Black Girls Code

Helping a small startup grow

When Kimberly Bryant founded Black Girls Code (BGC), she hoped her pre-teen daughter would be able to learn computer programming without feeling isolated. Once launched it was clear that BGC had tapped into a tremendous need—not just for Kimberly’s daughter, but for so many other girls as well.

The small startup scaled quickly in response to the high demand: Chapters launched in quick succession. Parents and alumni wanted to get more and more involved. Sponsors wanted in. While this incredible interest was exciting, it pushed the limits of BCG’s staff of six. To scale her venture with authenticity and care, Kimberly reached out to Openbox.

Openbox delivered tools to empower BGC staff and volunteers to champion the organization’s mission across geographies and communities.

Black Girls Code was founded in 2011 to help bridge the digital divide for young girls of color.

How we did it

  • Immersing ourselves in the Black Girls Code ecosystem by conducting in-depth interviews and observations with key stakeholders including parents, staff, volunteers, and students.
  • Facilitating workshops with BGC staff to understand the aspirations and challenges currently facing the each member of the team and the organization as a whole.
  • Designing a new organizational structure and codifying practices and procedures.
  • Designing communication materials for socializing standard processes and roles with all staff, current and future.
(1/3) An internal toolkit, accessible in print and online, explains the Black Girls Code brand model and culture.
(2/3) An internal toolkit, accessible in print and online, explains the Black Girls Code brand model and culture.
(3/5) We asked staff to brainstorm the opportunities and goals of a BGC chapter event (before, during and after) from the perspective of their designated role, and share it with the group.

Outcomes

Taken together, these tools help Black Girls Code stay intentional, grounded and on-mission as they grow. Today, BGC has chapters nationwide and has served over 5000 girls. Some former participants are now majoring in computer science at top schools.