Great Jobs KC evolved from its beginning in 2016 as KC Scholars, a scholarship and college access program incubated at the Foundation. After awarding thousands of college scholarships and support to low- and modest-income Kansas City area students, in 2022, programming expanded to include tuition-free training, life-skills workshops, and job assistance to its graduated Scholars. The organization’s name was changed to Great Jobs KC to make clear its core value that “everyone in our community deserves the opportunity to secure a household-sustaining career through a college degree or skills training.”
Learners, employers, and community members can connect with Great Schools KC to:
- Restart education as an adult learning with a college scholarship
- Earn a $50,000 scholarship as an 11th grader
- Begin tuition-free skills training in a high-demand field
- Expand your workforce with local talent
- Invest in the future of Kansas City
According to Mathematica, the program has seen increasing demand in just more than two years and is on pace to continue toward its goal of 50,000 individuals in great jobs in the next 10 years. To reach this goal, Great Jobs KC works with 113 community partners – training partners, postsecondary network partners, community partners, employer partners – to provide the resources people need to succeed.
In 2025, Great Jobs KC awarded 1,234 scholarships. In total, 181 ninth graders were awarded up to $1,400 toward college with a one-to-one savings match and incentives; 901 11th graders were awarded up to $50,000 in college scholarships; and 152 adult learners were awarded scholarships up to $50,000 to attend any skills training with any KC Scholars College Network partners. The average salary increase of Scholars who complete job training is 176%.
“Our community’s strength lies in the determination of those who overcome obstacles in their commitment to building a better future. By investing in their potential, we are not just helping individuals; we are actively strengthening the foundation upon which our entire community thrives,” Tammy Edwards, Great Jobs KC board chair.