In a partnership with the Flatiron Pre-College Academy, model and prized baker Karlie Kloss has announced a scholarship program called Kode with Karlie involving high school girls and learning to code.
The innovative program will be funded by Karlie Kloss and will enable 20 high school girls to participate in the Flatiron School's two-week summer coding course.
The course, which Kloss herself took during summer 2014, teaches young women the basics of coding and provides support in developing their own web apps. The Kode with Karlie scholarship program is accepting applications until May 1, 2015.
The intriguing partnership is a hugely important move by a supremely influential model and it's not hard to imagine that Kloss' participation will spark the interest of many fashion-focused young women.
Model-Funded Tech Scholarships
Kode with Karlie is a New Tech Scholarship for Girls
Trend Themes
1. Gender-specific Tech Education - There is a growing trend towards providing technology education opportunities customized for a particular gender, creating an opportunity for companies to develop programs that promote gender diversity and provide more chances for women in technology.
2. Celebrity-supported Education Programs - Partnering with a celebrity or a role model in education programs can be a lucrative opportunity for businesses to increase their visibility and attract younger audiences.
3. Summer Programs for High School Students - There is a trend towards providing summer programs for high school students, and businesses can capitalize on this trend by developing programs that target specific educational interests or career paths.
Industry Implications
1. Education - With the growing emphasis on STEM education and the need for more diversity in technology fields, there are tremendous opportunities for innovative educational programs that specifically target young women and underrepresented groups.
2. Fashion - The fashion industry can leverage celebrity influence to promote technology education, which can enhance brand reputation while also promoting diversity and providing opportunities for young women.
3. Technology - With the rise of coding boot camps and intensive summer programs, there are big opportunities for tech companies to provide not only educational support but mentorship and outreach programs as well.