KANSAS CITY, Mo. — July 20, 2026 — Today marks the official 10th anniversary of Great Jobs KC, a milestone recognized across the metropolitan area following an official proclamation by Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas declaring July 20th, 2026, as “Great Jobs KC Day.” Over the past decade, the organization has served as a vital engine for economic mobility and educational advancement, deeply rooted in the enduring philanthropic legacy of Ewing Marion Kauffman.
The foundations of Great Jobs KC trace back directly to Mr. Kauffman’s landmark Project Choice initiative, established generations ago to clear the hurdles blocking local students from higher education and sustainable careers. Guided by his fundamental belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential, Great Jobs KC has taken that foundational blueprint and systematically expanded it. By continuously evolving its programs, the organization ensures it meets the distinct economic, technological, and academic realities faced by each new generation.
“Reaching our tenth anniversary is both a celebration of what our scholars have achieved and a profound renewal of our promise to this community,” said Earl Martin Phalen, CEO. “Mr.
Kauffman believed in empowering individuals through choice, education, and support. As we look to the next generation, we are not just preserving that legacy; we are dynamically scaling it to provide tuition assistance, direct job training, and career pipelines that map to the changing economic landscape of Kansas City and beyond.”
What began ten years ago as a targeted scholarship and support network has flourished into a comprehensive workforce development and educational ecosystem. To date, Great Jobs KC has empowered over 17,000 adults and youth in the Kansas City region to secure post-secondary credentials and transition directly into high-demand, family-sustaining careers, aiding over 3,000 of them into Great Jobs. By bridging the gap between local talent and regional employers, the organization honors its history while maintaining a forward-looking stance on community equity.
For additional information or access to Scholar Success Stories, please contact Kate Crockett at kate.crockett@greatjobskc.org or 816-406-1899. Or additional assets can be found on our media page here https://greatjobskc.org/press-kit.
About Great Jobs KC
Great Jobs KC, a 501(c)(3) organization, drives regional economic stability and mobility by ensuring low- and modest-income individuals achieve family-sustaining careers. Our programs prepare the future workforce through two core pathways: college scholarships (up to $50,000) and tuition-free training in high-demand fields. We ensure success by providing one-to-one support for every participant, from enrollment through their first year of employment. greatjobskc.org