Karlie Kloss Celebrates a Decade of Empowering Young Women Through Tech in Her Hometown

Karlie Kloss, the globally recognised supermodel, entrepreneur, and investor, marked a powerful milestone in her philanthropic journey the 10-year anniversary of her nonprofit initiative, Kode With Klossy (KWK), with an inspiring event in her hometown of St. Louis.

At just 15 years old, Kloss began exploring the world of coding after encountering tech founders during her modelling career. A brief but eye-opening two-week boot camp in New York revealed something deeply troubling: she was one of the only women in the room. That experience planted the seed for what would become Kode With Klossy, a movement designed to equip teenage girls with skills to thrive in the tech industry.

A Decade of Impact

Since its inception in 2015, KWK has served over 11,000 young women across 99 countries, offering free summer coding camps, mentorship, and resources for aspiring technologists. Over three-quarters of the U.S.-based KWK alumni have gone on to study computer science or engineering in college — a stark contrast to the national average of just over 21% of women earning computer science degrees.

This May, Kloss returned to her roots, hosting a celebratory event at Energizer Park’s Ultra Club alongside Chrissy Taylor, CEO of Enterprise Mobility. The event brought together over 150 attendees, including current KWK scholars, alumni, tech partners, and community supporters.

Kloss emphasized how essential community has been in sustaining KWK’s growth. “This isn’t just about teaching girls to code. It’s about building confidence, creating networks, and unlocking opportunities that might have otherwise seemed out of reach,” she told the crowd.

Launching “City of the Future”

As part of the celebration, Kloss unveiled a visionary initiative called City of the Future. This multiyear plan is focused on creating sustained, year-round tech education and mentorship in St. Louis for current KWK scholars and alumni.

The initiative will collaborate with local high schools, colleges, youth organizations, and civic leaders. It will also involve a new partnership with World Wide Technology, one of the region’s major tech employers, to help bridge the gap between education and career opportunities in the field of technology.

“St. Louis is home. And with City of the Future, we’re investing not just in the girls — but in the future of this entire city,” Kloss said.

Giving Back Amid Disaster

The event took place shortly after a devastating tornado hit the greater St. Louis area on May 14, killing five people, injuring dozens, and causing more than $1.6 billion in damage. In response, Kloss and her family delivered donations to victims through the O’Fallon Park YMCA. During the KWK celebration, she publicly pledged her support to the St. Louis Community Foundation Tornado Response Fund, committing to both immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts.

Her words reflected deep personal commitment: “This city shaped who I am. In moments like this, we have to show up — not just with words, but with action.”

A Proud Nerd’s Fashionable Legacy

Though globally famous for her modeling career and magazine covers, Kloss has always described herself as a “proud nerd.” She shared with the St. Louis audience that she once aspired to follow in her father’s footsteps and pursue medicine after falling in love with science at Webster Groves High School.

Kloss’ interests have evolved beyond fashion, expanding into venture investments and media. Alongside her husband Josh Kushner, she co-founded Bedford Media, which now owns legacy properties like Life Magazine and i-D. She has also backed companies at the intersection of fashion and tech, such as Bods and MmErch.

Local Love and Recognition

The evening also highlighted local talent. Fashion designer “Q” of the Q Ambition label, known for dressing NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes, was invited to craft a custom St. Louis SC jacket for Kloss, celebrating her contributions and hometown pride.

Additionally, the Saint Louis Fashion Fund reminded students of the upcoming Susan Sherman Fashion Scholarship, a $5,000 award open to Missouri-based undergraduates pursuing fashion disciplines. Winners will be announced at the “Fashion Futures” event on July 31.

Looking Ahead

Ten years in, Kode With Klossy is no longer just a nonprofit  it’s a movement. With the City of the Future initiative and a deep commitment to her roots, Kloss is proving that fashion, tech, and community can powerfully intersect. As she continues to invest in the next generation of women in tech, one thing is clear: Karlie Kloss isn’t just building brands  she’s building futures.