The 2024 KC Scholar award winners at this year’s Great Jobs KC Make Your Mark event have been announced, showcasing the incredible achievements of students in the Kansas City area. Great Jobs KC, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial support for individuals from low to modest-income households to complete college degrees or job training programs, has been instrumental in helping these students pursue their higher education goals and secure meaningful, career-sustaining employment.
Originally established as KC Scholars in 2016 by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the organization has since evolved to include a tuition-free job training program, life skills workshops, and career placement services. This expansion led to the rebranding of the organization as Great Jobs KC in October 2023, reflecting its broader mission to support students in achieving their educational and career aspirations.
Great Jobs KC offers three different KC Scholars scholarships to students in the Kansas City area. The traditional scholarship is awarded to 11th graders and provides up to $10,000 per year for up to five years, directly to the college or university of enrollment. The adult learner scholarship is available to adults with some college experience but no degree, offering up to $5,000 per year for up to five years. Additionally, the college savings match scholarship provides a one-time award to 9th graders, seeding a 529 college savings account with $50 and offering a 4:1 match and incentives program for selected students.
Natalie Lewis, the Chief Operating Officer of Great Jobs KC, leads the scholarship and program team, overseeing Community Engagement, Research and Evaluation, and Scholarship Programs. Through partnerships with local colleges, universities, and community organizations, Great Jobs KC ensures that students receive the necessary support to succeed in their educational endeavors.
One of the 2024 KC Scholar award winners, Tar Reh, a graduate of Northeast High School, will be attending the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) in the fall. Reh credits the KC Scholars scholarship program for providing him with the opportunity to pursue higher education without the financial burden of student loans. Similarly, Madeline North, a psychology graduate from UMKC, utilized the KC Scholars scholarship to cover her tuition costs and graduate debt-free.
The impact of the KC Scholars program extends beyond the individual students to their families as well. By alleviating financial burdens and providing comprehensive support, the program enables students to focus on their academic and career goals, leading to brighter futures and stronger communities in the Kansas City area.
In conclusion, the 2024 KC Scholar award winners at this year’s Great Jobs KC Make Your Mark event exemplify the transformative power of education and career training in the lives of students in the Kansas City area. Through the support of Great Jobs KC and the KC Scholars program, these students are able to pursue their dreams and build a foundation for success in their future endeavors.