Black Boys Code is celebrating a summer of innovation, achievement, and growth as it continues to create opportunities for Black youth to explore technology and develop valuable skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
From showcasing youth-led technology projects to opening a new chapter in the United States and expanding hands-on programming across Canada, the organization is continuing its efforts to help young people move from being consumers of technology to becoming creators and future technology leaders.
Celebrating Young Innovators Through the National Technology Show & Tell
One of the highlights of the summer was the 2025/2026 National Technology Show & Tell, hosted by Black Boys Code and Black Kids Code on July 25.
The event marked the conclusion of another Technology Year across the organization’s chapters in Canada and the United States. It provided young participants with an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they had developed throughout the year.
The projects showcased a wide range of emerging technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence, coding, automation, drone technology, and electric vehicle concepts.
Outstanding projects and participants were recognized during the event, with winners receiving prizes for their achievements. The organization also recognized the volunteers, instructors, mentors, parents, partners, sponsors, and supporters whose contributions helped create meaningful learning opportunities for participants.
Beyond the projects themselves, events such as the National Show & Tell demonstrate the confidence, curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities that young people can develop when they are given opportunities to explore technology.
Black Boys Code Expands to Raleigh-Durham
The organization’s growth also reached a new milestone in July with the launch of its seventh U.S. chapter in the Raleigh-Durham region of North Carolina.
Approximately 40 Black youth participated in the launch at The Science House at North Carolina State University.
The new chapter began with a hands-on artificial intelligence workshop in which participants learned how to build and train their own image-recognition models.
The launch brought together instructors and team members from different cities in Canada and the United States, demonstrating the collaborative approach behind Black Boys Code’s continued expansion across North America.
The organization says its growing network is made possible through the commitment of volunteers, staff members, funders, and other supporters who are helping expand access to technology education.
Expanding Access Through Community Partnerships
Black Boys Code also continued to expand technology education through community collaboration.
In July, the organization partnered with the 100 Strong Foundation to deliver two technology workshops for youth.
The workshops were held at the University of Toronto Mississauga campus on July 20 and the University of Toronto Scarborough campus on July 23. Together, the events brought technology learning opportunities to more than 100 young people.
Participants took part in interactive activities focused on coding, computational thinking, and foundational technology concepts.
The hands-on approach encouraged young people to think creatively and understand how coding can transform ideas into practical solutions.
For Black Boys Code, partnerships with organizations such as the 100 Strong Foundation are an important part of reaching more young people and opening additional pathways into STEM.
Virtual Summer Technology Camp Connects Youth Across Canada
Another major initiative highlighted during the summer is the organization’s Virtual Summer Technology Camp, proudly sponsored by TD Bank.
Running from August 4 to 17, the camp brought young innovators together from 10 locations across Canada, including the Maritimes, Brampton, Windsor, Hamilton, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto, and Waterloo.
The program offers both beginner and advanced learning tracks, allowing participants to engage with technology at a level appropriate to their existing skills while continuing to develop.
Through coding, artificial intelligence, robotics, and other technology-focused activities, the camp is designed to help young people strengthen both their technical abilities and their confidence.
Building the Next Generation of Technology Leaders
At the heart of these initiatives is a broader goal: ensuring that Black youth have opportunities to see themselves as creators, innovators, and leaders in the technology sector.
Access to technology education can help young people develop skills that extend beyond coding itself. Problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and confidence are all important abilities that can support students throughout their education and future careers.
Black Boys Code’s programming provides young people with opportunities to experiment, make mistakes, develop ideas, and turn those ideas into projects.
The organization’s continued expansion across Canada and the United States also reflects the growing demand for accessible STEM opportunities for Black youth.
Looking Toward the Future
As another busy Technology Year comes to an end, Black Boys Code is continuing to build a broader community around technology education.
The organization temporarily pauses its monthly technology workshops during August, allowing chapter teams and volunteers to take a summer break before programming resumes in September with additional artificial intelligence, robotics, and coding programs.
The summer’s activities demonstrate what can happen when young people are provided with the right tools, supportive mentors, and opportunities to explore their potential.
By investing in technology education and creating spaces where Black youth can learn, experiment, and innovate, Black Boys Code is helping prepare a new generation to participate in and shape the future of technology across North America.