We belong in the room

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.

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Cristina Jones, CEO
Black Girls Code
Cristina Jones LinkedIn profile

A Letter from our CEO, Cristina Jones

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

We listen and act. Help us shape the next chapter of Black Girls Code with us.

Invest in the future

Innovation is only possible when diverse minds, skills, and experiences come together to create new opportunities. When girls of color succeed, we all succeed.

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What we do

Since 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.

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Education

Multi-week courses, workshops, and training events expand tech skill sets.

Students talking with each other

Community

Day camps, hackathons, and alumnae activities build connections.

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Workforce development

Alumnae activities and corporate sponsorships pave career paths.

BGC X Servicenow job training

BGC has partnered with ServiceNow to provide training and support to our community to help you break into the IT job market.

Learn More

Summer Camps

This summer we’re bringing BGC all around the country with day camps and intensive bootcamps.

Learn More

Congrats to the “Build A Beat” Challenge Winners!

Beat makers! Your entries made the “Build a Beat” Challenge a success..

Meet the winners
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Upcoming Programs

Discover Salesforce: An Evening of Insights, Innovation, and Fun! (ages 9-17)

Discover Salesforce: An Evening of Insights, Innovation, and Fun! (ages 9-17)

Salesforce DC Office

January 21, 2025

January 21, 2025
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Enjoy expert panels, live demos, and interactive sessions covering order management, marketing campaigns, and setting up your own Trailhead account.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Imagine a World ( Ages 10-13)

Imagine a World ( Ages 10-13)

Online

January 23, 2025

January 23, 2025
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Learn essential coding skills while bringing their imaginative ideas to life through interactive animations and designs.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Digitial Vision Boarding with AI ( Ages 14-18)

Digitial Vision Boarding with AI ( Ages 14-18)

Online

January 23, 2025

January 23, 2025
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Learn how to use generative AI tools to create custom images that reflect their aspirations, from career dreams to personal growth.

This event is full.
Save your Spot
Chicago: Webcam Games with SCRATCH (Ages 7-13)

Chicago: Webcam Games with SCRATCH (Ages 7-13)

Impact House, Chicago

January 25, 2025

January 25, 2025
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Use Scratch, a block-based programming platform, to learn basic coding skills and create a bubble-popping game using video sensing technology.

This event is full.
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Los Angeles: Girls Code the Future: Quantum Computing Meets Fractals

Los Angeles: Girls Code the Future: Quantum Computing Meets Fractals

University of California, Los Angeles

January 25, 2025

January 25, 2025
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Hands-on workshop that brings the magic of quantum computing to life in a way you’ve never seen before!

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Chicago: Digital Vision Boarding with AI ages (13-17)

Chicago: Digital Vision Boarding with AI ages (13-17)

Impact House, Chicago

January 25, 2025

January 25, 2025
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Use cutting-edge generative AI tools to create personalized digital vision boards that reflect their dreams, goals, and aspirations.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Unexpected Twist: Create a Surprise Animation (Ages 10-13)

Unexpected Twist: Create a Surprise Animation (Ages 10-13)

Online

January 28, 2025

January 28, 2025
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Participants will embark on an exciting journey into coding using the vibrant, block-based programming environment Scratch!

This event is full.
Save your Spot
Pop Mania: A Balloon Bursting Game in Scratch (Ages 10-13)

Pop Mania: A Balloon Bursting Game in Scratch (Ages 10-13)

Online

January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025
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This program introduces students to block-based programming in Scratch, helping them create a 2D balloon-popping game while learning the basics of coding.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot

What girls are saying

Collaborate with us

Work with us to create the conditions for Black girls and gender nonconforming youth of color to lead and thrive.

Get in touch

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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