Kansas City, January 21, 2026
Great Jobs KC and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) have partnered to launch a summer tech program aimed at equipping Kansas City residents with in-demand tech skills. This initiative not only provides education to enhance job opportunities but also supports the local economy by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region’s growing tech sector. The program reflects a dedication to community advancement, aiming to transition many individuals into family-sustaining careers in technology.
KC Tech Talent Takes Off: Great Jobs KC & UMKC Fuel Innovation
A new partnership between Great Jobs KC and UMKC is set to empower Kansas City’s workforce with cutting-edge tech skills, driving economic growth and fostering a new generation of local innovators.
Kansas City, Missouri, is a vibrant center for entrepreneurial innovation and economic growth, where dedication to personal achievement and community advancement often go hand-in-hand. The region’s expanding technology sector stands as a testament to this dynamic spirit, serving as a critical engine for local prosperity. In an economic landscape that increasingly values a skilled workforce and adaptable businesses, strategic collaborations that align educational pathways with market demands are more vital than ever.
A prime example of this forward-thinking approach is the recent launch of a summer tech program by Great Jobs KC and the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). This initiative, supported by a grant, aims to equip residents with the high-demand skills required to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital economy. Such partnerships between local institutions and community-focused organizations are instrumental in cultivating talent and strengthening the Kansas City economy, reflecting the foundational belief that investment in individuals directly contributes to broader civic and economic success.
Investing in Kansas City’s Workforce for Economic Growth
The collaboration between Great Jobs KC and UMKC on a new summer tech program underscores a commitment to enhancing opportunities for individuals across the Kansas City area. Great Jobs KC is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing access to college scholarships and tuition-free job training, alongside employment assistance, to help low- to modest-income individuals secure family-sustaining jobs in the Kansas City Area. A significant goal of Great Jobs KC is to transition 50,000 Kansas Citians from underemployment into family-sustaining careers with benefits within the next decade.
Great Jobs KC offers tuition-free skills training programs in high-demand fields, including information technology. These programs enable adults aged 18 and older to acquire essential skills in less than a year, with the potential to earn between $45,000 and $85,000. For instance, Great Jobs KC has partnered with Per Scholas, a national tech training nonprofit, to establish a campus in Kansas City. This alliance provides comprehensive, no-cost information technology training through a 13-week program, preparing learners for CompTIA A+ certification and Google IT Support. Scholars in these programs also receive life skills and support services, with dedicated advocates supporting them through their first year of employment. Over 80% of Great Jobs KC scholars represent diverse backgrounds, fostering an inclusive pipeline of talent for the region.
UMKC, as a key educational institution in Kansas City, complements these efforts with its robust academic offerings. The university provides various undergraduate programs in computer science and information technology, including a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Information Technology (B.I.T.). These programs focus on developing critical technical and business skills in areas such as software engineering, data science, networking, and cybersecurity, with the B.I.T. program incorporating a required internship component to provide real-world experience. UMKC’s strong relationships with local companies also facilitate paid internships and career opportunities for its students.
Kansas City’s Booming Tech Sector
The strategic investment in tech education comes at a time when Kansas City’s technology sector is experiencing significant expansion. The region’s tech industry is a substantial contributor to the local economy, employing over 77,000 skilled tech professionals and accounting for 9% of the region’s total economic impact. Other data indicates that over 106,461 tech jobs exist across more than 3,900 tech companies, contributing 10% to the local economy. Between 2021 and 2023, the tech workforce in the region saw a growth of 16%, with continued job growth anticipated through 2024. Missouri’s tech sector experienced a 5.6% job growth from 2016 to 2021, a rate that surpassed the national average.
Kansas City has emerged as an attractive destination for both tech businesses and professionals, thanks in part to its competitive cost of living and a high concentration of tech workers. The city is also at the forefront of Artificial Intelligence (AI) investments, exceeding the national average. In 2023, over $7.8 million was invested in AI and machine learning technologies locally, making up 31% of Kansas City’s tech investments compared to 14% Nationally. Furthermore, the demand for cybersecurity professionals in the Kansas City metro area surged by 85% from 2021 to 2023. Kansas and Missouri together observed a 10.3% increase in tech job postings and a 4.1% growth in tech businesses between 2023 and 2025, highlighting robust market demand and expanding opportunities across both States. The combined economic impact of the tech industry in both Kansas and Missouri is estimated at $35.5 billion, with Kansas City driving $12.4 billion of that. Notably, Kansas City ranks as the second-most cost-effective market for technology employment.
Cultivating Entrepreneurial Spirit and Innovation
Kansas City’s thriving tech sector is a testament to its deep-rooted entrepreneurial spirit. In 2015, Kansas City was recognized as one of the top five emerging cities globally for its entrepreneurship ecosystem. The regional civic collaborative, KC Rising, has identified innovation and entrepreneurship as crucial economic drivers, reinforcing the importance of nurturing new ventures.
Local initiatives and partnerships play a vital role in supporting Missouri MO entrepreneurs and early-stage companies. For example, Digital Sandbox KC has provided support to over 300 entrepreneurs and early-stage companies in the region. These efforts have led to the funding of 77 proof-of-concept projects, the creation of 34 new businesses, 339 jobs, and $28.2 million in follow-on funding. The UMKC Innovation Center further supports this ecosystem by helping entrepreneurs build businesses and translate ideas into reality, offering tools, resources, and educational programs like ELEVATIONLAB.
