Per a YouScience® press release, as of 2021, 9% of the STEM workforce was Black. Although this is an increase from 2011, there is still work to do to close the gap for Black children, especially young Black girls. Coding is one of the most popular and lucrative jobs within the STEM field. To help close the gap, the Black Girls Code organization has launched a free online academy spearheaded by the talented Kalani Jules.
Code Along Jr. is geared towards girls ages 7 to 10-years-old and will feature Kalani as she accompanies young coders on a journey through a series of six video tutorials that “teach you how to make fun projects in Scratch, a fun visual programming language…”
Jules’ talent agency, Evolve Artists Agency, excitedly announced the news of their client’s participation as host of this exciting new STEM adventure.
“Congrats to @kalani.jules on hosting this amazing new web series – Black Girls Code. You continue to be an inspiring force in the industry. Head on over to their YouTube channel to watch the full series. We’re SO proud of you! 💻✨ @mclainentertainment.”
“Together, we can change the face of technology,” Black Girls Code CEO Christina Jones said in a recent statement about the new online coding series.
“Kalani, as a vibrant and energetic 12-year-old, is the perfect host for Code Along Jr. She shows girls that tech is fun, not scary. She reaches them at their level and shows them that they can do anything they want. This is so important because tech is at the center of everything we do, and Black girls absolutely have a lot to offer as entrepreneurs, executives, creators, and artists of the future.”
If Kalani’s face looks familiar, it should. The talented actress starred in the popular Christmas movie, Candy Cane Lane. In addition to acting, Kalani is also a chef, actress, model, singer, public speaker, and author. We have to agree with Black Girls Code CEO Christina Jones, it seems like Kalani is perfect for the job!
To watch all episodes of Code Along Jr. click here.
Photo Credit: Evolve Artists Agency Instagram; Black Girls Code Instagram