Professional Career Escalators
If you're an incoming first-time college student with a minimum 2.5 GPA or a transfer student with a minimum 2.5 GPA, you will be invited to apply for up to $2,500 in scholarships.
About Our Program
Our program gives students professional experiences that encourage successful transitions into careers in four growing industries — health care, education, business and engineering or law and justice.
Program expectations
Discover the five core experiences of the program, time commitment and other program requirements.
Scholarships
Choose from a $1,500 tuition scholarship or a $2,500 on-campus housing scholarship.
Career tracks
Discover how the program's career tracks fit with these degree-to-professional career examples.
Experiential learning
Participate in virtual meetings, shadowing, industry tours and networking opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
Incoming first-time college students with a minimum 2.5 GPA or transfer students with a minimum 2.5 GPA will be invited to apply through their UMKC status page. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2025.
Benefits of Professional Career Escalators
Career guidance and development
Gain specialized career and academic advising, access to program-exclusive workshops and goal assessments.
Mentorship
Take advantage of group and individual mentorship with peers, faculty experts and community professionals.
Graduate and professional preparation
Access admissions prep resources, professional workshops and graduate or professional school planning guidance.
Leadership development
Identify your leadership style, understand leadership theories and practice leadership.
Experiential learning
Learn from industry professionals through networking and explorative events.
Scholarships
Earn up to $1,500 in tuition assistance or $2,500 on-campus housing scholarship.
Our High School Program
Through the Professional Career Escalators-Career U (PCE-Career U) program, high school students have the opportunity to engage in career exploration and professional development, network with Kansas City-area professionals and connect with current students in the collegiate Professional Career Escalators program through in-person and virtual workshops during the academic year.
Meet Our People
Mako Miller Director Phone: (816) 235-6476 Email: mako.miller@umkc.edu
Amanda Lague Assistant Director Phone: (816) 235-2196 Email: alague@umkc.edu
Connor Davis Program Manager, High School Engagement Phone: (816) 235-6430 Email: connordavis@umkc.edu
"I have financial aid through the Professional Career Escalators program that goes towards my housing in the living-learning community. That helps me feel as though I belong in this community, and it provides a recognition for being a part of the Professional Career Escalators."
Alex Rose
Health care track, Professional Career Escalators