Free for Select Candidates · Five Days · In Person
Your Future in Technology Can Start Here.
Black Tech Launch is a five-day coding camp for aspiring technologists ages 17–30. The program is free for select candidates. Participants learn coding fundamentals, build a real project, connect with mentors, and explore opportunities in the technology industry.
No previous coding experience is required. Our program welcomes applicants from all backgrounds while placing a particular emphasis on expanding access and opportunity for Black and African American young adults who remain underrepresented in technology.
- Free for Select Candidates
- Ages 17–30
- Beginner Friendly
- Five-Day In Person
- Hands-On Learning
- Mentor Supported
The Opportunity Gap
Talent is everywhere. Access is not.
Technology continues to shape how people work, communicate, build businesses, and solve important problems. However, access to technology education, professional networks, and early career exposure is not distributed equally.
Black Tech Launch was created to help close that access gap.
We provide young adults with a welcoming environment where they can learn, ask questions, build something meaningful, meet people working in technology, and begin identifying what their own future in the industry could look like.
The program is free for select candidates because a participant's ability to pay should not determine whether they have the opportunity to explore technology.
Our Mission
Expanding access to the people technology has too often overlooked.
Our mission is to equip Black and African American young adults with practical coding exposure, mentorship, confidence, and access to technology career pathways.
Black talent has always contributed to innovation, entrepreneurship, science, culture, and technology. Yet Black professionals continue to be underrepresented across many areas of the technology industry.
We believe exposure can create possibility, mentorship can create confidence, and access can change the direction of a person's future.
The program welcomes applicants of all racial and cultural backgrounds. Our inclusive admissions approach supports our central mission of increasing access, representation, and opportunity for Black and African American young adults.
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Access
High-quality technology education should not be limited to people who can afford expensive programs.
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Representation
Participants should be able to learn from mentors and professionals who understand their experiences and believe in their potential.
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Practical Learning
People build confidence by creating, experimenting, solving problems, and seeing what they are capable of producing.
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Community
Learning is stronger when participants feel supported by peers, mentors, volunteers, and organizations invested in their success.
A note from the founder
“I built this program to give back — to African American communities first, and to anyone with the curiosity to learn. If you have the interest, you should not have to buy your way into the first room.”
Darren Booker
Founder · Staff Software Engineer
Our Origin
Built to Give Back
Darren Booker is an African American staff software engineer and the founder of Black Tech Launch. He created it as a way to give back: to open a real door into technology for African American communities, and for anyone else with a genuine interest in learning — free for the candidates who are selected.
As a staff engineer, Darren designs, builds, and ships software at a high level. He started this camp because that kind of opportunity is still too rare for people who look like him, and too often priced out of reach for people who simply want a chance to try.
His mission is clear. Give African American young adults — and every motivated beginner who is ready to show up — a serious, five-day start. Teach them to write real code. Put mentors in the room. Send them home believing they belong in the industry that will shape what comes next.
Darren does not treat this as charity. He treats it as an investment in people who already have the talent. What they have been missing is access.
The Experience
Five days of learning, building, and discovering what is possible.
This is an immersive beginner-friendly experience designed to make coding understandable, practical, and exciting.
Participants will not spend five days listening to lectures. They will write code, solve problems, work with peers, receive support from mentors, and build a project they can demonstrate at the end of the camp.
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Day 1
Start With the Foundations
Understanding how technology gets made.
Participants are introduced to how websites, software applications, and digital products work. They learn how developers approach problems and how coding fits into the broader technology industry.
Topics for this day Hide topics
- How the internet works
- What software developers do
- Breaking large problems into smaller steps
- Basic development tools
- Setting up a coding environment
- Working effectively with classmates and mentors
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Day 2
Create Your First Web Experience
Turning ideas into real webpages.
Participants begin using HTML and CSS to create the structure and visual design of a webpage.
Topics for this day Hide topics
- HTML structure
- Text, links, images, and page sections
- CSS styling
- Layout fundamentals
- Responsive design
- Accessibility basics
- Turning an idea into a visual webpage
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Day 3
Make Your Project Interactive
Adding programming logic.
Participants are introduced to programming concepts and learn how software responds to user actions.
Topics for this day Hide topics
- Variables
- Conditions
- Functions
- Events
- Basic data structures
- Debugging
- Logical thinking
- A beginner-appropriate programming language
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Day 4
Turn an Idea Into Something Real
Building a real project with mentors.
Participants apply what they have learned by building a small individual or team project with guidance from instructors and mentors.
Topics for this day Hide topics
- A personal portfolio website
- A community resource directory
- A small interactive web application
- A nonprofit awareness page
- A local business website
- A simple technology solution to a community problem
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Day 5
Share Your Work and Explore Your Next Step
Presentations, feedback, and pathways.
