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.

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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

Designing Interactive Greeting E-Cards using Scratch

Designing Interactive Greeting E-Cards using Scratch

Online

July 25, 2024

July 25, 2024
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Join us on a creative journey where you'll learn to design and animate personalized e-cards.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Make an Arcade Game

Make an Arcade Game

Online

July 30, 2024

July 30, 2024
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Join Black Girls Code’s Make an Arcade Game session, and learn how to design and create your arcade game using Python.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Imposter Syndrome: It’s Not You

Imposter Syndrome: It’s Not You

Online

July 31, 2024

July 31, 2024
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Explore the systemic side of self-doubt with us! Unpack Imposter Syndrome, hear powerful stories and learn to harness your success.

This event is full.
Save your spot
Build Your Shopping App in Scratch

Build Your Shopping App in Scratch

Online

August 7, 2024

August 7, 2024
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Unlock your coding potential by building a dynamic shopping app with Scratch! Join our beginner-friendly workshop!

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Catch the Target: Python Basics

Catch the Target: Python Basics

Online

August 8, 2024

August 8, 2024
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Kickstart your Python journey with "Catch the Target"! You'll create a dynamic game while mastering the essentials of Python program

This event is full.
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BGC x IBM: Tech Divas Create: Equibots Powered by AI Virtual Workshop

BGC x IBM: Tech Divas Create: Equibots Powered by AI Virtual Workshop

Online

August 8, 2024

August 8, 2024
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Join us for a day of tech fun as BGC Bay Area & IBM present Tech Divas Create: Equibots Powered by AI!

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
BGC Bay Area & IBM Presents: Tech Divas Create: Equibots Powered by AI

BGC Bay Area & IBM Presents: Tech Divas Create: Equibots Powered by AI

Bay Area

August 10, 2024

August 10, 2024
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Join us for a day of tech fun as BGC Bay Area & IBM present Tech Divas Create: Equibots Powered by AI!

This event is full.
Save your spot
IBM SkillsBuild x Black Girls Code

IBM SkillsBuild x Black Girls Code

Online

August 13, 2024

August 13, 2024
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TIES is thrilled to host a special web event exclusively for Black Girls Code

This event is full.
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BGC New York & IBM Presents: Tech Divas Create: Equibots Powered by AI

BGC New York & IBM Presents: Tech Divas Create: Equibots Powered by AI

New York

August 14, 2024

August 14, 2024
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Join us for a day of tech fun as BGC New York  & IBM present Tech Divas Create: Equibots Powered by AI!

This event is full.
Save your spot
BGC DC & IBM Presents: Tech Divas Create: Equibots Powered by AI

BGC DC & IBM Presents: Tech Divas Create: Equibots Powered by AI

DC

August 17, 2024

August 17, 2024
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Join us for a day of tech fun as BGC DC & IBM present Tech Divas Create: Equibots Powered by AI!

This event is full.
Save your spot
Websites with WIX.com

Websites with WIX.com

Online

August 22, 2024

August 22, 2024
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Join our BGC workshop, where students will learn to take a gorgeous site template and make it your own!

This event is full.
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BGC Seattle: Animate Your Name! (Ages 7-13)

BGC Seattle: Animate Your Name! (Ages 7-13)

Online

August 24, 2024

August 24, 2024
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How cool would it be to animate your name? You can make it come to life, giving each letter a unique feature while adding music too!

This event is full.
Save your spot
BGC Seattle: Drumbeat Maker! (Ages 14-17)

BGC Seattle: Drumbeat Maker! (Ages 14-17)

Online

August 24, 2024

August 24, 2024
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Participants will build their own Drum Set using JavaScript. We will review the basics of HTML and CSS!

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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