Black Girls Code expands summer camps to 10 US cities with focus on AI and game design
Black Girls Code will run summer camps across 10 cities from June to August 2026, with two additional virtual sessions. The program is expected to reach more than 600 students aged 10 to 17 through a partnership with Endless Access.
Game design serves as the entry point for AI skills in the curriculum. Students will work on storytelling, sound, mechanics, and asset creation using industry tools, building their own game elements from concept through execution.
Beyond basic coding exposure
Cristina Mancini, CEO at Black Girls Code, said the camps help students "not just to interact with real-world technology tools and products, but to build them themselves." The program connects participants with a community while introducing technical skills alongside ethical decision-making and creative problem-solving.
Daily instruction combines coding with project-based learning. Students complete a capstone project and present their work at a closing showcase. Career-focused speaker sessions cover AI, coding, and STEAM fields, with leadership development delivered through a partnership with Lean In Girls.
Wellness activities are built into the daily schedule, with Mancini describing the camps as designed to "spark creativity and joy" while building skills and confidence.
National locations and demand for early skills
The 2026 program operates in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Raleigh-Durham, Memphis, Washington DC Metro, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Two virtual camps run in July and August.
The expansion follows demand for accessible pathways into technology careers for underrepresented groups. Black Girls Code, founded in 2011, serves learners aged 7 to 18 and offers career-focused programs for adults.
For professionals looking to strengthen foundational knowledge, AI Coding Courses and Generative AI Courses provide structured pathways in these areas.
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