The November 21, 2025, Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion meeting focused on initiatives dedicated to engaging youth in technology, advancing digital media storytelling, and aligning city efforts to tackle the digital divide post-pandemic. The session featured three dynamic presentations from leaders working to ensure that the next generation, as well as policymakers, are prepared for the digital future, including: Triumfia Houmbie Fulks with Code Algo, Goldie Owoo-Battlet with CyberCreationz Tech, and Jerry Buckman with the City of Kansas City, Mo.
Member Spotlight: digiSTORY KC & KC IMAGINE
The meeting opened with a spotlight on Ron Green, the founder of digiSTORY KC and KC IMAGINE. Ron Green founded these organizations to boost engagement with digital media and storytelling across the Kansas City metropolitan area, particularly noting that Walt Disney began his career in the city.
Also coordinated by Ron Green and KC IMAGINE, Digital Scene KC began in September 2022 and hosts events to facilitate networking among digital media professionals. They also host day-long events for high school students to expose them to a variety of of digital media topics and professionals.
Future plans involve building the VOICE Digital Skills Hub to provide opportunities for students to gain experience in digital media positions. They are also building a dedicated studio for hands-on experience.
Ron Green’s contact information is available at www.digistory.net and rronaldgreen@gmail.com.
Featured Content: Code Algo
Triumfia Houmbie Fulks introduced Code Algo, an organization with a mission to democratize access to high-quality coding education. Their programs empower all K-12 students, with a particular focus on black and brown children, to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Code Algo teaches children how to code, emphasizing Python. They launched a self-driven app for parents and students (available on the App Store) that allows them to work on coding independently. The app can be accessed via codealgoacademy.com.
The organization partners with afterschool programs to offer in-person classes, guiding students in their coding journey. Triumfia shared that building coding skills has indirectly led to an increase in math and learning skills among participating students. Also, Code Algo partners with businesses to provide internships for students aged 14 and older. They currently partner with charter and public schools at the district level (one in Kansas and one in Missouri). Since launching with a new school in September, approximately half of the students are now utilizing their coding platform.
The organization was started about three years ago with the goal of bringing more youth into coding fields and breaking the stereotype that coding is hard and boring, making the concepts more fun and manageable.
Featured Presentation: CyberCreationz Tech
Goldie Owoo-Battlet presented on CyberCreationz Tech, which works to inspire youth to engage in innovation and technology, and also provides programming for their parents and grandparents. Their curriculum ranges from basic computer and smartphone fundamentals to internet safety and privacy.
Founded in 2021, CyberCreationz Tech hosted its first tech camp in 2022, utilizing crowdfunding to pay for initial devices and materials. They create camps and workshops that expose youth to coding, AI, and other tech topics. The organization offers internship positions to students who complete their program. Projects are STEM-based and include skills like JavaScript, Python, and AI tools.
Currently, CyberCreationz Tech partners with 8 locations, including 3 middle schools and 5 high schools. A success story highlighted that one student who completed the program became an official instructor with the organization, helping to advance the tech pipeline.
Featured Content: City of KCMO Digital Divide Simulation
Jerry Buckman with the City of Kansas City, Mo., provided a recap of the Digital Divide Simulation hosted by the City. Jerry’s role in the City’s Digital Equity Office involves supporting local organizations such as KC IMAGINE, Cyber Creationz Tech, and Essential Families, and bringing the issue of the digital divide to the attention of policymakers and stakeholders.
When talking about the Digital Divide Simulation, he highlighted the significant difference that having a computer, internet access at home, and the necessary skills makes. Jerry emphasized that digital inclusion is an integral part of solving barriers across all aspects of life, including housing, transportation, and addressing food deserts.
The City of KCMO is working to update its Digital Equity Plan, which was formalized in 2017, to provide a more realistic post-pandemic view, ensure it is more intersectional, and better reflect current city needs. Jerry is committed to bringing the Simulation to more policymakers and utilizing the accompanying video to present to funders and elected officials to raise the issue’s priority.
Community Announcements
The meeting concluded with updates, including:
- Leslie Scott shared an update from the CTE Summit hosted by KC Public Schools last week at Manual Career and Technical Center, mentioning tours of innovative CTE educational facilities at other districts and an exciting update on the upcoming Northland Workforce Development Center. A new CTE center is scheduled to be built at Central High School in 2027. The district currently offers a wide range of programs, such as auto maintenance, culinary arts, construction, and Project Lead the Way Engineering, among others.
- Code Algo announced an upcoming event and confirmed that their parents’ app is officially live on the Apps Store. RSVP for their event next June here.
Want to get involved?
Visit digitalinclusionkc.org to learn more, sign up for updates, or watch past meetings.
Next Meeting
Join us for our annual year-end holiday reception. Food, drinks & networking!
Thursday, December 11, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Central Library, Kansas City Public Library, 5th Floor
14 W 10th Street, Kansas City, Mo.