Ciara, Black Girls Code Set 'Build A Beat Challenge' To Inspire Young Coders Nationwide

November 17, 2023

Ciara has partnered with Black Girls Code, a non-profit organization that teaches computer science to Black girls and nonconforming youth, for the “Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara” contest to create opportunities for STEAM education in underrepresented communities.

According to a news release, Infosys Foundation USA will sponsor the nationwide contest, allowing students ages 13-18 to create songs with a chance to meet Ciara via video call and win $10,000 worth of tech prizes.

The 38-year-old talked about her partnership with Black Girls Code and hopes the initiative will inspire young Black students to develop interests in music and technology.

“I am proud to be supporting this initiative and empowering young people to take their passion for music and use it to develop technology skills that can give them a leg up in life,” Ciara said in a news release statement. “I’m excited to team up with Black Girls Code because their mission aligns so perfectly with the charitable work Russell and I do at our foundation, Why Not You, which lifts students out of poverty through education and inspires them to lead with a Why Not You attitude. I look forward to seeing the incredible submissions and meeting with the winner in February!”

The “Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara” runs from Nov. 14 through Dec. 31, encouraging young coders to join Infosys Foundation USA’s Pathfinders Online Institute and access helpful video tutorials provided by Black Girls Code to guide the students’ coding journeys, per the news release.

Celebrity judges will critique contest participants, including hip-hop legend MC Lyte, music producer and entrepreneur Craig King, TikTok sensation The BoykinZ, Grammy Award-winning artist and producer Bosko Kante and more.

“Black Girls Code is for those who dare to build the world they imagine. The “Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara” is a chance for Black girls and gender nonconforming youth of color to meet relatable role models and code something that is original and dope. This experience is about increasing learning and a sense of belonging. Solving for both will bring about more opportunities in tech for the girls we serve,” Black Girls Code CEO Cristina Mancini said in a news release statement.

Source: https://blavity.com/ciara-black-girls-code-set-build-a-beat-challenge-to-inspire-young-coders-nationwide

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