What Is Kode with Klossy
Kode with Klossy is a nonprofit coding bootcamp for girls and gender-expansive teens founded by Kara Goldin. It offers a two-week, tuition-free immersive program in web development and other tech tracks. The program emphasizes hands-on projects, mentorship, and community, aiming to build confidence and practical skills that remain useful well after the course ends.
Program Model and Eligibility
Eligibility, selection, and cohort structure
Kode with Klossy is open to girls, trans, and nonbinary teens typically between the ages of 13 and 18. Applicants do not need prior coding experience. The program selects cohorts of approximately 30 students, with many attending in person at partner locations and some joining live online sessions. Each cohort is supported by trained instructors and near-peer mentors, maintaining a learner-focused environment.
Web Development Curriculum and Learning Outcomes
Core technologies and project based delivery
In the web development track, students learn the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while using a component-based approach that introduces modern frontend practices. They build projects that solve real problems, focusing on clean design, accessibility, and version control basics. The curriculum is updated periodically to reflect current best practices while keeping the learning curve approachable for beginners.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Two weeks, full time | Program overview |
| Cost | Tuition free (scholarships available) | Program website |
| Technologies | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git | Curriculum page |
| Typical Outcome | Capstone project and portfolio piece | Post program survey |
| Mentorship | Near-peer and industry mentors | Program reports |
Alumni Outcomes and Career Pathways
Reported impacts and long term benefits
Alumni frequently report increased confidence in problem solving, stronger collaboration skills, and a clearer interest in pursuing further tech education. Many enroll in high school computer science courses, join hackathons, or contribute to open source projects. While program data on long term career paths is still evolving, early indicators show that participants are more likely to consider and persist in STEM fields compared to peers with similar backgrounds.
Community, Mentorship, and Support Structures
Sustained engagement beyond the bootcamp
Kode with Klossy maintains an alumni network that offers ongoing opportunities, including hackathons, workshops, and collegiate partnerships. Mentors often remain contacts for advice on courses, internships, and project ideas. This sustained support helps translate the two week experience into longer term growth, bridging the gap between beginner projects and more advanced study or internships.
Comparison With Similar Youth Programs
How Kode with Klossy differs from alternatives
- Focus on gender inclusive spaces, versus general youth coding camps.
- No cost barrier, whereas many local clubs require fees or equipment.
- Project driven portfolio work, compared with lecture heavy intro classes.
- Active alumni network, in contrast with purely synchronous instruction.
- Beginner friendly curriculum, without assuming prior coding experience.
Considerations and Next Steps
Teens interested in web development should review session dates, location options, and application timelines. Preparing a simple project idea or list of goals can help during the selection process. Participants are encouraged to leverage post program resources, keep building small projects, and seek feedback from mentors to maximize long term value.
For schools and counselors, recommending Kode with Klossy can complement existing computer science pathways by offering a low risk, high engagement introduction to real world development workflows.