Black Girls CODE receives a $100k Software Grant from Microsoft during San Francisco Store Opening

SAN FRANCISCO - April 30, 2013 - PRLog -- Black Girls CODE receives $100k Grant from Microsoft at Microsoft Store opening in San Francisco!
Black Girls CODE (BGC), is a San Francisco based non-profit an organization that teaches workshops in computer programming for girls of color across the nation.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2013 - On Thursday, April 25, 2013, Black Girls CODE (BGC), a San Francisco based non-profit organization, was chosen as one of Microsoft’s community partners during the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at Westfield San Francisco Center.  Black Girls CODE, was one of four local non-profit agencies in attendance.  The other organizations in addition to BGC included:

Larkin Street Youth Services, San Francisco School of Alliance (SFSA) Junior Achievement of Northern California, and the Glide Foundation.
Also in attendance was Supervisor Scott Wiener who represents District 8, to witness the local organizations receive generous software grants from Microsoft to support the local programs in the Bay Area in the many diverse communities served by these organizations.

The Grand Opening Ceremony was the capstone event of the several other activities held during the week preceding the store opening which was attended by several thousand spectators eagerly awaiting the new store opening.  On April 24th Microsoft hosted an exclusive VIP reception for members of the BGC leadership team to enjoy a sneak peak of the store with other distinguished guests and Bay Area executives including a keynote by Frank Gore running back for the San Francisco 49ers.  Other happenings included, Blake Shelton’s performance on Saturday, April 27th.  

“We’re thrilled that through the Microsoft retail store, we have a chance to extend Microsoft’s commitment to the local community. We hope the community will see us as a local technology resource and keep coming back after the grand opening festivities to learn new technology skills and use our theater space for community events,” said Greg Ginther, store manager of Microsoft at Westfield San Francisco Centre.

The strong attendance and partnership with Microsoft signal’s to something greater stirring in the community around girls and the technological industry.  Kimberly Bryant, CEO and Founder of BGC was on hand to receive a $100,000 grant which will help young African American and Latina girls in underrepresented communities learn skills in computer programming and technology which the organization delivers in the Bay Area as well as in several other cities across the US and in South Africa.

Upon receiving the award, Ms. Bryant stated, “…Black Girls CODE is incredibly excited for the opening of the new Microsoft store in San Francisco and grateful to be a Microsoft community partner.  This software award will fuel our technology programs here in the Bay Area and elsewhere and we look forward to even more opportunities to partner with Microsoft as we continue our mission to broaden the participation in the technology space by young women from underserved communities."


About Black Girls CODE

Since 2011, Black Girls CODE has been a transformative global movement fueled by the power of individual but connected and engaged chapters dedicated to providing girls of color with the technical skills and inspiration to become technology leaders of tomorrow. Black Girls CODE is committed to changing the face of technology. In 2012 its first full year of programming - BGC engaged, educated and empowered 800 girls in 16 cities across the globe. In 2013, BGC will #ChangeTheRatio #1GirlataTime by launching 7 local chapters and bringing tech programming to 15 new cities. Join BGC at facebook.com/blackgirlscode and @BlackGirlsCODE.

Contact Information

Jeanette Lewis
jeanettehlewis@gmail.com
917-747-4615