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.

Two students facing the camera and smiling
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.

Donate

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.

Three students posing for the camera

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.

Two girls studying

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
A headshot of Ciara

Upcoming Programs

Nature Rover - Virtual (Age 10-13)

Nature Rover - Virtual (Age 10-13)

Online

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024
-

Learn to program a virtual robot to explore natural environments and collect samples using Scratch MIT.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
STEAM Fashionista with Scratch - Bay Area (Ages 7-12)

STEAM Fashionista with Scratch - Bay Area (Ages 7-12)

Code Next OAK

November 23, 2024

November 23, 2024
-

Use Scratch to build and customize their own interactive fashion studio.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Drumbeat with Javascript - Bay Area (Ages 13-17)

Drumbeat with Javascript - Bay Area (Ages 13-17)

Code Next OAK

November 23, 2024

November 23, 2024
-

Learn how to build their very own drum set app using JavaScript, combining creativity and coding to bring music to life.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Unreal Engine Game Create and Holiday Celebration - Raleigh

Unreal Engine Game Create and Holiday Celebration - Raleigh

North Carolina Esports Academy

December 7, 2024

December 7, 2024
-

Participants (ages 12-17) will learn how to build their very own game using Unreal Engine, the same platform used to create global hits like Fortnite.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Tech the Halls - A Party with Purpose - Atlanta

Tech the Halls - A Party with Purpose - Atlanta

Emory Continuing Education

December 7, 2024

December 7, 2024
-

Girls ages 9-17 are invited to celebrate the season with tech-themed games, friendly competitions, and a chance to win amazing prizes.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Code and Celebrate the Holidays! - Seattle

Code and Celebrate the Holidays! - Seattle

Bethaday Community Learning Space

December 7, 2024

December 7, 2024
-

Join BGC as we celebrate the end of a wonderful year of coding and the holiday season.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
BGC X Mastercard: Girls4Tech - Virtual

BGC X Mastercard: Girls4Tech - Virtual

Online

December 9, 2024

December 9, 2024
-

Participants will discover how A.I. fights fraud, protects identities, supports businesses, and addresses global challenges.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Blast Off With Python - Virtual

Blast Off With Python - Virtual

Online

December 10, 2024

December 10, 2024
-

Through hands-on coding projects, you’ll explore essential concepts like variables, loops, and functions while creating an interactive program that launches a virtual rocket.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
HTML/CSS 2: NASA Astronauts Game

HTML/CSS 2: NASA Astronauts Game

Online

December 12, 2024

December 12, 2024
-

Whether you're a beginner or have experience with HTML/CSS, this class will guide you in creating a unique game that you can share with friends.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Digital Greeting Card and Holiday Celebration - DMV

Digital Greeting Card and Holiday Celebration - DMV

Trinity Washington University

December 14, 2024

December 14, 2024
-

Get creative as you design a personalized virtual greeting card, and stick around for some holiday cheer with fun activities, festive giveaways, and more!

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
🎉🎄 Celebrate the Holidays with Black Girls Code! - Los Angeles

🎉🎄 Celebrate the Holidays with Black Girls Code! - Los Angeles

YMCA Crenshaw

December 14, 2024

December 14, 2024
-

Join us at the YMCA in Crenshaw for a fun, festive coding workshop where participants (ages 7-18) will create arcade games, role-playing games (RPGs), and holiday crafts!

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

Stay up to date

Sign up for our newsletter to learn what's new, what's coming, and how to get involved with the Black Girls Code community.

Get Updates
©2024 Black Girls Code. All Rights Reserved.