RALEIGH, N.C. — With summer here and many traditional schools out across the state, some families are looking to get their kids involved in activities. One virtual camp running this week is called Black Girls Code. 

What You Need To Know

  • Black Girls Code is partnering with Truist to bring a virtual coding academy to North Carolina 

  • For five days, students will learn about inventors and tips and tricks about coding

  • Since 2011, the organization has been committed to providing girls access to technology 

  • Black Girls Code has a vision to increase the number of women of color in the digital space

This nonprofit organization is providing girls from underrepresented communities access to technology and skills to become tech leaders. They have a goal to increase the number of women of color in STEM fields.

According to a report released this year by the employment data firm Lightcase and NPower’s Command Shift Coalition, the share of underrepresented women of color in tech has increased from 5% to 6.25% from 2011 to 2021. But, during that 10-year period, Black women have fallen behind in their share of tech jobs. 

One community member who will be going to this week’s camp is 14-year-old Mia Todd. She has big dreams of becoming a software engineer.

She’s hoping that this camp not only helps her grow, but also creates access for other girls who look like her.

“It inspires me to learn new leadership skills,” Todd said. “Also, you’re meeting girls like you and it’s important to have representation in your life.”

Black Girls Code was founded in 2011 and has 14 chapters across the county. There is also one chapter in South Africa.

This virtual camp runs to June 30.