Kauffman-backed tech coalition gains runway (and funding) to help fill KC’s talent pipeline, leader says
March 3, 2025 | Tommy Felts
A new talent-focused coalition led by the KC Tech Council envisions a reality where all of Kansas City’s tech jobs can be filled by Kansas City, said Kara Lowe, unveiling new details of an initiative made possible by the Kauffman Foundation’s new “Collective Impact” funding pathway.
Kara Lowe, KC Tech Council, networks with stakeholders and partners during a KC TechBridge kickoff event at CPKC Stadium; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News
KC Tech Council on Friday publicly announced its employer-led tech talent pipeline program, KC TechBridge, during a meeting with stakeholders and partners that include such organizations as 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.
“The opportunity and runway to build together brings an entire new energy to this project,” Lowe, CEO of the KC Tech Council, told Startland News. “In the big coalition we’re building, we all want to fill tech jobs. And, we’re all doing good work. But thousands of unfilled tech jobs remain in Kansas City. Big challenges need big solutions, and this gives us the time and resources to build toward those solutions together.”
The KC TechBridge coalition — which also includes regional education partners at KU Edwards Campus, Metropolitan Community College, K-State Olathe, University of Saint Mary and Rockhurst University — is expected to 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 was one of six coalitions — out of 60-plus applicants — awarded “Collective Impact” planning grants of up to $500,000 from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Funding to the winning coalitions is the first piece of a two-part grant concept from the Kauffman Foundation, which could result in implementation funding of $5 million to $20 million over multiple years for successful projects.
“The planning grant allows for an eight-month runway to bring together our wide coalition, conduct thorough data gathering and analysis, and begin to ideate,” Lowe said. “The partners from industry, training and education are the key to our success. We need to learn from them to determine where our resources can best be used to build toward a successful talent pipeline.”
In May 2024, KC Tech Council released its three-year roadmap, outlining four strategic pillars — each with milestones that together bore the vision of making Kansas City a premier, sustainable and future-focused tech hub, Lowe continued. The KC TechBridge initiative was outlined as a milestone toward that goal.
“The idea of ‘coalition building’ isn’t new to KCTC,” she said. “In fact, the design of this grant plays right to our strength of existing at the intersection of industry and education within the tech sector.”
RELATED: KC Tech Council announces expanded role for longtime workforce advocate
Lowe thanked the Kauffman Foundation for the timing runway and funding that will allow the coalition to build a bridge between corporate and talent development leaders.
“Now the hard work starts,” she said. “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.”
Featured Business
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
A ‘Doodle’ in the rough: Ben Kittrell unearths a global business
What initially began as a desire to help his friends build websites has now blossomed into a startup with a booming international presence for Doodlekit co-founder Ben Kittrell. And it took gaining thousands of users a month to give Kittrell a wake-up call that it was time to refocus on a business he often let…
Pennez wants to turn the page on youth illiteracy with AI app
If you’re reading this, congratulations, you’re literate. Statistically, this is something to be proud of as 773.5 million people are illiterate around the world. It also means that you’re more likely to have a higher-paying job and be able to more fully participate in society. Rebecca Dove, a former elementary school teacher, saw first-hand that…
‘A relentless pursuit of perfection’ earns Niall national nod
Kansas City watching-making startup Niall recently topped a list of leading American-made watches. A publication that features social impact brands,The Good Trade dished a cornucopia of commendations to Niall, a two-year-old startup that’s surged in popularity and snagged headlines around the nation. The online media group made note of CEO Michael Wilson’s tireless pursuit of excellence with…
Fund Me, KC: FireBoard’s thermometer cooks up smarter chefs
Startland News is continuing its segment to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses. This is an opportunity for entrepreneurs — like Fireboard founder Ted Conrad — to share their stories to gain a little help from their supporters. Back FireBoard’s Kickstarter here. Who are you? Ted Conrad, founder of FireBoard What does FireBoard…