Participants complete and present their projects, reflect on their progress, receive feedback, and learn about ways to continue developing their skills.
Topics for this day Hide topics
- Project presentations
- Constructive feedback
- Technology career pathways
- College and certificate programs
- Self-directed learning resources
- Internships and apprenticeships
- Freelancing and entrepreneurship
- Building a portfolio
- Staying connected with mentors and peers
The exact curriculum may evolve by cohort, but the shape of the week stays consistent: foundations, building, logic, project, and presentation.
What You Will Receive
More Than a Coding Class
Participants receive a complete introductory experience designed to help them learn, create, connect, and continue moving forward after the camp ends.
Hands-On Coding Instruction
Learn by building with support from instructors who can explain technical concepts in an understandable way.
A Completed Project
Leave the camp with a real project that demonstrates what you learned and can serve as the beginning of a portfolio.
Technology Mentorship
Connect with professionals who can answer questions, share their experiences, and provide guidance about different technology pathways.
Career Exposure
Learn about careers in software development, product management, design, cybersecurity, data, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and other technology fields.
A Supportive Community
Meet other curious, motivated people who are learning alongside you.
Continued Learning Resources
Receive recommended resources and next-step guidance to help continue learning after the five-day program.
Free for Select Candidates
There is no tuition or program fee for selected participants.
Career exposure means you'll hear from people working in a range of technology fields. It does not mean the camp provides full instructional coverage of every track in five days.
Who Should Apply
You do not need experience. You need curiosity and commitment.
The camp is designed for people ages 17–30 who are interested in learning how technology is created and are ready to actively participate in an intensive five-day experience.
This may be a good fit for someone who…
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Has never written code before
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Has tried online tutorials but wants more guidance
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Is exploring a possible career change
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Is considering college, a certification, or a technology training program
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Wants to build a first portfolio project
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Has an idea for an application or website
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Is interested in using technology to solve problems
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Wants to meet mentors and peers in the technology community
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Is prepared to attend and participate during all five days
No coding experience is required. We are looking for potential, commitment, curiosity, and a willingness to learn.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility for the Next Cohort
Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee acceptance when applications exceed available seats.
To be considered, an applicant must
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Applicant is between 17 and 30 years old by the cohort start date
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Applicant has an interest in learning technology or coding
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No previous coding experience is required
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Applicant can attend all five days
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Applicant is willing to participate actively
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Applicant can provide required consent
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Applicants under 18 may require parent or guardian consent
Cohort details
- Location
- Las Vegas, NV
- Format
- In person
- Duration
- 5 days
- Cost
- Free for select candidates
- Applications
- Coming soon
Full eligibility details will appear here when applications open.
Inclusivity
Open to Everyone. Intentional About Our Mission.
Black Tech Launch welcomes applicants of all racial and cultural backgrounds.
Our mission places a particular emphasis on expanding access to coding education, mentorship, and technology opportunities for Black and African American young adults, who remain underrepresented in many areas of the technology industry.
Our goal is to create an inclusive learning environment while intentionally investing in the community the organization was created to serve.
Participation and acceptance decisions follow the organization's approved eligibility and selection policies.
The Review
How Participants Are Selected
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Space may be limited, and each application will be reviewed based on the published criteria for that cohort.
What the review team considers
- Demonstrated interest in coding or technology
- Thoughtfulness of application responses
- Ability to attend all five days
- Willingness to participate actively
- Alignment between the applicant's goals and the introductory nature of the program
- Potential to benefit from the program
- Commitment to respectful collaboration
- Completion of all required application sections
- Cohort capacity
- Any location or program-specific requirements
A note about experience
Previous coding experience is not required and should not automatically make an applicant more competitive.
The program is intended to create access for people who may not have previously had extensive technology education or professional exposure.
Not owning a laptop will not automatically disqualify an applicant unless the cohort explicitly requires participants to provide their own equipment.
A New Cohort Is Coming
Next Stop: Las Vegas
A five-day, in-person coding camp in Las Vegas, NV. Free for select candidates. Applications are not open yet — join the interest list and we will let you know when they are.
Cohort
Las Vegas, NV
Five days. In person. Free for select candidates. Full dates and the application window will be announced here.
- Location
- Las Vegas, NV
- Delivery format
- In person
- Duration
- 5 days
- Cost
- Free for select candidates
- Applications
- Coming soon
The Process
What Happens After You Apply?
Four straightforward steps — from a completed application to a confirmed seat.
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Submit Your Application
Complete the online application before the published deadline. Applicants do not need to create an account.
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Application Review
Our review team evaluates submitted applications using the published eligibility and selection criteria.
