What you can expect from All Star Code in 2019

All Star Code has changed its mission and vision.

Five years ago when we launched, virtually no connection point existed between young men of color and the tech world.

In order to open the door, you need to see the door.

Our original mission was to “prepare young men of color for full-time employment in the technology industry by providing mentorship, industry exposure, and intensive training in computer science.” Focusing holistically on young men of color in tech felt original, radical and untested.

Today, not only is computer science much more widespread in schools, many learn-to-code organizations have realized that simply teaching someone computer science is not enough to support their success. Curriculums everywhere are incorporating industry exposure and highlighting the importance of soft skills, grit and attitude.

Furthermore, race is front and center in our national conversation. Major technology companies now regularly publish their workforce race and ethnicity data (something they once refused to do despite Freedom of Information Act requests).

Plus, more Black and Latino community organizations are tackling the issue of under-representation in the tech ecosystem.

And a major, comprehensive Harvard and Stanford study revealed that Black boys raised in America, even in the wealthiest families and living in some of the most well-to-do neighborhoods, still earn less in adulthood than white boys with similar backgrounds.

The study concluded that income inequality between Blacks and whites is driven by the systemic racism these boys — and the men they become — experience throughout their lives.

So for 2019, we are unapologetic in the future we want to see.

We envision a country where all young men of color have the access to the tools of success, and where the ability to thrive is available to all who are willing to dare greatly.

Our mission is further updated to take into account how rapidly the learn-to-code space is changing.

All Star Code creates economic opportunity by developing a new generation of boys and young men of color with an entrepreneurial mindset who have the tools they need to succeed in a technological world.

Already, the All Star Code team is devoting ourselves to downloading the recipe for our secret sauce that has led about 85% of our scholars to continue pursuing computer science in higher education. We see that it is the instilling of a particular mindset that leads to persistence, irrespective of whether they continue to pursue computer science or not.

Becoming a software engineer or a programmer is great, but it is not the only path to a strong career in the 21st century. Our goal is to see our students thriving when they enter the workplace. So, we’re getting smarter about partnerships and we’re setting clearer outcomes for our curriculum. Next year, we are building a platform for our scholars to serve as a central clearing house for the myriad opportunities and resources we funnel their way.

We continue to believe that serving 1000 students by 2020 annually (a goal we set in 2015) is possible — but not all in the Summer Intensive. Stay tuned for our growth plans.

It is time to dare greatly for the future.

In 2018, we’ve had plenty to celebrate — our brotherhood of All Stars has grown to 433 young men of color, and they are already embarking on extraordinary projects: starting their own hedge funds, starring in cross-country documentaries, and creating their own apps and hackathon organizations to give back to their communities.

Our work and its impact has been featured in national and local headlines. A small sampling:

In April, Rolling Out covered the story of All Star Code, and the inspiration behind focusing on boys and young men of color: Christina Lewis Halpern empowers Black men to succeed in tech

In May, I spoke to Bloomberg on the underrepresented tech sector and the importance of ensuring diversification : All Star Code’s Christina Lewis on Diversifying the Tech Sector

In June, Black Enterprise covered our incredible fundraising milestone: All Star Code raises over $1 million to expand STEM summer program for boys of color

One of our top scholars and hedge fund CEO, Cole Mattox, was featured in CNBC: This 18-year-old launched a hedge fund from his bedroom in suburban New Jersey

In August, The Grio covered our star-studded fifth annual Summer Benefit: Teaching black boys to shine in tech: All Star Code celebrates in the Hamptons with Soledad O’Brien, Van Jones, which also received a mention in The New York Times.

In Pittsburgh, our pilot national expansion site, we were thrilled that AT&T upped its donation. With 40+ scholars in the Steel City, we are building a network of the future with help from our partner Remake Learning.

None of this would have been possible without funding.

We are especially grateful to our leadership donors, major supporters and sponsors. They have played a pivotal role in our expansion, growth and success of All Star Code.

As we head into the New Year, there is still an opportunity to join our movement by signing up for our monthly newsletter. You can further support our new mission and vision by donating to our Annual Appeal.

#DareWithUs and together we can make a more diverse and brilliant future.

Thank you and see you in 2019!

Christina