The standalone nonprofit will serve as an integrated ecosystem with virtual and place-based skills-building programs
Equips learners of all backgrounds with the skills to thrive in a tech-driven economy
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Black Girls Code, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring, educating, and equipping young girls and women with the skills to lead and thrive in technology, announced today the formation of Beyond Code Collective™, an independent nonprofit organization that bridges the gap between inspiration, training, and employment in tech, connecting learners to educational content, opportunities to develop cutting-edge technologies, and avenues to launch careers.
Beyond Code Collective (Beyond Code) is focused on demystifying the digital landscape and creating sustainable career pathways for individuals at every stage of life to participate and thrive in a rapidly evolving tech-driven workforce. The nonprofit starts from a simple belief: tech is the tool, people are the power. Beyond Code has developed a comprehensive curriculum program with input from leading tech companies, academics, and experts, including Zapier, the leading AI orchestration platform. Beyond Code is collaborating with the Responsible AI for Computational Action design-based research project, a curriculum out of the Responsible AI for Social Empowerment and Education (RAISE) Initiative at MIT, to offer AI, machine learning, and emerging technologies curricula for middle and high school-aged participants, including adapting their proprietary “Picture This” curriculum on computer vision. Learners across age groups will also build AI automation skills using Zapier’s AI Builder Path. More partners to be announced.
“At Beyond Code Collective, we’re uniting the worlds of emerging tech and human talent to shape a future where innovation is inclusive, responsible, and within reach for all. For the past year, I’ve been asking leaders, experts, and students, “Who is coding your future?” The answer has not been satisfactory. I founded this new organization to address the growing gap between skills and opportunities across all communities,” said Cristina Mancini, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Code Collective. “We will be offering both virtual and in-person programming with live instructors, providing wraparound support, meeting learners where they are, and supporting pathways to real economic mobility through hands-on training, mentorship, and job placement.”
Beyond Code Collective, which will be community-rooted and grounded in human-in-the-loop practices, will offer the following key elements:
- The Forge: The Forge is designed as a true “third space” – neither school nor work. These hybrid intergenerational, place-based hubs blend tech education, community engagement, and workforce development under one roof. Designed in collaboration with local stakeholders, each Forge Center provides culturally responsive programming for learners of all ages (7-70+), from early career professionals and adults seeking to upskill or pivot into tech careers to parents and families seeking to understand these new technologies. Workshops and curricula are focused on emerging technologies (e.g. AI, gaming, climate) and creative coding labs for the entire family.
- Beyond Code Catalysts: A virtual and physical cohort-based workforce program that creates clear, supported pathways into high-demand tech careers. Catalysts combines industry-recognized credentials (e.g. CompTIA, Salesforce, AWS), platform-specific training, paid externships and apprenticeships, and required wraparound support, including financial literacy training, workplace fundamentals, career coaching, and mental health resources.
- After The Game: A national, cohort-based workforce program for transitioning or recently-retired professional and NCAA student-athletes. It is explicitly designed for those who are not long-term earners and need structured support to design and enter a second career. This structured program bridges the “digital skill divide” with technical leaders teaching live classes and building curricula, and a community providing wraparound support that covers everything from corporate readiness to job placement.
Beyond Code Collective ensures that today’s and tomorrow’s talent are equipped not only with technical skills, but also with the confidence and community support to turn learning into real-world impact, fostering the next generation of tech leaders and career-ready professionals. In tandem, Black Girls Code remains focused on being at the forefront of creating a more inclusive tech industry by inspiring, educating, and equipping Black and Brown girls and women with the skills to lead and thrive in tech.
Learn more about Beyond Code Collective
About Beyond Code Collective
When we asked the question, “Who is Coding Your Future?”, we knew the answer should be all of us.
Beyond Code Collective (Beyond Code) bridges the gap between inspiration, training, and employment in tech, connecting learners to educational content, opportunities to develop cutting-edge technologies, and avenues to launch careers.
Beyond Code is a transformative new organization designed to prepare learners of all ages and demographics to unlock the opportunities of a tech-powered world for long-lasting career mobility. Beyond Code’s integrated ecosystem aims to create sustainable pathways to quality jobs while strengthening the digital infrastructure of organizations that drive community impact. Its programs include: The Forge, Beyond Code Catalysts, and After the Game, with a focus on wraparound services to ensure support at every stage. With expertise from corporate leaders and technologists, Beyond Code is not only helping learners build the foundation but also supporting technical skills, career training, placement, and entrepreneurship.
About Black Girls Code
Since 2011, Black Girls Code has been at the forefront of creating a more inclusive tech industry by inspiring, educating, and equipping young girls and women with the skills to lead and thrive in technology. Through culturally relevant programs for learners ages 7-18 and career acceleration initiatives for adults 18+, BGC is not just closing the opportunity gap—it’s shaping the future of tech by championing the next generation of innovators and leaders.
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