Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) recently provided $15,000 in sponsorship to a global nonprofit based in Augusta, Georgia, that is dedicated to empowering girls of color through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Established in 2018 by Ebony Brown, Brown Girls Code (BGC) offers coding, cybersecurity, technology, artificial intelligence and robotics opportunities to girls ages 7 to 18. Due to a lack of representation for females and girls of color in the tech industry, Brown was inspired to launch the first BGC location in Augusta. “I was uncertain about starting a nonprofit, but knew I had an idea that could close many gaps in the industry,” Brown explained. “It has quickly evolved into a successful initiative with global impact.” Brown Girls Code members Aniyah Favers, Melani Grier and Kaisa Jones attend a club session held at the Georgia Cyber Center in Augusta, Georgia. When the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, BGC swiftly adapted its curriculum to include remote learning. The program has since trained over 1,700 girls across 26 U.S. states and Canada in STEMrelated skills. SRNS funds cover student enrollment fees for the BGC Cyber Academy and additional facility space. The BGC Cyber Academy is a specialized program for girls in grades 8-12 with a potential to earn information technology certifications at the end of their two-year track. Brown emphasized the importance of volunteer and community support, with over 65% of BGC participants needing scholarship assistance. “Every $20 sponsorship enrolls a child in our program for a week,” explained Brown. “Parents of participating students are encouraged to volunteer and get involved in our curriculum which fosters deeper bonds between our program and community sponsors.” SRNS Education Outreach Program Lead Kim Mitchell, stated, “Brown Girls Code activities caught our attention thanks to a Site employee. The ideals of this nonprofit organization perfectly align with SRNS’s mission, values and interest to train underrepresented girls in technology.” In February, Brown’s achievements in STEM were recognized by the White House, where she received an Honorary Doctor of International Humanities and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden’s administration. “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 technologists of tomorrow. The sponsorship from SRNS is helping our program reach new heights.” BGC plans to offer Advanced Placement courses and launch four more academies for students in digital arts, entrepreneurship, gaming and innovative technologies. For more information about SRNS Education Outreach Programs, click here