Thrive Market x Black Girls Code: How We’re Making Tech More Inclusive

“I hope to provide young and pre-teen girls of color opportunities to learn in-demand skills in technology and computer programming,” says Kimberly Bryant, founder of Black Girls Code (BGC). “Imagine the impact that these curious, creative minds could have on the world with the guidance and encouragement others take for granted.” We couldn’t agree more, which is why we’re excited to partner with BGC and support their initiatives.

Since their launch in 2011, BGC has been dedicated to making programming skills accessible to young women of color through outreach programs like summer camps, workshops, and after school programs. Their ultimate goal is to empower African-American youth with the skillset to occupy some of the 1.4 million U.S. computing job openings expected to be available by 2020, and to train 1 million girls by 2040.

Black Girls Code and Nubian Heritage Partnership

To commemorate Black History Month this past February, we partnered with Black-owned brands Alaffia and Nubian Heritage to help raise money for the organizations and communities they support. From February 16 to February 29, Thrive Market donated 100% of Nubian Heritage product sales to BGC. Nubian Heritage took the initiative a step further, matching our donation to raise a total of $5,400 to help support the next generation of coders.

August Virtual Enrichment Program Hosted by Thrive Market

On August 18, our Black Thriver Resource Group (BTRG) hosted 30 students from BGC for a virtual enrichment event. The event began with a 30 minute yoga session hosted by Thrive Market Senior Accountant Dakota Kahn. Afterwards, attendees joined a lunch panel with Thrive Market employees Kesha McNair, James Meeks, and Sefanit Bethune to chat about subjects ranging from coding skills to the beginnings of the BTRG. BGC students gained insight into working in e-commerce, and received free Thrive Market memberships and grocery stipends.

2021 Partnership Plans with Black Girls Code

BTRG will continue to spearhead our partnership with BGC into next year. In 2021, they’re hoping to host an in-person office event to show the young students what a day in the life looks like for a Thrive Market employee. But until then, they’re committed to creating more virtual mentorship opportunities for BGC students. Join us and encourage young minds to step into STEM by donating to BGC, checking out their apparel, or volunteering your time to the organization.