KC Scholars offers two distinct pathways. For students in 11th grade during the cycle, the 2027 application runs January 7 through February 26; for adults age 24 or older, it opens October 20 and closes November 20, 2026. Applicants must live in or attend school in one of six counties: Cass, Clay, Jackson, or Platte in Missouri, or Johnson and Wyandotte in Kansas.
The 11th-grade scholarship can provide up to $50,000 paid to the college over as many as six years; it requires financial need, generally an SAI of $12,000 or less, and at least one academic indicator: a 2.5 unweighted GPA, ACT 16, or SAT 800. Eligible adults can receive up to $25,000 toward an associate degree, bachelor’s, or credit-bearing credential; they cannot already hold a bachelor’s and must meet the financial threshold. The organization says U.S. citizenship is not required to apply.
The funds are not cash for unrestricted expenses: the college applies the award, and scholars may access academic and career support. Workshops help applicants choose among a network of more than 100 partners, from community colleges to universities. Prepare five semesters of records for the 11th-grade pathway, verify your SAI, and do not confuse the scholarship with Great Jobs KC’s free skills training, a separate program with county-specific options.
Before accepting aid, verify in writing who may apply, what costs it covers, whether it renews, and how it interacts with FAFSA and other scholarships. Confirm dates in the official portal and ask the college for your remaining net cost.
Read the program profile and FAFSA guide; ask for an individual review before committing.
Apply to KC Scholars — KC Scholars.
Scholarships — KC Scholars / Great Jobs KC.
Scholarship program overview — KC Scholars.
Information checked against official pages on October 13, 2026. Dates and award availability refer to the stated cycle and may change; confirm requirements in the current application. Promise awards are last-dollar funds and may not cover housing, food, transport, or other costs; loans must be repaid.
Verify the current cycle, remaining net cost, and any renewal or repayment obligations before accepting.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
KC Scholars / Great Jobs KC
KC Scholars offers two distinct pathways. For students in 11th grade during the cycle, the 2027 application runs January 7 through February 26; for adults age 24 or older, it opens October 20 and closes November 20, 2026. Applicants must live in or attend school in one of six counties: Cass, Clay, Jackson, or Platte in Missouri, or Johnson and Wyandotte in Kansas. The 11th-grade scholarship can provide up to $50,000 paid to the college over as many as six years; it requires f
Local scholarship and college-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
KC Scholars · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
KC Scholars / Great Jobs KC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
KC Scholars · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
KC Scholars · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of KC Scholars / Great Jobs KC ↗
Primary source
KC Scholars / Great Jobs KC · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of KC Scholars / Great Jobs KC ↗
Primary source
KC Scholars · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.