In an effort to fuse music and technology education, Black Girls Code, a nonprofit championing computer science education for Black girls and gender nonconforming youth, has launched the nationwide "Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara." 

This initiative, sponsored by Infosys Foundation USA, aims to inspire music coding among students aged 13-18, per a press release.

Global superstar Ciara, who is at the forefront of this initiative, said, "I'm excited to team up with Black Girls Code because their mission aligns so perfectly with the charitable work Russell and I do at our foundation, Why Not You, which lifts students out of poverty through education and inspires them to lead with a Why Not You attitude. I look forward to seeing the incredible submissions and meeting with the winner in February!"

From Nov. 14 to Dec. 31, 2023, the challenge welcomes young coders to join Infosys Foundation USA's Pathfinders Online Institute. There, they can access instructive video tutorials provided by Black Girls Code to help them on their coding journey. Participants will use these skills to create their own songs and remixes, blending their creativity with sounds from artists like Ciara, Alicia Keys, Common, Pharrell, and more. 

Winners selected by a panel of celebrity judges, including MC Lyte and Craig King, will have the opportunity to meet Ciara in a live video call and win up to $10,000 in tech prizes.

This challenge is part of the CODE Along program, a collaboration between Black Girls Code and GoldieBlox. CODE Along has seen immense success, gaining nearly 20,000 subscribers and over 156 million impressions on the Black Girls Code YouTube channel in less than a year.

Cristina Jones, the newly-appointed CEO of Black Girls Code, emphasizes the importance of this experience in increasing learning and fostering a sense of belonging for Black girls and gender-nonconforming youth of color.

"Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara" marks the second collaboration between Black Girls Code and Infosys Foundation USA, both committed to expanding access to computer science for K-12 students and educators. 

Infosys Foundation USA Executive Director Kate Maloney shared, "The Foundation is committed to delivering equitable STEAM opportunities for those most under-represented. We are honored to partner with Black Girls Code and GoldieBlox to reach the next generation with a cool and relatable contest to experience computer science and build digital skills. Without a doubt, the creations of these 13-18 year old students are going to be chart-topping!" 

To participate in the "Build a Beat Challenge with Ciara," sign up for free on the Black Girls Code website. Finalists will be notified by email around February 16, 2024. For more details, visit https://www.wearebgc.org/