Last updated: July 17, 2025

Black Girls Code ("Black Girls Code," "BGC," "we," "our," or "us") is committed to respecting your privacy and protecting the personal information entrusted to us by students, parents/guardians, educators, volunteers, donors, alumni, and community members. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use and share it, the choices you have, and how to contact us with questions. It also includes an important Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) & Mobile Messaging Notice that governs any SMS/text communications you elect to receive from BGC.

Snapshot (not a substitute for the full policy): We collect information you provide (for example when you register for a workshop, donate, volunteer, or join our Community Portal), limited information collected automatically (such as device data and analytics), and information we receive from service providers that help us run our programs. We use the data to operate and improve our educational programs and community services, communicate with you, fundraise, comply with law, and keep our community safe. You control many of the ways we communicate with you, including opting in or out of marketing emails and text messages at any time (reply STOP to cancel texts). See Sections IV & VIII.

Scope of this policy

This Privacy Policy applies to the following BGC-operated websites and online services (collectively, the "Sites"):

• Main website: https://wearebgc.org
• BGC Code Along: https://wearebgc.org/codealong
• BGC Community Portal: https://community.wearebgc.org

Unless we say otherwise, this Privacy Policy does not cover offline data practices (for example, paper sign‑in sheets at in‑person events) except where those data are later entered into our digital systems and thereby become subject to this Policy.

By accessing or using any Site that links to this Privacy Policy, you acknowledge that you have read and understand its terms. This Privacy Policy is not a contract and does not create legal rights beyond those required by applicable law; however, it describes our good‑faith practices and your available choices.

I. Personal information we collect

We use the term "Personal Information" (sometimes "PI") to mean information that identifies, relates to, describes, or is reasonably capable of being associated with an identifiable individual. The categories we collect depend on how you interact with us (student, parent/guardian, educator, volunteer, donor, etc.). Examples include:

A. Information you provide directly

We (or our service providers acting on our behalf) may collect:

• Name (first, last, preferred name)
• Date of birth / age range / school grade level
• Parent or legal guardian name(s) (for minors)
• Email address(es)
• Telephone and/or mobile phone number (including SMS opt-in status)
• Mailing address / shipping address / region
• Program registration details (event selections, waitlists, dietary or accessibility notes you choose to provide)
• Demographic information you choose to share to help us measure equity (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender identity, pronouns) — always optional
• Donation and fundraising-related information that you provide (pledge amounts, dedication info; payment card data is processed directly by our payment processor and not stored by BGC)
• Account credentials for certain portals (username, hashed password or SSO token — we do not see your raw password if SSO is used)
• Photos, videos, written submissions, code projects, survey responses, and other content you upload or submit through our programs
• Communication preferences (email, SMS/text, phone, postal mail)

B. Information collected automatically

When you interact with our Sites, we (and third‑party analytics providers acting for us) may automatically collect limited Usage Information, such as:

• Browser type and settings
• Device type, operating system, and Device Identifier (e.g., IP address; in some cases, mobile advertising ID)
• Referring/exit pages and Site navigation paths
• Date/time stamps and pages viewed
• General location derived from IP address (city/region level; not precise GPS)

We currently use Google Analytics (standard implementation) to help us understand aggregate Site usage and improve content. Google Analytics uses cookies and similar technologies; see Section I.D below for more about cookies and controls.

C. Information from other sources

We may receive Personal Information about you from:

• Event registration partners or learning management tools you use to sign up for BGC programs
• Payment / donation processors (transaction confirmation, donation amount, limited billing details)
• Email / SMS communications platforms that capture your communication preferences or engagement data (opens, clicks, delivery status)
• Social media platforms when you interact with our official accounts or use social log‑in (subject to your platform settings)
• Publicly available sources (e.g., school or district websites listing educators who coordinate BGC programming)

D. Cookies, pixels & similar technologies

We and our service providers use a mix of first‑party and third‑party technologies to run the Sites, keep you logged in, remember preferences, measure traffic, and (where enabled) help us understand which content is most useful. These may include:

Cookies. Small text files stored on your browser that enable core functionality (e.g., session management) and analytics. You can usually refuse or remove cookies through your browser settings; some Site features may not work as intended without them.

Tracking pixels / web beacons. Small code snippets that load when a page or email opens; used to measure engagement or campaign effectiveness.

Local storage & similar. Other local browser storage mechanisms used to remember settings.

Mobile identifiers / SDKs. Limited at this time; if we add mobile apps, we will update this section.

Do Not Track. Our Sites currently do not respond to browser "Do Not Track" signals. You can use the controls described above (and in Section IV) to manage cookies and communications.