Small Business Resilience and Adaptability
The resilience of Kansas City small business owners is a cornerstone of the Kansas City economy. These businesses have demonstrated remarkable adaptability in the face of disruptions, readily embracing innovation, including Artificial Intelligence, and flexible talent models to maintain their competitiveness. Research indicates that highly confident small and medium-sized business leaders in 2025 were twice as likely to have fully integrated AI across their operations and developed comprehensive AI reskilling programs for their workforce.
Kansas City provides various programs and resources aimed at supporting the growth and expansion of local small businesses. The Kansas City Small Business (KC SMB) Capital Program, for instance, offers low-interest loans, grants, and essential training and technical assistance. This program helps entrepreneurs acquire the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s competitive market, further fostering innovation and economic development.
A Favorable Environment for Growth: Policy Considerations
Sustaining the upward trajectory of Kansas City’s economic landscape requires a consistent focus on creating a pro-business environment. This includes the strategic reduction of unnecessary regulatory burdens, often referred to as “red tape.” The Kansas Chamber of Commerce advocates for such an environment, supporting investments in effective economic development programs and financing tools to ensure the Kansas City area remains globally competitive.
At the State-level, there are ongoing discussions and legislative efforts aimed at fostering business innovation through policy. The Kansas House, for example, approved a bill to create regulatory “sandboxes” where certain rules can be relaxed or amended to encourage the development of innovative business ideas. While such approaches are designed to stimulate growth, the careful consideration of regulations remains a key factor in economic planning. For instance, recent zoning regulations approved by the Kansas City Council for data centers mark a shift in development oversight, with some expressing concerns that such rules could potentially redirect developers to other markets. These policy discussions highlight the delicate balance between necessary oversight and fostering an environment conducive to continued private investment and job creation for Midlands economic growth.
Conclusion
The collaborative efforts of Great Jobs KC and UMKC in launching a summer tech program are a significant step forward for Kansas City’s economic future. By providing vital tech skills training and fostering an environment of entrepreneurial innovation, these initiatives directly contribute to the city’s robust economic growth and the personal achievements of its residents. The continued expansion of the tech sector, coupled with the resilience of Kansas City small business owners, demonstrates the potent impact of investing in local talent and cultivating a supportive business ecosystem. As Kansas City progresses, sustained engagement from the community, ongoing support for local businesses, and continued exploration of new training opportunities will be crucial in solidifying its position as a leading hub for innovation and economic prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of the Great Jobs KC and UMKC summer tech program?
- The program aims to equip Kansas City residents with high-demand tech skills, driving economic growth and fostering a new generation of local innovators. It is supported by a grant.
- What is the mission of Great Jobs KC?
- Great Jobs KC’s mission is to provide access to college scholarships and tuition-free job training, along with employment assistance, to secure family-sustaining jobs for low- to modest-income individuals in the Kansas City Area.
- What are some of Great Jobs KC’s tech training programs?
- Great Jobs KC offers tuition-free skills training in high-demand fields such as information technology. An example includes a 13-week program for CompTIA A+ certification and Google IT Support, in partnership with Per Scholas.
- How does UMKC contribute to tech education in Kansas City?
- UMKC offers various undergraduate programs in computer science and information technology, including Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (ABET-accredited), and Bachelor of Information Technology (B.I.T.), which includes an internship component.
- What is the economic impact of the tech sector in Kansas City?
- The tech industry employs over 77,000 skilled tech professionals and accounts for 9% of the region’s total economic impact. Other data states over 106,461 tech jobs contributing 10% to the local economy, across more than 3,900 tech companies.
- How is Kansas City fostering entrepreneurial innovation?
- Kansas City was named one of the top five emerging cities globally for its entrepreneurship ecosystem in 2015. Initiatives like Digital Sandbox KC and the UMKC Innovation Center support entrepreneurs and early-stage companies.
- What is the “regulatory sandbox” concept mentioned for Kansas?
- At the State-level, the Kansas House approved a bill for regulatory “sandboxes,” which are frameworks where certain rules and regulations are relaxed or amended to encourage business innovation.
Key Features of the Great Jobs KC and UMKC Tech Initiative
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Program Name | Summer Tech Program launched by Great Jobs KC and UMKC | Kansas City |
| Primary Goal | To equip residents with high-demand tech skills and drive economic growth. | Kansas City |
| Funding Source | Supported by a grant. | Kansas City |
| Great Jobs KC Mission | Provides college scholarships and tuition-free job training for family-sustaining jobs for low- to modest-income individuals. | Kansas City Area |
| Great Jobs KC Tech Training Examples | Includes 13-week programs for CompTIA A+ certification and Google IT Support, in partnership with Per Scholas. | Kansas City |
| UMKC’s Contribution | Offers various undergraduate programs in computer science and information technology, including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Information Technology degrees. | Kansas City |
| Tech Workforce Growth (Region) | Grew by 16% between 2021 and 2023, with continued job growth projected through 2024. | Region |
| Cybersecurity Demand Growth (Metro Area) | Demand for professionals surged by 85% from 2021 to 2023. | Kansas City Metro Area |
| AI Investment (Kansas City) | Over $7.8 million invested in AI and machine learning in 2023, representing 31% of tech investments locally compared to 14% Nationwide. | Kansas City (local), Nationwide (comparison) |
| Regulatory “Sandboxes” | The Kansas House approved a bill to relax or amend certain rules to encourage business innovation. | State-level (Kansas) |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
