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KANSAS CITY, Mo. (February 6, 2025) – KC Tech Council (KCTC) is pleased to announce plans to lead a coalition that will build an employer-led tech talent pipeline program using the recently announced Kauffman Foundation Collective Impact grant funding.

 

As part of the application process, KCTC built out the framework “KC TechBridge,” an innovative and collaborative program designed to use a data-based industry-driven approach to create a cohesive tech talent pipeline that aligns with the demands of various businesses and organizations throughout the Kansas City region.

 

KC Tech Council was one of six coalitions out of 60+ applicants awarded the first of a two-part grant consisting of planning and implementation. The Collective Impact Planning funding structure allows KCTC a nine-month runway to lead KC TechBridge alongside a coalition of influential organizations from the corporate, education and non-degree training communities. Together, they will build initiatives addressing fragmented professional pathways in the local business community, with a strong focus on employer engagement that emphasizes the “last mile” of talent development to enable recent graduates and early and mid-career professionals to transition smoothly into high-demand tech roles.

 

KC Tech Council has engaged talent development specialist Anna Hennes, founder of Dovetail Talent Solutions, to lead project management of KC TechBridge’s structure.

 

“We would like to thank the Kauffman Foundation for this runway of time and funding that will allow us to build that bridge between corporate and talent development leaders, as we seek to fill every open tech job in Kansas City,” said Kara Lowe, chief executive officer of KC Tech Council. "Now the hard work starts, and we look forward to leveraging established and future partnerships with local leaders to develop and implement KC TechBridge in a manner that truly benefits not only tech employers, but the broader business community and economic future of our region."

 

Leveraging its established member and industry network, KCTC plans to continue collaborating with a notable list of employers and tech training providers, including Garmin, H&R Block, JE Dunn Construction, Burns & McDonnell, Panasonic Energy, Per Scholas, i.c.stars, WeCode KC and Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas. Established regional university partnerships include KU Edwards Campus, Metropolitan Community College, K-State Olathe, University of Saint Mary and Rockhurst University.

 

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About KC Tech Council

The KC Tech Council serves as the regional advocate for the tech industry, comprising some 200 companies, educational institutions and strategic partners. The organization’s work is focused around four strategic pillars: talent and workforce development, public policy advocacy, visibility, and industry knowledge. Through strategic initiatives and a broad constituency of stakeholders, the KC Tech Council elevates Kansas City as a future-focused, leading technology hub.