Black Girls Code Tackles AI and Gaming's Diversity Gap with 2026 Camps

OAKLAND, CA – April 02, 2026 – The trailblazing nonprofit Black Girls Code (BGC) has announced a significant expansion of its acclaimed summer program, launching a series of 2026 summer camps designed to equip young women of color with skills in the high-demand fields of artificial intelligence and game development. The initiative will span 10 cities, from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Los Angeles, and include two virtual sessions, aiming to reach over 600 campers aged 10-17.

This year's program, centered on the theme “She Won't Just Play the Game. She'll Build It,” marks a strategic push into two of technology's most influential and rapidly growing sectors. Through a new partnership with Endless Access, a youth-focused game development studio, BGC is providing participants with access to professional-grade tools and a curriculum that mirrors real-world industry practices. The initiative is a direct response to the persistent diversity gap in technology, a field where Black women currently hold less than 2% of all jobs.

Building the Future, Not Just Playing the Game

The core of the 2026 camps is a hands-on, project-based curriculum that demystifies the creation of technology. Campers will move beyond the role of consumer to become creators, diving deep into the mechanics of game design. In partnership with Endless Access, participants will use industry-standard tools to explore how art, sound, narrative, and gameplay loops are woven together to create immersive experiences. They will design their own game assets, from sound effects to skill trees, culminating in a capstone project presented at a celebratory closing event.

Critically, the curriculum integrates foundational AI skills with a strong emphasis on ethical decision-making. As AI reshapes industries, BGC is ensuring its students are not only technically proficient but also prepared to lead conversations about responsible and equitable technological innovation. This approach provides a robust foundation for girls who will one day build the systems that influence society.

While the Endless Access partnership provides the primary curriculum, BGC is also tailoring experiences to specific locations and interests. The Raleigh-Durham camp will feature a unique curriculum developed in collaboration with NC State, and one of the virtual camps will be a dedicated “Roblox Boot Camp,” where students will learn to design and build an entire world from scratch within the popular platform.

Addressing a Critical Industry Need

BGC's focused push into AI and gaming comes at a pivotal moment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for software developers, a category that includes game designers, will grow by 22% between 2020 and 2030—a rate far exceeding the average for all occupations. The AI job market is even more explosive, with the demand for skilled AI specialists currently outstripping the available supply by a factor of three.

Despite this surging demand, the technology sector continues to struggle with a profound lack of diversity. Women comprise only 27% of the tech workforce and a mere 22% of professionals in AI roles. For Black women, the numbers are even more stark. This underrepresentation is not just an issue of equity; it has tangible consequences, leading to biased algorithms and products that fail to serve a diverse population. By training a new generation of Black and brown women in these fields, BGC is directly addressing the root of this problem, working to create a future where technology is built by and for everyone.

Expanding Access and Impact

Since its founding in 2011, Black Girls Code has reached over 40,000 learners through workshops and programs, establishing a proven track record of impact. The 2026 summer camp expansion represents a significant scaling of this mission. With camps in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, New York, Oakland, and the DC Metro area, among others, the organization is strategically planting flags in major tech hubs and diverse communities.

Recognizing that access is a key barrier, BGC remains committed to providing scholarships and grants to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent an interested student from participating. The inclusion of two virtual camps further broadens this reach, allowing girls from any location to participate. This multi-pronged approach of geographic expansion, financial aid, and digital access is central to the organization's long-term goal of teaching one million girls to code by the year 2040.

“At Black Girls Code, we believe everyone has a role in shaping the future of technology,” said Cristina Mancini, CEO of Black Girls Code, in a statement. “Our camps go beyond coding – they spark creativity and joy, build confidence, and connect girls with a powerful community. Thanks to partners like Endless Access, we're able to reach more girls with enhanced programs that allow learners not just to interact with real-world technology tools and products, but to build them themselves.”

More Than Code: A Holistic Approach

The BGC experience is intentionally designed to be more than a technical boot camp. The organization understands that building future leaders requires a holistic approach that nurtures confidence, community, and well-being alongside technical prowess. To that end, the summer camps incorporate a leadership development curriculum in partnership with Lean In Girls, designed to empower participants with the skills to navigate academic and professional environments.

Daily schedules include wellness and movement activities to support mental and physical health, while tailored speaker sessions provide invaluable exposure to industry professionals. These sessions allow campers to see themselves in careers across AI, gaming, and the broader STEAM landscape, creating powerful connections and mentorship opportunities. This focus on building a supportive and culturally relevant community has been a hallmark of BGC's success, fostering a sense of belonging that encourages girls to persist in a field where they have been historically underrepresented.