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

Scratch Fashionista - Seattle  (Ages 7-12)

Scratch Fashionista - Seattle (Ages 7-12)

TAF Bethaday Community Learning Space

October 5, 2024

October 5, 2024
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Blend tech and trend at our Scratch Fashionista workshop! Master the fundamentals of programming and start designing fashion with code!

This event is full.
Save your spot
Code a Drumbeat - Seattle (Ages 13-17)

Code a Drumbeat - Seattle (Ages 13-17)

TAF Bethaday Community Learning Space

October 5, 2024

October 5, 2024
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Join this workshop to build your own drum set app with JavaScript. 

This event is full.
Save your spot
Develop an Endless Runner Game (Ages 14-18)

Develop an Endless Runner Game (Ages 14-18)

Online

October 9, 2024

October 9, 2024
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Learn cool game development tricks, from game logic to graphics, and end up with a game that’s ready to show off.

This event is full.
Save your spot
Make a Dodgeball Game in Scratch - Chicago  (Ages 7-13)

Make a Dodgeball Game in Scratch - Chicago (Ages 7-13)

Impact House

October 12, 2024

October 12, 2024
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This course offers a fun and interactive way to develop critical thinking skills while building a game.

This event is full.
Save your spot
Code Art with P5 JavaScript - Chicago (Ages 13-17)

Code Art with P5 JavaScript - Chicago (Ages 13-17)

Impact House

October 12, 2024

October 12, 2024
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Master the fundamentals of coding and design your own work of art through shapes, colors, and interactive elements.

This event is full.
Save your spot
Waymo Summit Day - Bay Area (Ages 12-17)

Waymo Summit Day - Bay Area (Ages 12-17)

Code Next

October 14, 2024

October 14, 2024
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Join us for an exclusive tour of Waymo's state-of-the-art facility, enjoy interactive workshops, and take a ride in one of Waymo's self-driving cars.

This event is full.
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Activision Summit Day - Los Angeles (Ages 12-17)

Activision Summit Day - Los Angeles (Ages 12-17)

Activision Motion Capture Studio

October 14, 2024

October 14, 2024
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Experience the magic behind the screen at Activision’s Capture Studio—where every motion and pixel comes to life in the heart of Los Angeles.

This event is full.
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Biotechnology: Decoding Cancer (Ages 14-18)

Biotechnology: Decoding Cancer (Ages 14-18)

Online

October 17, 2024

October 17, 2024
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Step into the shoes of an oncologist and explore how molecular data influences the decisions made in cancer treatments.

This event is full.
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Make a Dodgeball Game in Scratch - New York (Ages 7-13)

Make a Dodgeball Game in Scratch - New York (Ages 7-13)

Pier 57

October 19, 2024

October 19, 2024
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Learn game development with Scratch by creating a dodgeball!

This event is full.
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Code Art with P5 JavaScript - New York (Ages 13-17)

Code Art with P5 JavaScript - New York (Ages 13-17)

Pier 57

October 19, 2024

October 19, 2024
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In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to use p5.js to craft original designs, blending shapes, colors, and creativity.

This event is full.
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Scratch Magic: Creating Broadcast Spells (Ages 10-13)

Scratch Magic: Creating Broadcast Spells (Ages 10-13)

Online

October 22, 2024

October 22, 2024
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Unleash your inner magic and learn to animate interactive digital experiences.

This event is full.
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Women in Data Science - Los Angeles (Ages 13-17)

Women in Data Science - Los Angeles (Ages 13-17)

Ethos Society Koreatown

October 26, 2024

October 26, 2024
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Explore the world of data science and AI with leading women experts!

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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