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2026-2027 genKC Access Scholarship Application

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s genKC program is proud to launch the genKC Access Scholarship, a new opportunity designed to support local, underrepresented Kansas City business or organization by providing ONE (1) complimentary genKC membership position for the 2026-2027 program year (November 1, 2026 – October 31, 2027).

Valued at $850.00, this scholarship will reduce the financial barriers and connect one emerging professional, founder, employee, or organizational leader to genKC’s programming, leadership development, civic engagement, and networking opportunities.

Applications open September 21, 2026, and are due by October 18, 2026. Eligible applicants should be emerging professionals who are local to the Kansas City region and represent a diverse, underrepresented, emerging, or resource-limited business/organization that would benefit from expanded access to genKC and the Kansas City Chamber community. The partnering business/organization must have fewer than 250 full-time equivalent employees and must be a current member of The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce or willing to become a member if selected for the genKC Access Scholarship.

Application Review: To help ensure a fair and equitable selection process, application names and identifying information will only be visible to the genKC Program Manager (Emily Carter) during the initial application review. When applications are presented for consideration and voting, identifying information will be removed and the selection process will be conducted through a anonymous vote.

We look forward to your application and welcoming you to our KC Chamber family!

The genKC Welcoming & Belonging Committee

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Emily Carter (ecarter@kcchamber.com)
1.First & Last Name(Required.)
2.Email Address(Required.)
3.Phone Number(Required.)
4.Current Employer(Required.)
5.Tell us about yourself, your current role or position, and your connection to the Greater Kansas City business or civic community?(Required.)
6.How does your business or organization represent a diverse, or underrepresented voice within Kansas City’s business community?(Required.)
7.How does your background, lived experiences, or professional role help bring a diverse lens to our genKC community?(Required.)
8.What barriers, financial or otherwise, have limited your ability to access professional networking, leadership development, or KC Chamber-related opportunities?(Required.)
9.How would a one-year genKC membership support your personal leadership development, professional growth, career goals, or ability to contribute to your organization or business?(Required.)
10.How do you hope to contribute to the genKC community during the scholarship year?(Required.)
11.Short Essay Question: Please describe a time when you demonstrated inclusive leadership, community-minded leadership or a commitment to welcoming and belonging? How does this show up in your work?(Required.)
12.Please confirm that your partnering business or organization has fewer than 250 full-time equivalent employees and is either a current KC Chamber member or is willing to become a KC Chamber member as required for this scholarship.(Required.)
13.If you are not selected for this scholarship, would you still be interested in learning more about the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce leadership development programs and networking opportunities?(Required.)
14.Are you able to attend a mandatory genKC onboarding and training event for a half day (9-12) on the first or second Saturday in December 2026?(Required.)