Black Girls Code

Black Girls Code
source
Name	Black Girls Code
Founder	Kimberly Bryant
Location	United States

Black Girls Code is a non-profit organization founded by Kimberly Bryant in 2011, with the goal of increasing the number of African American girls in the field of computer science and technology. The organization is headquartered in the United States and has chapters in several cities, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Kimberly Bryant was inspired to start the organization after her own daughter, Kai Bryant, expressed interest in computer science and programming, but found few resources and support available for African American girls in the field. With the help of Melissa Harris-Perry, Angela Davis, and Mae Jemison, Kimberly Bryant has been able to establish a network of supporters and partners, including Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.

● History

The history of Black Girls Code is closely tied to the experiences of its founder, Kimberly Bryant, who was inspired by the work of Shirley Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Dorothy Vaughan. In 2011, Kimberly Bryant started the organization with a single chapter in San Francisco, and has since expanded to over 15 chapters across the United States and Africa. The organization has received support from a number of notable figures, including Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Beyoncé, as well as organizations such as the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the White House. Black Girls Code has also partnered with Code.org, Girls Who Code, and Technovation to provide resources and support for girls interested in computer science and technology. The organization has been recognized for its work by CNN, Forbes, and Fast Company, and has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Wired.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The mission of Black Girls Code is to increase the number of African American girls in the field of computer science and technology by providing them with the skills and resources they need to succeed. The organization's objectives include providing computer science and programming education to girls from underrepresented communities, increasing the number of African American girls pursuing careers in technology, and providing a support network for girls interested in computer science and technology. To achieve these objectives, Black Girls Code has partnered with organizations such as Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, as well as universities such as Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Carnegie Mellon University. The organization has also received support from notable figures such as Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Steve Jobs, as well as institutions such as the National Academy of Engineering, The National Academy of Sciences, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

Black Girls Code offers a range of programs and initiatives to support girls interested in computer science and technology. These include coding workshops, hackathons, and summer camps, as well as mentorship programs and career counseling. The organization has also launched a number of initiatives, including the Black Girls Code app development program, which provides girls with the skills and resources they need to develop their own mobile apps. The organization has partnered with companies such as Apple, IBM, and Intel to provide girls with access to the latest technology and tools. Black Girls Code has also collaborated with organizations such as The Girl Scouts of the USA, The Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and The YMCA to provide girls with a range of educational and recreational activities.

● Impact_and_Achievements

The impact of Black Girls Code has been significant, with the organization providing computer science and programming education to thousands of girls from underrepresented communities. The organization has also been recognized for its achievements, including being named one of the Top 10 Nonprofits to Watch by Fast Company. Black Girls Code has also been featured in a number of publications, including The New York Times, Forbes, and Wired. The organization has received support from a number of notable figures, including Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Kamala Harris, as well as institutions such as the White House, The United States Congress, and the National Science Foundation. Black Girls Code has also partnered with universities such as Harvard University, Yale University, and University of California, Berkeley to provide girls with access to higher education and career opportunities.

● Notable_Alumni_and_Partnerships

Black Girls Code has a number of notable alumni, including girls who have gone on to pursue careers in computer science and technology at companies such as Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. The organization has also partnered with a number of notable companies and organizations, including Apple, IBM, and Intel, as well as institutions such as Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Carnegie Mellon University. Black Girls Code has also received support from notable figures such as Sheryl Sandberg, Marissa Mayer, and Ginni Rometty, as well as organizations such as The National Center for Women & Information Technology, The Anita Borg Institute, and The Society of Women Engineers. The organization has also collaborated with events such as The Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, The Women in Technology International Conference, and The National Conference for Women in Technology.

● Criticisms_and_Challenges

Despite its successes, Black Girls Code has faced a number of criticisms and challenges, including concerns about the organization's diversity and inclusion. The organization has also faced challenges in terms of funding and resources, with many of its programs and initiatives relying on donations and grants from companies and foundations. Black Girls Code has also faced criticism from some who argue that the organization's focus on African American girls is too narrow, and that the organization should be more inclusive of girls from other underrepresented communities. However, the organization has responded to these criticisms by expanding its programs and initiatives to include girls from a range of backgrounds, and by partnering with organizations such as The Hispanic Federation, The Asian Americans Advancing Justice, and The Native American Rights Fund. Category:Computer science education