II. How we use personal information

We use Personal Information for the following purposes (depending on your relationship with us):

• Program delivery. Register you or your child for BGC workshops, camps, events, and online programs; manage waitlists; verify eligibility; and communicate logistical details.
• Education content & community engagement. Enable access to learning modules, project submissions, collaborative forums, alumni networks, and mentorship features.
• Parent/guardian communications. Provide required notices, consent requests, program updates, and safety information for minors enrolled in BGC activities.
• Donor & supporter relations. Process and acknowledge donations; send stewardship updates; invite participation in fundraising campaigns (email, SMS, or other channels — see Section VIII for SMS rules).
• Marketing & outreach (opt-in). Send newsletters, program announcements, event invitations, or fundraising appeals you elect to receive.
• Surveys & impact measurement. Solicit feedback to evaluate and improve our educational and community impact; compile anonymized or aggregated statistics for grant reporting and mission advancement.
• Site operations & security. Diagnose technical issues, detect fraud or abuse, maintain platform integrity, and secure accounts.
• Legal & compliance. Meet obligations under applicable laws (e.g., tax, child privacy, data protection), respond to lawful requests, enforce our Terms, and protect the rights, safety, and property of BGC, our participants, and the public.

We will use the information you provide in a manner consistent with this Privacy Policy, the context in which you supplied it, and any additional disclosures made at the time of collection.

III. How we share personal information

We do not sell Personal Information. We share Personal Information only as described below:

A. Service providers (processors)

We work with trusted vendors who perform services on our behalf — for example: website hosting, registration and ticketing, learning management systems, payment processing, email & SMS delivery, analytics, customer relationship management, cloud storage, and IT/security support. These service providers are contractually required to safeguard Personal Information and use it only to provide the contracted services.

B. Program and community partners

From time to time we collaborate with schools, community organizations, sponsors, or corporate partners to deliver BGC programming. Where appropriate and permitted, we may share limited participant information (e.g., roster name, attendance status, demographic totals in aggregated form) needed to run a joint event, confirm attendance, or comply with grant reporting obligations. We do not share your personal contact information with partners for their independent marketing unless you explicitly agree.

C. Legal, safety & organizational transfers

We may disclose Personal Information when we believe in good faith that doing so is necessary to: (i) comply with applicable law or legal process; (ii) respond to lawful requests from public authorities; (iii) enforce our Terms, policies, or agreements; (iv) protect the rights, privacy, safety, or property of BGC, our participants, or others; or (v) in connection with an organizational transaction (e.g., merger, consolidation, dissolution, restructuring, or transfer of assets) consistent with our nonprofit mission. If Personal Information is transferred in such a context, we will require the recipient to honor this Privacy Policy or provide comparable protections.

IV. Your privacy choices & access requests

You control many of the ways we use your Personal Information.

Marketing email opt‑out. Click the unsubscribe link in any BGC marketing email or email us at marketing@wearebgc.org with the subject line "Unsubscribe." We will process opt‑out requests as quickly as reasonably possible.

SMS/text opt‑out. Reply STOP to any BGC text message, or see additional options in Section VIII. We honor SMS opt‑out requests promptly (see timelines in Section VIII).

Program communications. Certain operational or safety notices are required to participate (for example, last‑minute venue changes). If you opt out of a channel we may still send you essential program updates through another channel you’ve enabled (email, in‑app message, or phone call) or ask you to re‑enable a channel so your student can safely participate.

Access, correction & deletion requests. To request access to, correct, or delete Personal Information that we maintain about you or your child, please email future@wearebgc.org (students/parents) or operations@wearebgc.org (general inquiries). For security, we may need to verify your identity (and, where applicable, your relationship to a minor participant) before fulfilling the request. Some data may need to be retained for legal or record‑keeping reasons (e.g., donation tax records, required grant reporting); if so, we will explain.

Limit sharing with partners. You may always direct us not to share your Personal Information with program partners for their own marketing purposes by contacting marketing@wearebgc.org.

Cookies & analytics controls. Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies. Google also offers an opt‑out browser add‑on for Google Analytics. If you disable cookies, some Site features may not function.

V. Links to other websites & services

Our Sites may link to third‑party websites, apps, social platforms, or services that we do not control. A link does not imply endorsement. Those third parties’ privacy practices (not ours) govern any data you provide to them. We encourage you to review the privacy notices of any site or service you visit.

VI. Children’s privacy (COPPA & similar laws)

Many of our programs serve children and teens. Protecting young people’s privacy is core to our mission.

• Children under 13. We do not knowingly permit children under 13 to create independent BGC accounts. Instead, a parent or legal guardian (or an authorized school representative operating under school consent) must complete registration and provide any required permissions. If we learn that we collected Personal Information directly from a child under 13 without the required parental or school authorization, we will delete it as soon as practicable.
• Parental rights. Parents/guardians may review, correct, or request deletion of their child’s Personal Information and may refuse to allow further collection or use. To exercise these rights, email future@wearebgc.org with "Child Privacy Request" in the subject line.
• Program communications to minors. Where appropriate, we direct program‑related emails or texts to the parent/guardian contact on file. If a minor participant directly supplies contact information (for example within a learning platform), we will use it only for the program purpose disclosed and will delete or de‑identify it at the end of the engagement unless we are required to retain it.
• Minimum necessary. We collect only the Personal Information reasonably necessary for a child to participate in a given activity.

