Black Girls Code and GoldieBlox recently announced another series as part of their collaboration dedicated to teaching the youth how to code through YouTube and other social media platforms.
Known as the “Code Along” series, the initiative is designed to help build the coding skills of girls aged seven to 13. Available for free online, the lesson plan includes in-depth tutorials on coding revolving around entrepreneurship, games and website building. The program also includes more AI training, particularly as the new technology continues to expand.
“Code Along” allows for attendees to generate their ideas into creative concepts through tools such as Scratch, a drag-n-drop coding platform for children made by MIT.
The initiative also includes interviews with creators from popular video game creators such as Snap, Crunchy Roll and Riot Games.
“Our partnership with Black Girls Code ensures that more young leaders have access to coding education in a way that feels fun, relatable, and empowering,” said the CEO of GoldieBlox Debbie Sterling per a statement. “We are thrilled to be using our platform to expose more girls to the power of technology and the various pathways available to them.”
Founded in 2011, Black Girls Code helps provide the foundation for young Black girls interested in coding to succeed in an industry that is often dominated by white men.
Per a 2024 Harvard Business Review, the underrepresentation of BIPOC women in technology continues to be an issue.
Currently, only 27% of tech roles in the U.S. are occupied by women. Of these 27%, only 3% are occupied by Black women. Studies have shown that, even when they enter the industry and receive these positions, women are more likely to be let go or to leave willingly. Per the same report, women leave tech positions at an increased 45% rate than men do.
Through not-for-profit work, Black Girls Code work to increase the success rates of BIPOC women in tech by helping provide resources and creative outlets that help facilitate the beginnings of a successful career.
“Black Girls Code has always been about expanding impact, and through our Code Along series, young learners across the country and around the globe have access to the knowledge and skills they need to imagine, create, and lead in the digital world,” said the new CEO of Black Girls Code, Cristina Mancini, per a statement. “This season, we’re building on our success with new content and a focus on emerging technologies that will shape futures.”
