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.

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
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Upcoming Programs

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.
Save your spot
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.
Save your spot
Hack the System: Code for Health Justice - Los Angeles (Ages 13-17)

Hack the System: Code for Health Justice - 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
Designing Interactive Greeting E-Cards - New York (Ages 11-17)

Designing Interactive Greeting E-Cards - New York (Ages 11-17)

NY HQ

November 2, 2024

November 2, 2024
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Explore basic programming concepts like events and sounds, combining art and music to create interactive greeting e-cards for any occasion.

This event is full.
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Unreal Engine Game Create - Raleigh-Durham (Ages 12-17)

Unreal Engine Game Create - Raleigh-Durham (Ages 12-17)

North Carolina Esports Academy

November 2, 2024

November 2, 2024
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Learn how to build their very own game using Unreal Engine, the same platform used to create global hits like Fortnite!

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Masked with Python (Ages 14-18)

Masked with Python (Ages 14-18)

Online

November 14, 2024

November 14, 2024
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Learn how to design and draw faces and masks using Python’s powerful geometric tools.

This event is full.
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 STEAM Fashionista with Scratch - DMV (Ages 7-11)

STEAM Fashionista with Scratch - DMV (Ages 7-11)

Trinity Washington University

November 16, 2024

November 16, 2024
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Blend fashion and technology, master the basics of programming, and build a digital studio that reflects your unique style.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
JavaScript: AI Dance Enhance - Atlanta (Ages 9-13)

JavaScript: AI Dance Enhance - Atlanta (Ages 9-13)

Emory Continuing Education

November 16, 2024

November 16, 2024
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Teach a computer to recognize and respond to their dance moves or hand signs using AI technology.

This event is full.
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Po(W)er Puff CODEXCEL Day for Girls - Texas (Ages 10-17)

Po(W)er Puff CODEXCEL Day for Girls - Texas (Ages 10-17)

Roberson Middle School

November 16, 2024

November 16, 2024
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Dive into Drone Programming & Pilot Exercises, where you'll learn to program and pilot drones, exploring the skies and developing critical tech skills.

This event is full.
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Designing Interactive Greeting E-Cards - Chicago (Age 11-17)

Designing Interactive Greeting E-Cards - Chicago (Age 11-17)

200 W Madison St

November 16, 2024

November 16, 2024
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Create your very own interactive greeting e-cards using Scratch!

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Blogging HTML CSS - DMV (Ages 12-17)

Blogging HTML CSS - DMV (Ages 12-17)

Trinity Washington University

November 16, 2024

November 16, 2024
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Learn how to create their very own lifestyle blog using HTML and CSS.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Nature Rover - Virtual (Age 10-13)

Nature Rover - Virtual (Age 10-13)

Online

November 19, 2024

November 19, 2024
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Learn to program a virtual robot to explore natural environments and collect samples using Scratch MIT.

This event is full.
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STEAM Fashionista with Scratch - Bay Area (Ages 7-12)

STEAM Fashionista with Scratch - Bay Area (Ages 7-12)

Code Next OAK

November 23, 2024

November 23, 2024
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Use Scratch to build and customize their own interactive fashion studio.

This event is full.
Save Your Spot
Drumbeat with Javascript - Bay Area (Ages 13-17)

Drumbeat with Javascript - Bay Area (Ages 13-17)

Code Next OAK

November 23, 2024

November 23, 2024
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Learn how to build their very own drum set app using JavaScript, combining creativity and coding to bring music to life.

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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