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Black Boys Code celebrates empowerment for Black youth through STEM education

For a decade, Black Boys Code has empowered Black youth and broken barriers through mentorship in technology education across Canada.

In 2015, Black Boys Code began with a single chapter and an important mission: introduce Black boys to coding. Ten years later, the organization has evolved into a national and international movement, shaping the future of technology education for Black youth across Canada and beyond.

“Black Boys Code was built on the belief that access to technology education could be a catalyst for change in Black communities,” says founder Bryan Johnson. “Over the past ten years, the organization has served more than 14,500 youth, providing them with the skills, confidence and mentorship to pursue careers in STEM.”

The power of mentorship

Bryan Johnson, founder of Black Boys Code. Photo | Bryan Johnson

Black Boys Code bridges the divide across an undeniable diversity gap in the computer sciences and related fields. Through workshops, hackathons, after-school programs and summer tech programs, the organization introduces Black boys to Black male industry role models who serve as living proof that success is a tangible and attainable reality in the world of STEM.

“We dismantle barriers and showcase that success in these fields is not the exception, but the norm,” Johnson says, noting research that indicates that Black students who have Black teachers who reflect their experiences and worldviews perform better in school.

“Many Black boys have never had a Black male teacher,” he says. “Given what research says, it’s vital to provide these experiences and role models.”

While some of the organization’s workshops are virtual, such as the after-school program, many are held on college and university campuses to expose Black children to academic environments. “If Black children have exposure to college campuses, they become accustomed—desensitized—to being on a university campus,” Johnson says. “For many, this is their first time being on campus for academic purposes.”

Breaking barriers

The results speak for themselves. Many Black Boys Code alumni have gone on to study computer science, engineering and other technology-related disciplines in post-secondary institutions.

“We believe education is the key to unlocking the potential of Black youth, empowering them to become future leaders and powerful voices of change,” Johnson says.

There are currently eleven Black Boys Code chapters and four Black Kids Code (Girls) across the country, and the program has expanded into Atlanta, Georgia (2018), and Los Angeles, California (2024). Three additional chapters will open in the United States this year.

Tenth anniversary gala

This September, Black Boys Code marks a decade of success with a special gala event to honour the dedicated individuals and organizations that have contributed to its success.

“Our tenth anniversary is not just a celebration of longevity—it is a testament to the work, commitment, and belief that change is possible,” Johnson says. “This milestone is a reflection of the thousands of young people we have empowered, the educators and mentors who have guided them, and the partners who have invested in their future.”

Watch blackboyscode.ca for details and to learn more.

Connect on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram @blackboyscode.