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Ten years ago, a bold vision was launched in Kansas City. Rooted in the enduring philanthropic legacy of Ewing Marion Kauffman and his landmark Project Choice initiative, an organization was born to dismantle the systemic barriers that block local students from higher education and sustainable careers. This July, as we mark our tenth anniversary, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas officially declared July 20 as Great Jobs KC Day. This milestone is not just a celebration of a decade of hard work - it is a testament to what is possible when a community rallies together to invest in its own people.
When we began in 2016 as KC Scholars, our goal was to help low- and modest-income students attain a college education. But as the economic, technological and academic realities of our region shifted, we knew we had to evolve. Today, operating as Great Jobs KC, we have expanded from a targeted scholarship network into a comprehensive workforce development and educational ecosystem. We meet people exactly where they are, providing college scholarships of up to $50,000 alongside tuition-free skills training in high-demand, family-sustaining fields. Crucially, we do not just hand over financial assistance and wish our scholars luck. We provide one-to-one, personalized support for all our scholars, from enrollment through their first full year of employment.
Skills training, economic stability
We began broadening our scholarships to include adult learners who were 24 and older and who wanted to return to complete a degree or get started on one following a break in education, either to start a job or deal with one of life’s many obstacles. Then in 2022, as a bridge to the thousands of Kansas City adults who needed a career but not a degree, we launched our Great Jobs KC skills training program, where adults 17 and older with a GED or diploma could receive tuition-free training in areas of high demand and the same holistic support we provided to our college scholars.
The impact of this approach on Kansas City and the surrounding region is profound. Over the last decade, Great Jobs KC has empowered more than 17,000 adults and youths to secure post-secondary credentials and degrees. Even more important, we have successfully guided thousands of these individuals into high-demand, great jobs with regional employers.
This isn’t just a win for individual scholars - it is vital to our regional economic stability. By bridging the gap between untapped local talent and the businesses that desperately need skilled workers, we are building a more equitable and resilient Kansas City. We are helping families transition from surviving to thriving, fostering generational wealth and ensuring that people’s ZIP codes do not dictate their economic destiny.
So, where do we go from here?
While we are incredibly proud of our first 10 years, we view this anniversary not as a finish line, but as a launchpad. Our region’s job market is changing rapidly, and we are committed to scaling our programs dynamically to match that pace. Under our expanded vision, we look forward to serving even more individuals, deepening our partnerships with local employers and extending our reach to ensure that no community is left behind.
Ewing Marion Kauffman fundamentally believed that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential. At Great Jobs KC, we honor that belief by continually redefining what opportunity looks like in the 21st century.
To our scholars, partners, donors and the entire Kansas City community: Thank you for a remarkable first decade. The work continues, and our promise to this region remains stronger than ever. Together, we will continue to open doors, provide opportunities and build a stronger Kansas City for generations to come.
Earl Martin Phalen is CEO of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Great Jobs KC. To learn more about the organization’s programs, read scholar success stories or get involved, visit greatjobskc.org
