SEATTLE, WA — For years there have been programs designed to get more girls involved in tech careers, but Microsoft noticed an urgent need to step up industry’s support for minority males. The firm’s MANCODE initiative is scoped as a one day technology conference that educates middle and high school minority males about technology.

According to Shy Averett, Microsoft’s community programs and event manager, only 2.2% of technology professionals are minority males. This type of workshop will “set them up” not only for careers in technology but for successful careers in general, she says. The boys also will learn how to set up resumes and a proper LinkedIn profile. Microsoft acquired LinkedIn in June of 2016.

This program launched on October 19th in Seattle at Microsoft’s headquarters, will stop in 12 cities across the United States through 2019. Next month, at least 80 locations will launch mini MANCODE classes for those who are interested.

For more than 40 years, National BDPA (NBDPA) Chapters in major U.S. cities have supported local youth coding programs with related computer technology projects. In 2019, BDPA activities for new student members and MANCODE participants are available with any or all of the following youth development programs through local BDPA Chapter memberships and participation.

• I.T. Showcase (research and development [R&D] with white papers)
• HSCC (High School Coding Competitions)
• Tablets For Teens (DC area only — create STEM apps with new tablets)
• Mobile App Showcase (develop new mobile and wireless device applications)
• #BDPACON19 (National coding competitions, scholarships, and showcase awards)

For BDPA’s 2019 events, parent, student, and chaperone memberships with BDPA (BDPA.org) are required to pre-register for above listed program participation. For additional information about BDPA and software development opportunities in 2019, coding competition programs, and career development activities across the National Capital Region, visit → BDPADC.org.

— Sources: Microsoft, BDPA, and Black America Web

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Cover photo © 2018 bdpatoday — BDPA National High School Coding Competition (HSCC) finalists, Jr. Devs, and Coders from Washington, D.C. visit U.S. Air Force Cyber Warriors from the Pentagon and USCYBERCOM during #BDPACON18 in New Orleans, LA. For 2019,  #BDPACON19 will be hosted by National BDPA’s Atlanta, Georgia Chapter from August 1-3, 2019. 

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