Great Jobs KC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that resides in the community, and reports to a community-based Board of Directors. Great Jobs KC provides financial support for individuals from low- to modest-income households to complete a college degree or a job training program resulting in a family-sustaining career.
Started as KC Scholars in 2016, as a community-engaged process with over 70 members of the regional community helping to plan a college scholarship program rooted in one man’s commitment to post-secondary education.
Ewing Marion Kauffman was an entrepreneur and humanitarian whose innovative and long-lasting contributions have benefited millions of people in Kansas City and beyond. Mr. Kauffman believed that a post-secondary education is possible for everyone and should be accessible regardless of income, age, or ethnicity.
KC Scholars publicly launched on September 28, 2016. It awarded its first scholarships in May 2017.
Beginning in 2022, KC Scholars broadened its programs by adding Great Jobs KC, a tuition-free job training program, life skills workshops, and career placement programming. As the organization has evolved and programming and support have broadened, there became a need to update the organizational name to embrace the expanded mission to not only provide access to college but to ensure all who are educated or trained through our programs realize the goal of a GREAT JOB. A great job means a career with the ability to sustain a family and provide benefits.
In October 2023, to capture this expanded mission, the organizational name was adapted to Great Jobs KC.
