Klossy

High-Level Overview

Kode With Klossy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young women, gender expansive, and trans youth aged 13–18 through free, immersive coding education. Its mission centers on closing the gender gap in technology by providing accessible learning experiences that build both technical skills and confidence. The organization runs two-week summer coding camps—both in-person across the United States and virtually for global participants—teaching foundational programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and Swift. Beyond technical training, Kode With Klossy fosters a supportive community, offering ongoing resources and alumni engagement to help scholars pursue careers in STEAM fields.

Since its founding, Kode With Klossy has awarded thousands of scholarships and expanded its reach to include hybrid and international programming. Its growth momentum is evident in its increasing number of camps, scholars, and the development of advanced curricula, including AI/ML modules. The organization’s impact is both tangible and scalable, with a focus on equity, access, and long-term empowerment in the tech ecosystem.

Origin Story

Kode With Klossy was founded in 2015 by supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss, who began learning to code at the Flatiron School and was inspired to create opportunities for others. Recognizing the lack of representation and access for young women and gender expansive youth in tech, Kloss launched the initiative with 21 scholarships for New York City youth. The program quickly gained traction, expanding to multiple cities and evolving into a national and increasingly global movement. Early milestones included the launch of summer coding camps in 2016 and rapid growth in scholarship numbers, reaching over 2,000 scholars from 47 U.S. states and 20+ countries by 2017. The organization’s evolution reflects a commitment to both scale and inclusivity, adapting to meet the needs of a diverse and growing community.

Core Differentiators

• Free, Accessible Programs: All camps and resources are offered at no cost, removing financial barriers to entry.
• Inclusive Community: Welcomes young women, gender expansive, and trans youth, prioritizing diversity and belonging.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers both front-end and back-end engineering, with recent additions like AI/ML modules.
• Peer Leadership: Alumni return as instructor assistants, fostering mentorship and continuity.
• Hybrid & Global Reach: Offers both in-person and virtual camps, with loaner laptops provided to ensure access.
• Ongoing Support: Alumni network and continued learning resources extend impact beyond the camp experience.

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Kode With Klossy is riding the wave of increased demand for tech education and diversity in STEM fields. As the tech industry grapples with persistent gender and representation gaps, organizations like Kode With Klossy are critical in shaping a more inclusive innovation ecosystem. The timing is especially relevant as digital literacy becomes a prerequisite for economic opportunity, and as companies seek to diversify their talent pipelines. By focusing on early intervention and community building, Kode With Klossy not only prepares young people for tech careers but also influences the culture of technology itself, advocating for equity and access at every level.

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Kode With Klossy is poised to continue expanding its reach, both geographically and programmatically. Future growth may include deeper international partnerships, broader curriculum offerings, and increased alumni engagement. As the demand for tech talent and diversity intensifies, Kode With Klossy’s model could serve as a blueprint for other organizations seeking to drive systemic change. The organization’s influence will likely grow as it continues to empower the next generation of leaders, shaping a more equitable and innovative tech landscape for years to come.