indoors, conversing as they enjoy their meal. One woman, holding a fork, seems ready to launch your future with lively discussion. A black purse and plates of food rest on the table.
Three people pose for a photo in front of a gold sequin backdrop, holding signs that say "IT'S GIVING THANKS" and "Leaving full & joyful," ready to launch your future with positivity. A ring light is positioned in front of them.
Five women pose in front of a gold sequin backdrop, holding photo booth props and smiling for the camera, ready to launch your future with style and fun.
Three women sit at a restaurant table, reading menus and writing as they discuss how to launch your future. The table holds glasses, a candle, a water bottle, and utensils, with city lights twinkling outside the window.

An Evening of Gratitude & Growth

Ambassadors celebrated a semester filled with community-building activities and leadership development at Third Street Social, sharing favorite moments and yummy food. Ambassadors also took the time to write personalized thank-you notes to our Scholarship Reviewers during the evening. (Chance to plug scholarship reviewer volunteer opportunity?). We are so grateful for all our Ambassadors do for their fellow Scholars and the KC Scholars/Great Jobs KC community!

A blue shield-shaped logo with the words "Great Jobs KC Scholars" in large white letters, celebrating 2000 Scholars.

Scholars on the path to SUCCESS

0

TOTAL SCHOLARS ON A PATH TO THEIR FUTURE

0

SCHOLARS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN A GREAT JOBS KC PROGRAM

0

SCHOLARS WORKING IN A GREAT JOB

Young person in a hoodie stands beside a blue background with text encouraging survey participation for the 2000 Scholars of Great Jobs KC.

Throughout the Great Jobs KC experience, we will request that you complete a few short surveys to collect data that allows us to:

  • Show our impact to our donors and partners to secure more funds to continue our programs
  • Improve our program process so it works for everyone
  • Tailor our support services to Scholars’ needs
  • Share stories of Scholar success to inspire others to change their lives

We want to build a stronger Kansas City, one life at a time, and we need your help and input to do it.

Select survey participants will be entered into ongoing drawings for high-end tech prizes including laptops, headphones, and tablets.

Keep an eye on your email and texts, take a few moments to PAY IT FORWARD by helping to provide access to opportunities for others.

We want to hear about your success - UPDATE US TODAY

If you’ve received this newsletter as a share and would like to be added to our distribution list, please enter your email address here.

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Check out our BLOG and support our mission

Find out more about our programs and support!

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

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
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