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

Unexpected Twist: Create a Surprise Animation (Ages 10-13)

Unexpected Twist: Create a Surprise Animation (Ages 10-13)

Online

January 28, 2025

January 28, 2025
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Participants will embark on an exciting journey into coding using the vibrant, block-based programming environment Scratch!

This event is full.
Save your Spot
Pop Mania: A Balloon Bursting Game in Scratch (Ages 10-13)

Pop Mania: A Balloon Bursting Game in Scratch (Ages 10-13)

Online

January 30, 2025

January 30, 2025
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This program introduces students to block-based programming in Scratch, helping them create a 2D balloon-popping game while learning the basics of coding.

This event is full.
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Code Art - Reflections of Black History (Ages 14-18)

Code Art - Reflections of Black History (Ages 14-18)

Online

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025
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Learn the basics of p5.js and use it to create digital art inspired by a Black historical figure who has shaped their perspective.

This event is full.
Save your Spot
Code Music - R&B Beats with Python (Ages 14-18)

Code Music - R&B Beats with Python (Ages 14-18)

Online

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025
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Learn Python programming to create their very own R&B track using the Earsketch platform.

This event is full.
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Celebrating Black Icons with Animation (Ages 7-12)

Celebrating Black Icons with Animation (Ages 7-12)

New York

February 8, 2025

February 8, 2025
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Learn to create animations and interactive art using Scratch, a beginner-friendly coding platform.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Celebrating Black Icons with Animation (Ages 7-12)

Celebrating Black Icons with Animation (Ages 7-12)

Raleigh Durham

February 8, 2025

February 8, 2025
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Students will use block-based coding (e.g., Scratch) to create interactive art or animations celebrating Black historical figures, cultural symbols, or impactful events.

This event is full.
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Code Their Stories- Celebrating Black Women Innovators (Ages 13-18)

Code Their Stories- Celebrating Black Women Innovators (Ages 13-18)

New York

February 8, 2025

February 8, 2025
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A hands-on workshop celebrating Black women innovators who have shaped history and inspired change.

This event is full.
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Code Their Stories- Celebrating Black Women Innovators (Ages 12-17)

Code Their Stories- Celebrating Black Women Innovators (Ages 12-17)

Raleigh Durham

February 8, 2025

February 8, 2025
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Discover and celebrate the brilliance of Black women innovators who have shaped history and continue to inspire.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Code Their Stories: Celebrating Black Women Innovators (Ages 10-13)

Code Their Stories: Celebrating Black Women Innovators (Ages 10-13)

Online

February 8, 2025

February 8, 2025
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Participants will design interactive flip cards that showcase their contributions, inspiring creativity and knowledge while honoring their achievements.

This event is full.
Save your Spot
Grow Your Pet in Scratch (Ages 10-13)

Grow Your Pet in Scratch (Ages 10-13)

Online

February 18, 2025

February 18, 2025
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Learn essential coding concepts like loops, if statements, and broadcasts in Scratch!

This event is full.
Save your Spot
Code the Legacy: Celebrating Black Icons through Animation (Ages 14-18)

Code the Legacy: Celebrating Black Icons through Animation (Ages 14-18)

Online

February 20, 2025

February 20, 2025
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Create dynamic animations celebrating their legacy and contributions.

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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