KC Tech Council's LEGiT KC program is strategically crafted to empower and equip female-identifying students entering their Junior (class of 2026) and Senior (class of 2025) 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

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 Friday 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.

If interested in participating, please complete the short application by April 15th. No previous technology experience is necessary. The LEGiT program will select female 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 mid-April 2024. If chosen, you'll be making a commitment to attend five half-day sessions during the summer. Please note that transportation will not be provided.

2024 REQUIRED DATES FOR PARTICIPANTS

Friday, June 7, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Oracle
Friday, June 14, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at 1898 & Co/Burns & McDonnell
Friday, June 28, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Dimensional Innovations
Friday, July 12, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Garmin
Friday, July 26, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. | Program followed by celebration at VML

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 demos and projects
Tech role exploration
Tech pathway overview(s) with speakers
Tech mentorship
Leadership/journey speakers
Peer networking

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 over eight weeks in June and July 2024, 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.

EXPRESS INTEREST IN SUPPORTING THE PROGRAM

Have additional questions?

Please feel free to contact KC Tech Council Director of Workforce Initiatives Christine Murray.

REACH OUT

Program Sponsors

“Meta is committed to supporting projects that build connections, put technology to use for community benefit, and enhance local STEM education,” said Stephanie Segar, Community Development Regional Manager at Meta. “Our Kansas City Data Center is honored to sponsor the KC Tech Council's LEGiT program and its crucial mission to foster leadership and empowerment for girls in the Kansas City tech community. We are proud to be part of the Kansas City community and thrilled to help invest in its future leaders.”

“Since breaking ground on our new EV battery facility in Kansas in 2022, we’ve admired how the KC Tech Council connects and champions the thriving tech community throughout the Greater Kansas City region,” said Kristen Walters, Vice President of Human Resources for Panasonic Energy. “We appreciate the opportunity to support KCTC’s Leadership & Empowerment for Girls in Technology program, especially as it aligns perfectly with our focus on improving access and inclusion in STEAM education and career readiness.”

For additional sponsorship opportunities, please contact Erin Christensen.

Host Sponsors

"We believe the future is STEM, and we're committed to empowering employee-owners to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals in the communities where we live and work through volunteer opportunities, resources and conversations. Getting students, especially girls, excited about STEM and technology is essential to building a brighter future for all of us. Programs like LEGiT (Leadership & Empowerment for Girls in Technology) show students how leadership and empowerment can help them grow their career in the tech sector, " said the Burns & McDonnell team.

"Dimensional Innovations believes that diversity is key to creating remarkable experiences, and a big part of diversity is making sure everyone has a seat at the table,” said Dimensional Innovations’ technology team. “One of the best ways to ensure that we have more women in STEM positions is to make sure they are exposed to it early."

“Garmin is happy to support the KC Tech Council’s LEGiT program as it seeks to empower and encourage young women to pursue careers in engineering or IT. The program aligns perfectly with our broader commitment to STEM outreach through educational events and learning opportunities,” said Laurie Minard, Garmin vice president of human resources.”

"Oracle is proud to support KC Tech Council and LEGiT KC. We’re working to create a future in which every student has the resources, support, and confidence they need to realize their full potential. Programs like this are an important way we can close the gender gap in technology and build educational equity. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these incredible future leaders."

“The opportunity to partner with KC Tech Council in the launch of the LEGiT program aligns with our passion for amplifying voices, growing our communities, making visible careers, and supporting technologists,” said David Mitchell, VML Chief Technology Officer, North America.“VML is a great environment to grow a career in tech and we are thrilled to showcase the diversity in our work, teams, and career paths to inspire the next generation of women in tech.”