Level Up Kansas is a nonprofit founded in 2023 dedicated to helping Kansans pursue fulfilling career paths. We connect with and coach Kansas residents who are seeking to complete technical certifications or 2-year associate degree programs. We collaborate with community colleges, technical colleges, industry leaders, and legislators to provide comprehensive support and guidance to program participants.

Level Up Kansas is a free service for all Kansans 18+. We will connect you to financial aid resources including those at community or technical colleges. We do not directly provide scholarships, grants, or other financial assistance.

Our focus is to help those interested in the following:

• Earn a technical certification or 2-year associate degree from a Kansas Community or Technical College

• Pursue a career in a high-demand field such as healthcare, agriculture, early childhood development, manufacturing, computer sciences, and more!

• Have the motivation and growth mindset to Level Up your life!

Yes, a high school diploma or GED is required to pursue associate or technical degrees and certifications at the community college level in the state of Kansas. We can help connect you to GED preparation and diploma completion services.

To get started, select the “Needing a GED or High School Diploma” option on our home page and fill out the form.

All Kansas community or technical colleges offer some form of financial aid for most degree or certificate programs through grants, work study, or scholarships determined by the information provided on your FAFSA application. Some degrees and certificates are eligible for the Kansas Promise Act Scholarship which covers full tuition and some expenses and requires a 2-year service agreement after completing your degree or certificate in under 36 months. If you have specific questions relating to your eligibility for financial aid and tuition assistance, contact the financial aid department at a community or technical college. We are unable to provide advice or assistance for out-of-state educational programs.

Some resources Level Up Kansas connects students with have service agreements.

For example, if you receive Kansas Promise Act Scholarship funds, following successful completion of your degree program, you agree to live and work in Kansas for a minimum of two consecutive years.

Yes and no.

Level Up Kansas connects you with opportunities like the Kansas Promise Act which provides tuition assistance if you are under a specific income level – and only for specific educational programs. The Kansas Promise Act is a “last dollar” program, which means after other grant aid is taken into consideration first, assistance from this program makes up the difference, so if you meet all the eligibility requirements, it would bring your total out-of-pocket costs to $0.

Level Up Kansas connects you to programs like the Kansas Promise Act Scholarship that provide tuition assistance. These programs help make up the difference between what federal or state financial aid pays for and the cost of tuition, fees, and books. This means if you enroll in a eligible certificate or degree program, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may also be required to provide documentation of household income or eligibility for federal assistance.

We want to make your dream happen. If you want to come to school and get certifications or a degree that leads to a career, we can help you find money to make it happen.

Level Up Kansas works with both full and part-time students.

If you are a part-time student, you must enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours (usually two classes) per semester or in an otherwise approved short-term program.

You may also receive additional financial assistance if you qualify for full Federal Pell Grants and enroll full-time (12 or more credit hours in fall and spring semesters, and 6 credit hours in summer – usually four and two classes, respectively). This additional assistance is intended to help offset costs outside of the classroom so you can focus on school without worrying about other expenses.

To stay eligible for federal financial aid and most scholarships you must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

If you are awarded the Kansas Promise Act Scholarship, you are required to complete an eligible degree or certificate program within 36 months. If you complete a certificate within your chosen educational track and stop school to work, you will still be eligible for tuition assistance if you return within one year. After returning, you then have two years to complete your associate degree before funding from the Kansas Promise Act Scholarship expires.

At Level Up Kansas, we want you to find your dream career. Some careers require associate degrees while others are better suited to certifications. The pathway is determined by your end destination and your particular circumstances.

Many programs at Kansas community colleges and technical colleges have multiple levels of training. For some programs, your first semester or two will be made up of specialized training. By the end of those training programs, you’ll take a certification exam and earn a workplace credential. Then, you’ll take additional courses and training to earn an associate degree.

Some jobs only require a workplace certification, while other jobs may require an associate degree.

Level Up Kansas will connect you with programs that will provide you the financial freedom to build the future you picture. By connecting you with these programs, you will be able to remove the financial barrier of higher education so you can Level Up your career without sacrificing financial security for you and your family.

With Level Up Kansas’s guidance, you will be studying in in-demand career fields that are actively hiring in Kansas.

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a job after completing your educational program. Our navigators are dedicated to helping you through the program, getting a good start in your new career field, and connecting you with resources like Workforce Centers and hiring networks to fill in-demand positions.

Level Up Kansas’ primary focus is on helping students who are looking to pursue educational programs at Kansas community colleges and technical colleges. At this time, we are unable to offer any guidance on financial aid for advanced degree programs. Please reach out to the college you plan to attend for assistance with these questions. If you are currently working, you might also check with your employer to see if they offer any tuition reimbursement.

Level Up Kansas can help connect you with online options available through Kansas Community Colleges and Technical Colleges. Please note that not all programs are offered online due to requiring labs or other hands-on training. At this time, we are unable to connect with programs or resources if the program is not accredited or is not based in Kansas. However, we may be able to find a similar option through a Kansas college that we can refer you to.

Our focus is on matching Kansans with educational and career opportunities in Kansas. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer navigator assistance for those planning to attend a program that is out of state.

Get started by selecting the option that best applies to you on our home page. Fill out the form on the respective page and you will receive an email for next steps or additional resources. You may be contacted by a Level Up Kansas Navigator who will suggest options for you based on your goals and help you find the perfect fit for the next steps in your Level Up journey.​