For years, Kode With Klossy, the initiative founded by supermodel Karlie Kloss, has been instrumental in fostering the next generation of women in technology. Through immersive coding camps held across the nation, including potential locations relevant to aspiring young technologists in Detroit, Michigan, Kode With Klossy is breaking down barriers and building confidence in young women aged 13 to 18.
Imagine a space filled with laptops, collaborative energy, and the buzz of teenage girls eagerly learning to code. This scene isn’t from Silicon Valley, but rather, a snapshot from Kode With Klossy camps, which have previously partnered with innovative workspace providers like WeWork in cities across the US. These camps offer a transformative two-week experience, taking girls from coding novices to creators capable of building websites and apps. The impact is profound, not just on their skillset, but on their belief in what they can achieve in the tech world and potentially contribute to the growing tech landscape in cities like Detroit.
Zoë Dumas, a former Kode With Klossy scholar and now assistant teacher, perfectly encapsulates the program’s mission. “There’s been a lot of exclusion, and women are not pointed toward science and math,” she explains, highlighting the critical gender gap in STEM fields. Kode With Klossy directly addresses this disparity, encouraging young women to “push our way in” and claim their space in the technological future. This message resonates strongly in communities like Detroit, where empowering young women with tech skills can lead to significant local impact and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive tech industry.
The projects developed by Kode With Klossy scholars are testaments to their rapid learning and creative potential. From platforms designed to engage younger voters in politics to apps promoting healthy eating habits, these young women are applying their newfound coding skills to address real-world issues. This hands-on approach not only solidifies their technical abilities but also cultivates an entrepreneurial mindset, essential for future innovators and leaders, possibly within Detroit’s burgeoning tech sector.
Karlie Kloss herself is deeply involved, often surprising scholars with visits and sharing her personal journey into coding. Having taken her first coding class at the Flatiron School, Kloss understands firsthand the transformative “power of code.” She emphasizes that coding, while seemingly intimidating, is a skill accessible to anyone, regardless of gender. Her message directly counters the false narrative that limits women in tech, a narrative Kode With Klossy is actively dismantling, potentially paving the way for more women in Detroit to pursue tech careers.
Statistics reveal a stark reality: men significantly outnumber women in computing jobs. Kode With Klossy is a direct response to this imbalance, aiming to build confidence and eradicate gender bias in the tech industry. By fostering a supportive and empowering learning environment, these coding camps are equipping young women with not just technical skills, but also the self-assurance to pursue careers in technology and become the “next generation of changemakers.” For Detroit, a city focused on revitalization and innovation, initiatives like Kode With Klossy are vital in nurturing local talent and ensuring women are at the forefront of its technological advancement.
Whether it’s in Chicago, New York City, or potentially Detroit, Michigan, Kode With Klossy camps are igniting a passion for coding in young women across the country. By encouraging them to “create, and be the change,” Karlie Kloss and her organization are not just teaching code; they are building a future where women are equally represented and empowered in the world of technology. The impact of Kode With Klossy extends beyond individual skills, contributing to a more inclusive and innovative tech landscape, with the potential to inspire and empower young women in Detroit and communities nationwide.
