Great Jobs KC

Longtime workforce, philanthropy exec tapped to lead Great Jobs KC, ‘carry Mr. Kauffman’s vision’

A former Kauffman Foundation leader who helped design the KC Scholars program that ultimately would evolve into one of the region’s most successful workforce training initiatives is coming full circle — taking the helm as CEO of Great Jobs KC a decade after he helped launch its predecessor.

Free kicks with Great Jobs KC: Students develop 3D-printed soccer tee amid World Cup

“We got the idea from rugby kicking tees,” said Campbell Higgins, a UMKC student participating in the Great Jobs KC program. “We looked at that and asked, ‘How can we improve on it for free kicks?'”

WellSky Foundation opens technology hubs to serve Kansas Citians rebooting from homelessness

Two new technology centers — embedded within organizations already offering critical resources — are expected to help expand access to digital skills and employment opportunities for individuals experiencing housing instability.

Great Jobs KC awarded $3.8M+ Patterson grant to expand rural workforce training into Kansas, Missouri 

A three-year grant from the Patterson Family Foundation is expected to help Great Jobs KC bring life-changing training and wraparound support services to workers in rural counties on both sides of the state line, said Earl Martin Phalen. 

Great Jobs KC secures $680K federal grant to launch 100 women into nontraditional careers

A federal initiative designed to break down modern barriers in high-demand, high-wage industries also honors the historic legacy of women in the workforce, said Karolyn Dreiling, announcing a $680,000 grant to help Great Jobs KC boost apprenticeships. “This grant is a game-changer for women in our community who are ready to break into industries where…