LEGiT KC
KC Tech Council’s Leadership & Empowerment for Girls in Tech (LEGiT KC) program is strategically crafted to empower and equip female-identifying students entering their Junior (class of 2028) and Senior (class of 2027) years of high school with tech exposure, career guidance, leadership opportunities and invaluable mentorship.
High school girls stand at a pivotal juncture where their choices and experiences can significantly shape their future. Careers in technology offer immense potential, yet young women often face unique challenges in accessing opportunities. The KC Tech Council recognizes this challenge and opportunity. By bridging the gender gap in technology, we will uplift individual aspirations and contribute to a more diverse and innovative tech industry.
For Female-Identifying Students
If interested in participating, please complete the short application by April 17th. No previous technology experience is necessary. The LEGiT program will select female-identifying students from high schools across the Kansas City region. Should you have any inquiries about the application process or the program itself, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Selections will be made in late-April 2026. If chosen, you’ll be making a commitment to attend five half-day sessions during the summer plus one welcome session at the beginning. Please note that transportation will not be provided.
Embrace the chance to dive into the dynamic world of technology – no prior experience required, just a passion for uncovering the wonders of the tech industry and a commitment to our engaging half-day Thursday sessions. Immerse yourself in a transformative experience that will not only connect you with influential female professionals in the vibrant Kansas City community, but also provide exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of revolutionary local tech organizations shaping the future. Forge invaluable connections through peer networking with like-minded high school girls and set your sights on exploring the limitless possibilities of tech careers that await you in the future.
2026 Required Dates for Participants
- Thursday, June 11 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Chief of Staff in Leawood, Kansas
- Thursday, June 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Thursday, June 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Garmin in Olathe, Kansas
- Thursday, July 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Lightedge in Kansas City, Missouri
- Thursday, July 16 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at VML in Kansas City, MO
- Thursday, July 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Graduation from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Cboe Global Markets in Overland Park, Kansas
What We’ll Cover in 2026
- Leadership in Tech
- Career Pathways
- AI/Machine Learning
- Cybersecurity
- Product Design and Development
- Software Design and Engineering
- Financial Technology (Fintech)
- Legal Technology
- Healthcare Technology
- Marketing Technology
- Data Centers and Technology Infrastructure
- And more!
WHAT YOU’LL GET FROM LEGIT
- Opportunities to interact with industry professionals as mentors
- Exploration of tech jobs
- Building of both peer and tech networks
- Experiential learning through on-site visits into the tech industry
ACTIVITIES
- Tech/Industry tours, demos and projects
- Tech role exploration
- Tech pathway overview(s) with speakers
- Meetings and mentorship with women work in tech
- Leadership/journey speakers
- Peer networking
WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING
- LEGiT KC helped me to immerse myself in the technology field. Through the program, I learned how tech influences our lives, and how we, in turn, influence technology. LEGiT has helped me to network and meet so many strong women in the tech industry, and has inspired me to follow in their path.
- This program was an amazing way to engage with the tech industry, network with professionals, and meet others interested in tech. I found it was a great way to gather more information about tech in general and was an amazing experience that opened many doors into technology careers.
- LEGiT allowed me to get an up close look at careers that I would not have seen elsewhere! It was also great to meet other girls with similar interests.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEMALE TECH PROFESSIONALS
- We invite you to mentor young women and encourage them to explore an active tech role in the future. Your commitment, ranging from two to seven hours of voluntary engagement per cohort, distributed throughout June and July 2026 will significantly contribute to shaping and inspiring their journey.
- Women working in tech organizations are encouraged to volunteer as potential speakers and/or mentors* for LEGiT participants. Please note that volunteers will not necessarily be assigned individual mentees, but rather contribute to group mentorship.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Erin Christensen.
Have Additional Questions?
Please feel free to contact KC Tech Council Director of Programs & Engagement, Zach Gredlics