RESOLUTION NO. 240535

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Sponsor:  Councilmember Melissa Robinson

RESOLUTION- Recognizing WeCodeKC strives to improve the lives of adolescents by igniting the passion for technology among kids, teens and youth aged 5-17 and establishing June 29, 2024, as Kids Tech Day.

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WHEREAS, WeCodeKC is a non-profit organization in Greater Kansas City aims to eradicate the digital divide and reduce the equity gap by increasing access to technology education, and career exposure, establishing June 29, 2024, as Kids Tech Day. WeCodeKC has impacted 3,000 students and conducted over 122,200 hours of direct training; and

WHEREAS, WeCodeKC promotes equality of opportunity by exposing youth to various computer science concepts, regardless of zip code or their family’s financial status. Through collaborative events such as Kids Tech Day on June 29, 2024.  Kids Tech Day upholds the mission to allow youth to learn technology concepts and leadership skills through interactive workshops, engaging activities, and inspiring presentations; and

WHEREAS, WeCodeKC hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including signature fundraising events and community outreach programs, always creating new and innovative ways to engage with adolescents to increase access to educational technology opportunities in underserved communities in Kansas City by creating a pipeline of future-ready professionals through project-based learning and innovative programs; and

WHEREAS, since the establishment of WeCodeKC, programs have been initiated that aim to increase African American representation in the tech industry and reduce the digital divide in Kansas City.  Fostering technical opportunities is essential, as Black people represent 14% of both the U.S. population and the private industry workforce, their representation in the tech sector is only 7.4%, and Black women make up just 3% of the tech workforce.  WeCodeKC tackles Kansas City's digital divide, as about 7% of households do not have a computer, while 14% of households do not have broadband internet access; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

The Mayor and Council hereby recognize that WeCodeKC strives to improve the lives of adolescents by igniting the passion for technology among kids, teens and youth aged 5-17 and establishing June 29, 2024, as Kids Tech Day; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Tammy Buckner with the appreciation of the Mayor and Council for the work being done to advance technological opportunities in underserved communities.

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