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Why would you choose a career training program?

Choosing a career training program can be a significant decision in one’s academic and career journey. A credential program is a specialized education and training program that prepares individuals for a specific profession or industry by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge.

There are several reasons why someone might choose to pursue a credential program, including:

  • Career Advancement: A credential program can help individuals advance in their careers by providing them with specialized skills and knowledge that are in demand in their field.
  • Higher Earning Potential: Earning a credential can increase one’s earning potential, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and skill in a particular field.
  • Job Security: In some industries, having a credential is a requirement for certain positions, which can provide job security for individuals who hold these credentials.
  • Personal Growth: Pursuing a credential program can also be a form of personal growth and development, as it allows individuals to expand their knowledge and skills in a particular area.
  • Credentials can be stand alone to lead to a job or can enhance a degree to have that something extra that makes you more marketable.

Career training programs provide practical training that is directly related to the requirements of specific jobs. This can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen field.

  • Career Readiness: By completing a skills-based career credential training program, individuals can demonstrate to potential employers that they are job-ready and possess the skills needed to excel in their chosen profession.
  • Job Placement Assistance: Many skills-based career credential training programs offer job placement assistance to their graduates. This can be a valuable resource for individuals who are just starting out in their careers and may not have an extensive network of professional contacts.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Many skills-based career credential training programs offer flexible scheduling options that allow individuals to balance their education with work and other commitments.
  • Faster Completion Time: Unlike traditional degree programs, skills-based career credential training programs can be completed in a shorter amount of time, often in just a few months. This can help individuals get started in their careers more quickly.

Great Jobs KC is KC Scholars newest program designed to remove barriers for adults who want to earn a larger, stable income.

Great Jobs KC provides access to fully funded short-term, flexible, skills-based career training program.

  • Short Term = less than a year to complete most programs (some are just weeks).
  • Flexible = programs offered virtually, in-person, on-line, or even hybrid.
  • Skills-Based = programs emphasize in-demand skills for, well-paying careers valued by employers.

Career Support = assist graduates in securing good jobs through the KC Scholars employer network.

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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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