Kode With Klossy

Kode With Klossy is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls and gender expansive youth to learn coding skills and become leaders in technology. Founded by Karlie Kloss, a well-known model who pursued her passion for coding, the organization began its journey in 2014. Originally, Kloss herself started learning to code, which inspired her to create opportunities for others to do the same.

Mission

The mission of Kode With Klossy is to achieve gender equity in economic opportunities by making technology accessible to all. It aims to create a more inclusive tech culture by providing learning experiences that spark young people's passion for technology and encourage them to pursue STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields.

Programs

Kode With Klossy offers free coding camps across the United States for girls aged 13-18. These camps are designed to be inclusive and welcoming, requiring no prior coding experience. The organization also awards scholarships to young women and gender expansive youth interested in developing their coding skills. In addition to camps, Kode With Klossy fosters a national community that supports young people in their tech careers beyond the initial learning phase.

History

• 2015: The organization awarded its first scholarships to young people in New York City.
• 2016: Kode With Klossy launched its summer coding camps, initially in Los Angeles, New York City, and St. Louis.
• 2017: The program expanded to multiple cities across the U.S., including Austin, Chicago, and San Francisco.
• 2018: The organization significantly expanded its reach by awarding over 1,000 scholarships and establishing camps in 25 cities.
• 2020: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Kode With Klossy shifted its programs to virtual formats, reaching scholars from 47 states and over 20 countries.
• 2022: Kode With Klossy introduced its first hybrid summer program, awarding 4,000 scholarships and launching an AI/ML curriculum.

Impact

Kode With Klossy has seen significant success in encouraging young women and gender expansive youth to pursue tech careers. Before participating in their programs, only about one in five scholars had any computer science experience. Following the camps, nearly nine out of ten scholars planned to pursue opportunities in computer science. The organization reports that a high percentage of its alumni who are in college choose to major or minor in computer science or engineering.

Organization Structure

Kode With Klossy is designated as a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit organization. Financially, it relies heavily on contributions from donors, with minimal revenue from other sources. The organization's leadership includes a diverse team of professionals dedicated to empowering young people in tech.

Financials

Recent financial filings show that Kode With Klossy relies primarily on donations for its operations, with executive compensation and staff salaries forming a significant portion of its expenses. The organization maintains a strong asset base, ensuring stability in its operations.

Leadership

The leadership team includes prominent figures such as Karlie Kloss as the founder, Osi Imeokparia as CEO, and Hallie Smith as COO. Kode With Klossy's team is committed to creating inclusive educational opportunities that encourage young people to explore technology as a career path.