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In The Press

The Brothers in Technology (B.I.T.) Conference, hosted by Urban TEC and LINC at UMKC, offered middle and high school boys in Kansas City hands-on experiences with virtual reality, 3D printing, and robotics. Students also connected with successful Black STEAM professionals who shared stories of resilience and ambition.

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Through inspiring workshops and mentorship, the conference encouraged participants to dream big and pursue careers in STEAM fields. As one student noted, "It’s made me feel like anything’s possible if you put time into it and keep doing it."

Urban TEC, founded by Ina Montgomery in 2013, is dedicated to bridging the racial divide in Kansas City’s tech industry by equipping the urban core with vital tech skills and certifications. Recognizing the severe underrepresentation of Black women in STEM careers, Montgomery launched initiatives like Sisters in STEM, a nine-month program that empowers Black middle and high school girls to explore STEM fields through mentorship, job shadowing, and leadership development.

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Collaborating with organizations like LRNG KC and Connecting for Good, Urban TEC continues to expand its impact, fostering inclusion and creating pathways for underrepresented groups to succeed in tech. “I refer to myself as the technology Harriet Tubman,” Montgomery said, “helping others navigate spaces where they can thrive.”

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