Black girls and gender nonconforming youth of color can power the future. Their code gets us there. We support their creativity and boldness with skills, training, and resources that launch their leadership.
Dear BGC Communty,
Code is more than algorithms and applications—it’s language that powers dreams and dissolves barriers. In my first 100 days, my role was to explore and build, navigating all the ways Black girls can participate in and lead tech.
We’ve been relentless.
The collaborative event with Hasbro was a wonder—over 150 attendees, including girls and their families. Each completed task, each “paycheck” in the form of a gift bag, represented more than a reward—it symbolized a future where these girls see themselves as creators and innovators.
My inaugural staff retreat was a testament to the strength of unity. We converged from across the nation, shared visions, refined our mission, and bolstered our values to serve our community better.
Our partnerships with industry giants— IBM, L’Oreal, Nextera, Verizon, and more—are leading us to a thriving ecosystem of innovation and learning. With product design courses led by Nike, workshops crafted with Epic Games, and the Build a Beat Challenge alongside Infosys and GoldieBlox, that drove one billion (yes, with a “b”) impressions, we’re proving that the horizon for our girls is infinite.
Yet, as I envision the future, the questions that propel us beckon: Who’s the next ally to join us? Which new communities will we kindle a spark in? How do we expand the platforms and programs that have garnered the affection and enthusiasm of our participants?
At BGC, STEM has always been our core, and now, with the inclusion of Art, we’re transforming STEM into STEAM. Our Build A Beat Challenge and Code Your Own Superhero initiatives exemplify tech as vibrant and expressive as a work on canvas or a song melody. Al and explorations into fashion and cartoons this spring await us. Further collaborations with ServiceNow, Udemy, and the NBA Foundation promise to deepen our impact.
Our eyes are ever-set on this: launching one million Black girls into tech by 2040. To get there, we’re expanding into new cities, rolling out “always on” programming, and expanding our focus to include a new generation of leaders.
Rooted in our core values of belonging, innovation, justice, impact, and joy, we step into each day with gratitude for people like you, dear donors, who embrace our mission and energize our vision.
Together, we’re coding a bright, equitable, and groundbreaking future. Thank you for standing alongside us.
Warm regards,
Cristina
Innovation is only possible when diverse minds, skills, and experiences come together to create new opportunities. When girls of color succeed, we all succeed.
DonateSince 2011, Black Girls Code has engaged girls of color with computer programming education to nurture their careers in tech.
We partner with schools, local organizations, and dedicated volunteers to offer in-person and virtual learning opportunities for girls and women of color aged 7-25.
Our programs go beyond coding skills, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to realize their dreams.
Multi-week courses, workshops, and training events expand tech skill sets.
Day camps, hackathons, and alumnae activities build connections.
Alumnae activities and corporate sponsorships pave career paths.
BGC has partnered with ServiceNow to provide training and support to our community to help you break into the IT job market.
This summer we’re bringing BGC all around the country with day camps and intensive bootcamps.
Beat makers! Your entries made the “Build a Beat” Challenge a success..
Meet the winnersNovember 2, 2024
Explore basic programming concepts like events and sounds, combining art and music to create interactive greeting e-cards for any occasion.
November 2, 2024
Learn how to build their very own game using Unreal Engine, the same platform used to create global hits like Fortnite!
November 14, 2024
Learn how to design and draw faces and masks using Python’s powerful geometric tools.
November 16, 2024
Blend fashion and technology, master the basics of programming, and build a digital studio that reflects your unique style.
November 16, 2024
Teach a computer to recognize and respond to their dance moves or hand signs using AI technology.
November 16, 2024
Dive into Drone Programming & Pilot Exercises, where you'll learn to program and pilot drones, exploring the skies and developing critical tech skills.
November 16, 2024
Create your very own interactive greeting e-cards using Scratch!
November 16, 2024
Learn how to create their very own lifestyle blog using HTML and CSS.
November 19, 2024
Learn to program a virtual robot to explore natural environments and collect samples using Scratch MIT.
November 23, 2024
Use Scratch to build and customize their own interactive fashion studio.
November 23, 2024
Learn how to build their very own drum set app using JavaScript, combining creativity and coding to bring music to life.
Work with us to create the conditions for Black girls and gender nonconforming youth of color to lead and thrive.
LET'S CONNECT AND COLLABORATE
Reach out to learn more about Black Girls Code and how you can journey with us.
For giving inquiries: fundraising@wearebgc.org
For marketing inquiries: marketing@wearebgc.org
For general inquiries: future@wearebgc.org
For press inquiries: press@wearebgc.org
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