Black Girls Code & GoldieBlox launch free coding academy for young Black girls

Black Girls Code CEO Cristina Jones with Kalani Jewel at Launch of Code Along Jr. in Los Angeles

Black Girls Code and GoldieBlox have joined forces to introduce Code Along Jr., a free, video-based coding academy designed to empower young Black girls. 

Hosted by child actress Kalani Jewel, the programme is the newest addition to the Code Along series and was launched in Los Angeles with an event that drew nearly 200 individuals. 

Black Girls Code, founded in 2011, aims to provide Black girls with the skills and opportunities needed for careers in technology. The organisation's goal is to enable one million girls of colour to enter the tech field by 2040, offering education in computer programming and nurturing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics fields through partnerships and community engagement.

GoldieBlox is dedicated to making Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) accessible and enjoyable for all children, focusing on girls. The company produces content and products designed to inspire interest and confidence in STEM fields.

Cristina Jones, CEO of Black Girls Code, expressed the programme's objectives, stating: "Together, we can change the face of technology," said Black Girls Code CEO Cristina Jones. "Kalani, as a vibrant and energetic 12-year-old, is the perfect host for Code Along Jr. 

“She shows girls that tech is fun, not scary. She reaches them at their level and shows them that they can do anything they want. This is so important because tech is at the centre of everything we do, and Black girls absolutely have a lot to offer as entrepreneurs, executives, creators, and artists of the future."

Data from Junior Achievement indicates a concerning trend: a mere 9% of girls aged 13-17 express interest in pursuing careers in STEM. This decline in interest underscores the urgency of engaging girls in STEM subjects at a younger age before societal stereotypes and self-doubt begin to impact their confidence and aspirations.

Code Along Jr. targets this critical early period of development, employing Scratch—a coding platform for children—to captivate and educate. The current season features six tutorials that combine skill development with inspiration from diverse role models.

"GoldieBlox lives at the intersection of technology, play and girl power," said Debra Sterling, founder and CEO of GoldieBlox. "A partnership with Black Girls Code on Code Along Jr. is a natural fit for us. We are thrilled to help expose girls to the magic of tech-enabled creativity and support them on their learning journey."