by Erin Hasinger
ComputerSchools.com Staff Writer
September 14, 2006
Famous for its spicy food and thriving jazz scene, Kansas City is a bustling twin metropolis that makes its home in both Missouri and Kansas. With a combined metropolitan area population of over two million, Kansas City has seen tremendous growth in the last 15 years. A downtown renaissance has sparked redevelopment and new business. The city's new entertainment district, Power and Light, is a major draw for nightlife, while the city's commitment to the arts provides numerous cultural activities. Sports buffs will also enjoy the home of Major League Baseball's Royals and the National Football League's Chiefs.
Employment
Kansas City's growth in the last few years has been fueled in part by an excellent job market. On Kansas side, according to Kansas Labor Market Information, the computer industry is one of the fastest-growing in the metropolitan area. Through 2010, computer-related occupations are forecasted for growth of 50%. The industry was named on a list of the industries adding the most jobs, and six individual computer occupations were named on a list of the fastest-growing jobs in the area. Specifically, the most growth is anticipated for computer software engineers of applications at 63.5%.
On Missouri side, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, all computer-related occupations are forecasted for well above average growth through 2012. Specific occupations projected for the most growth include computer software engineers of system software and network systems and data communication analysts, each at 42%, and database administrators and network communication systems analysts, each at 31%.
Potential employers include DST Systems Inc., which provides computer software and IT/business solutions to industries such as finance, health care, and communication.
Sprint and Embarq, a division of Sprint, maintain large presences in the metropolitan area, while Garmin develops GPS systems, among other things, and hires a significant number of information technology-related positions.
Education
Options for students in this sprawling city include the University of Phoenix, which offers a bachelor degree in information technology. Brown Mackie College offers associate degrees and diplomas in computer-aided design and computer software. Another option is Colorado Technical University, which grants associate degrees in computer systems support and bachelor degrees in information systems management. Rockhurst University offers a degree in computer science.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
The Missouri Department of Higher Education administers three grant programs and two scholarships to residents. Scholarships include the Bright Flight program, awarded for academic achievement, and the Marguerite Ross Barnett Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to students with financial need.
Grant programs include the Charles Gallagher Student Financial Assistance Program, Missouri College Guarantee Program, and the Missouri College Guarantee PLUS Program. Students must demonstrate financial need to qualify.
In Kansas, the Kansas Board of Regents offers a number of scholarships and grants to residents, including the Kansas Comprehensive Grant, which awards amounts ranging from $200 to $3,000 to financially-needy students. State Scholars awards are given to residents with academic merit.
Summary
The large midwestern city of Kansas City offers prospective computer students everything from fantastic educational opportunities and tremendous job growth to excellent leisure activities. A smart choice for students, Kansas City offers something to please everyone.
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