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Receive a Decision
Applicants receive an update by email. Possible outcomes include accepted, waitlisted, declined, or invited to provide additional information.
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Confirm Participation
Accepted applicants must confirm their participation by the stated deadline. Applicants under 18 may also need a parent or guardian to complete required consent forms.
Participant Commitment
What We Ask From Participants
The camp is free, but each available seat represents a meaningful investment from instructors, mentors, volunteers, and supporters.
Selected participants are expected to
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Attend all required sessions
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Arrive on time
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Participate actively
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Treat instructors, mentors, staff, and peers with respect
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Ask questions and remain open to feedback
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Complete assigned project work
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Follow the program's community and safety standards
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Communicate promptly if an emergency affects attendance
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Help create an inclusive and supportive learning environment
Community
It Takes a Community to Create Opportunity
The camp is strengthened by instructors, mentors, volunteers, schools, community organizations, technology companies, and supporters who believe in expanding access to technology.
Become a Mentor
Guide participants during the camp, share your experience, and help someone see themselves in this industry.
Volunteer as a mentorVolunteer
Help us run the camp smoothly — from event support to technical assistance.
Sign up to volunteerSponsor a Cohort
Fund seats, equipment, meals, or programming for the next cohort of participants.
Talk about sponsorshipPartner With Us
Schools, universities, employers, community groups, and workforce programs — let's build something together.
Explore a partnershipFrequently asked
Questions we hear the most.
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Yes. Selected participants will not be charged tuition or a program fee. The program is made possible through the support of the nonprofit, volunteers, community partners, and sponsors.
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No. The camp is beginner-friendly, and previous coding experience is not required. The program is designed to help participants understand foundational concepts and build confidence through hands-on learning.
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Applicants must meet the age, availability, location, and other eligibility requirements listed for the active cohort. The standard program age range is 17–30, but administrators can configure the range for each cohort.
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No. Applicants of all racial and cultural backgrounds are welcome. Our mission places a particular emphasis on expanding access and opportunity for Black and African American young adults, who remain underrepresented in many parts of the technology industry.
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Black young adults possess enormous talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial potential, but many have historically had less access to early technology education, professional networks, mentorship, and industry exposure. The program was created to help expand that access while building an inclusive community for everyone who participates.
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Participants will be introduced to coding fundamentals, web development, programming logic, project development, problem solving, collaboration, and technology career pathways. The specific curriculum may vary by cohort.
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The camp is an introduction, not a complete professional training program. Participants should leave with foundational knowledge, a completed project, greater confidence, and a clearer understanding of possible next steps.
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No. Participation does not guarantee employment, an internship, admission to another program, or any particular salary. The organization will provide education, exposure, mentorship, and guidance that can help participants continue developing.
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This depends on the cohort. Please review the eligibility section on this page — it lists whether participants need to provide a laptop and whether a limited number of loaner devices may be available.
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Applicants under 18 may apply when they meet the cohort's age requirements. A parent or legal guardian may need to provide contact information, permission, and additional consent before participation.
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Because the program is short and intensive, full attendance is normally required. Applicants should review the cohort schedule carefully before applying.
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Applications are evaluated using the published eligibility and selection criteria. The team may consider availability, motivation, application completeness, program fit, commitment, and the potential benefit of participation. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance when applications exceed available seats.
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Waitlisted applicants may be contacted when an accepted participant does not confirm their attendance or when an additional seat becomes available. Being placed on the waitlist does not guarantee admission.
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Yes, unless a future cohort establishes a different policy. Applicants who are not selected are encouraged to join the interest list and consider applying for a future cohort.
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Applicants may request reasonable accessibility accommodations during the application process. The organization reviews requests individually and will communicate directly with the applicant about available support.
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Visit the Donate page to tell us how you would like to give. We will email giving instructions and, after the gift is received, a written receipt for your records. Online card checkout is not live yet.
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Donors do not receive an IRS tax form for a standard cash gift. They receive a written donation receipt from us. That receipt is the record to keep. Whether a gift is tax-deductible depends on our status as a qualified charity at the time of the gift. For gifts of $250 or more, U.S. rules generally require a written acknowledgment if you plan to deduct the gift. Please consult a tax advisor about your own situation.
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The active cohort's location and delivery format are shown in the application section on this page. For privacy, a general location is shown publicly and a complete address is provided directly to accepted participants.
Start Here
You Do Not Have to Know Everything to Begin.
You only need the curiosity to explore, the commitment to participate, and the willingness to learn.
Your first line of code could be the beginning of a project, a career, a business, or an entirely new way of seeing what you are capable of creating.
Applications are free. No previous coding experience is required.
Next cohort: Las Vegas, NV. Five days, in person. Free for select candidates. Applications coming soon.