Girls in the Raleigh-Durham area have an opportunity this month to learn computer science and coding through two innovative programs offered by the new, local chapter of Black Girls CODE, an organization which focuses on helping minority girls in underserved areas better understand programming and digital technology.

The programs, organized by Black Girls CODE and brought to the Raleigh – Durham area for the first time by Verizon and North Carolina Central Unviersity in Durham, will offer young girls skills in computation science, teamwork and public speaking, among others. The programs are inexpensive and need-based scholarships are available.

The first event in Raleigh – Durham is a one day workshop entitled Build A Website in a Day. The event kicks off on July 11 for girls ages seven to 17. Attendees will learn basic web design and build their own websites using coding, such as HTML and CSS.

The second event is a Summer Camp from July 20-24 for girls ages 13 and older. Participants will learn mobile app development and entrepreneurship. The camp provides five days of hands-on, project-based instruction, where young ladies work in teams to develop their own apps.

“Our camps and workshops offer a space where girls of color can learn computer science and coding principles alongside their peers, with mentorship from female role models who have established themselves in tech fields where women, and minority women in particular, tend to be underrepresented,” said Kimberly Bryant, executive director and founder of Black Girls CODE in a statement.

Jerry Fountain, regional president for Verizon, said: “Girls in the Raleigh-Durham area now have these important opportunities to gain real-world skills in app development, critical thinking, problem-solving, team collaboration and more. At Verizon, our focus in education is to deliver the promise of a brighter future by empowering students with STEM and entrepreneurship skills through engaging hands-on programs like this.”

Both events will be hosted by NCCU at their state of the art biotechnology research facility the Mary Townes Science Complex. For more than 100 years, NCCU has educated the citizens of North Carolina, the United States and the world to become global leaders and practitioners who transform communities.

For more information about both events and links to sign up, go to http://www.blackgirlscode.com/programsevents.html