Great Jobs Kansas City

Great Jobs Kansas City, known as Great Jobs KC, is a U.S. nonprofit organization aimed at enhancing economic mobility for low- and modest-income individuals in the Kansas City metropolitan area. The organization is a 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing access to college scholarships, tuition-free job training, and career placement assistance[2][4].

History

Great Jobs KC evolved from the KC Scholars program, which was launched in 2016 with the goal of increasing college completion rates among low- and modest-income students and adult learners across a six-county, bi-state service region[5]. Over time, the initiatives expanded to include job training programs under the Great Jobs KC banner, focusing on high-demand industries such as construction, healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing[3][5].

Programs

• Scholarships: The organization offers traditional college scholarships to high school juniors and adult learner scholarships to adults aged 18 and older. Additionally, it provides college savings match awards to high school freshmen[5]. The KC Scholars Scholarship Program has been notably successful in exceeding goals for the number of scholarships awarded and college enrollment rates[2].
• Job Training: Great Jobs KC provides tuition-free job training programs designed for adults to acquire skills needed in high-paying and high-demand industries. Participants can earn between $45,000 and $85,000 annually after completing the training within a year or less[3][5]. The program also offers support resources such as childcare and transportation assistance to ensure program completion[3].

Impact and Funding

As of 2025, Great Jobs KC has been awarded significant funding, notably a $60 million investment from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, aligning with the foundation's priorities in college access, workforce development, and entrepreneurship[1]. This funding supports the organization's ambitious goal to secure household-sustaining jobs with benefits for thousands of residents over the next five years[1].

Great Jobs KC has an established track record of supporting more than 1,500 residents in securing permanent jobs since launching its job training initiatives in 2022[1]. Additionally, since starting its scholarship awards in 2017, nearly 10,000 Kansas Citians have received over $491 million in scholarships[1]. The organization aims to support 50,000 individuals in the long term, with an aggressive fundraising goal of $100 million to fully realize its mission[1][2].

Mission

The mission of Great Jobs KC is to transform lives and the regional economy by providing access to education and training, thereby contributing to a strong workforce in the Kansas City area. The organization is committed to fostering equitable economic mobility and ensuring that all individuals have opportunities for financial stability and career advancement[1][3].