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

Chicago: AI Compliment Generator (Ages 7-13)

Chicago: AI Compliment Generator (Ages 7-13)

Chicago

May 17, 2025

May 17, 2025
-

Create a custom AI-powered compliment Bot.

This event is full.
Save your spot
Los Angeles – AI Compliment Generator Workshop (ages 7-13)

Los Angeles – AI Compliment Generator Workshop (ages 7-13)

Los Angeles

May 17, 2025

May 17, 2025
-

Use Scratch to code their very own AI Bot.

This event is full.
Save your spot
Los Angeles – From Code to Canvas (ages 13-18)

Los Angeles – From Code to Canvas (ages 13-18)

Los Angeles

May 17, 2025

May 17, 2025
-

Create unique, generative art using Python

This event is full.
Save your spot
Chicago: From Code to Canvas (Ages 13-18)

Chicago: From Code to Canvas (Ages 13-18)

Chicago

May 17, 2025

May 17, 2025
-

Discover how math and algorithms create beautiful generative patterns.

This event is full.
Save your spot
Create an arcade game (Ages 10-13)

Create an arcade game (Ages 10-13)

Virtual

May 27, 2025

May 27, 2025
-

Use Python to build an exciting arcade game from scratch.

This event is full.
Save your spot
Professional Website with WIX (Ages 14-18)

Professional Website with WIX (Ages 14-18)

Virtual

May 29, 2025

May 29, 2025
-

Learn to design your own professional website.

This event is full.
Save your spot
Glow Up in Tech: Microsoft x Black Girls Code Immersion Day (Ages 10-18)

Glow Up in Tech: Microsoft x Black Girls Code Immersion Day (Ages 10-18)

Atlanta

May 30, 2025

May 30, 2025
-

Meet Microsoft’s GLOW team and inspiring Black women in tech.

This event is full.
Save your spot
New York: AI Compliment Generator (Ages 7-13)

New York: AI Compliment Generator (Ages 7-13)

New York

May 31, 2025

May 31, 2025
-

Use Scratch to create a bot that shares personalized compliments.

This event is full.
Save your spot
New York: From Code to Canvas (Ages 13–18)

New York: From Code to Canvas (Ages 13–18)

New York

May 31, 2025

May 31, 2025
-

Learn foundational Python concepts.

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.