Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) has recently donated $15,000 to a global nonprofit in Augusta that is dedicated to the empowerment of girls of color in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Brown Girls Code (BGC) is a nonprofit established in 2018 by Ebony Brown that provided coding, cybersecurity, technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics opportunities to girls between the ages of seven and 18. Brown decided to start BCG due to the lack of representation in females of color in the tech industry.
“I was uncertain about starting a nonprofit but knew I had an idea that could close many gaps in the industry,” said Brown. “It had quickly evolved into a successful initiative with global impact.”
In 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic, BCG changed its curriculum to include remote learning. This program has trained over 1700 girls in 26 states and Canada in STEM-related skills.
The BCG Cyber Academy is a program for 8-12th grade girls to earn information technology certifications at the end of two years.
The donation from SRNS will cover the student enrollment fees for BCG Cyber Academy and additional facility space. Over 65% of BGC participants need scholarship assistance. Brown said that every $20 sponsorship enrolls a child in the program for a week.
“Brown Girls Code activities caught our attention thanks to a Site employee,” said Kim Mitchell, SRNS educational outreach program lead. “The ideals of this nonprofit organization perfectly aligns with SRNS’s mission, values, and interest to train underrepresented girls in technology.”
Brown was honored at the White House with an Honorary Doctor of International Humanities and Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for her achievements in February.
“The continued support means everything to BGC—without volunteers and community funding working hand in hand, we would not be able to expand globally,” said Brown. “It truly takes a village to nurture the technologies of tomorrow. The sponsorship from SRNS is helping our program reach new heights.”
BGC hopes to offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses and more academics for students in digital arts, entrepreneurship, gaming, and innovative technologies.