Note: Additional state or international child privacy laws may apply; we will comply with applicable requirements and update this Policy if needed.

VII. Global access & international data transfers

The Sites are operated in the United States and governed by U.S. law. If you are located outside the U.S., please be aware that your information may be transferred to, processed, and stored in the United States (or other locations where our service providers operate) where data protection laws may differ from those in your home jurisdiction. By using the Sites or providing information to us, you consent to the transfer of information to the U.S. and to the use and disclosure of information as described in this Privacy Policy.

VIII. TCPA & mobile messaging terms (SMS/text programs)

This section applies when you provide a mobile telephone number and expressly opt in to receive SMS/text messages from BGC.

1. How to opt in

You may opt in to BGC text programs by:

• Checking an SMS/text consent box (not pre‑checked) on a BGC registration, donation, or sign‑up form and submitting your mobile number;
• Texting a published BGC keyword to a BGC short code or 10‑digit number; or
• Providing written or digital consent in another clearly disclosed manner (for example, signing a paper consent form at an event).

Your consent applies only to BGC (not to our partners) and only to the phone number you provide. Separate consent is required for each mobile number you register. Consent you provide to another organization does not authorize BGC to text you, and vice versa.

2. Program description & message types

By opting in, you agree to receive recurring SMS/text messages from BGC that may include:

• Program registrations & reminders (workshops, camps, community events)
• Waitlist notices & schedule changes
• Learning prompts or links to educational content
• Volunteer & mentor opportunities
• Fundraising and donation appeals
• Impact updates and community news

3. Message frequency

Message frequency varies by program and season (for example, increased messaging during active camp weeks). We strive to limit messaging to what is relevant and useful.

4. Cost disclosure

Message & data rates may apply. Check your mobile plan for details.

5. Automated technology disclosure

Some BGC text messages may be sent using automated dialing technology, an application‑to‑person (A2P) messaging platform, or other automated means. Consent to receive automated texts is not required to participate in any BGC program or to make a donation. You may register for programs or donate without opting in to SMS.

6. Opt‑out instructions (stop texts anytime)

You can cancel SMS/text messages from BGC at any time:

• Reply STOP to any BGC text; or
• Reply with any of the following recognized keywords: QUIT, END, CANCEL, UNSUBSCRIBE; or
• Email marketing@wearebgc.org with your mobile number and request to opt out; or
• Update your communication preferences in your BGC account (where available).

Once we receive your opt‑out request, we will send you a one‑time confirmation text (no marketing content) and then cease sending non‑required recurring messages to that number. We honor SMS opt‑out requests within 10 business days (and typically much faster). If you opt out via reply text, the block is usually immediate.

7. Revoking consent by other reasonable means

You may revoke prior consent by any reasonable method that clearly expresses your desire to stop texts (e.g., voicemail, email, in‑person request at an event). If you use a messaging channel that does not allow reply texts, we will provide alternative opt‑out instructions in each message.

8. Help & customer care

For help with BGC texts, reply HELP to any BGC message or email marketing@wearebgc.org. We will respond with contact information and additional assistance.

9. Carrier & delivery disclosures

Wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Delivery depends on your mobile carrier network performance.

10. Data we collect for SMS programs

When you opt in, we log: the mobile number you provided; date/time of consent; source (web form, keyword, event form, etc.); proof of consent text (checkbox language, form ID, or keyword); program enrolled; and message delivery/engagement metadata (sent, delivered, failed, opt‑out). We retain consent records for compliance purposes.

11. Age, parent/guardian consent & student messaging

Because many BGC participants are minors, SMS programs directed to youth may require a parent/guardian mobile number and consent. Where a minor provides a mobile number directly, we treat that as a request to contact the parent/guardian on file unless we have verifiable consent to contact the minor participant directly for program purposes. Marketing texts to minors require appropriate consent from a parent/guardian (or school acting in loco parentis where permitted).

12. Changes to SMS programs

If we materially change the categories of messages we send (for example, adding fundraising appeals to a program previously limited to schedule reminders), we will obtain additional consent where required.

IX. Data security & retention

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect Personal Information against loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. No data transmission or storage system can be guaranteed 100% secure. Please use strong passwords and safeguard account credentials.

We retain Personal Information for as long as needed to: provide requested services; support program participation; satisfy legal, accounting, or reporting requirements; resolve disputes; and enforce agreements. When we no longer need Personal Information, we take steps to delete, de‑identify, or aggregate it.

X. Changes to this privacy policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect operational, legal, or regulatory changes. We will post the updated version on the Sites and revise the "Last updated" date above. In some cases (for example, material changes affecting how we use previously collected Personal Information, or changes impacting child privacy), we may provide additional notice or request renewed consent, as required by law or deemed appropriate.

XI. Contact us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Email (general privacy):operations@wearebgc.org
Email (marketing preferences & SMS):marketing@wearebgc.org
Email (child & student privacy requests):future@wearebgc.org

Mail:
Black Girls Code
1736 Franklin St., 10th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612 USA