In a bid to bridge the gap in STEM representation, Black Girls Code has unveiled an exciting initiative aimed at empowering young Black girls in the world of technology. With only 9% of the STEM workforce being Black as of 2021, there’s a pressing need for initiatives like this to foster inclusivity and diversity in the field.
Enter Code Along Jr., the brainchild of the visionary organization Black Girls Code, designed to ignite a passion for coding in girls aged 7 to 10. Spearheaded by the talented Kalani Jules, the free online academy promises to make coding fun and accessible through a series of engaging video tutorials using Scratch, a user-friendly visual programming language.
Jules’ talent agency, Evolve Artists Agency, excitedly announced the news of their client’s participation as host of this exciting new STEM adventure.
“Congrats to @kalani.jules on hosting this amazing new web series – Black Girls Code. You continue to be an inspiring force in the industry. Head on over to their YouTube channel to watch the full series. We’re SO proud of you! 💻✨ @mclainentertainment.”
“Together, we can change the face of technology,” Black Girls Code CEO Christina Jones said in a recent statement about the new online coding series.
“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 center of everything we do, and Black girls absolutely have a lot to offer as entrepreneurs, executives, creators, and artists of the future.”
If Kalani’s face looks familiar, it should. The talented actress starred in the popular Christmas movie, Candy Cane Lane. In addition to acting, Kalani is also a chef, actress, model, singer, public speaker, and author.
To watch all episodes of Code Along Jr. click here.
Photo Credit: Evolve Artists Agency Instagram; Black Girls Code Instagram
