Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation: Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Black Girls Do Engineer Corporation (BGDE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in June 2019 and headquartered in Houston, Texas. The organization is dedicated to inspiring and empowering Black-American girls and young women, aged 6 to 21, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. BGDE aims to provide access, awareness, and advocacy to encourage two million Black-American girls to choose STEM careers by 2050.

Mission and Vision

Mission: To educate, elevate, and empower girls aged 6–21 by offering exposure and representation to help them achieve their aspirations in life.

Vision: To increase the presence of Black-American girls and young women in STEM fields by providing experience-based knowledge and Black-American representation.

Primary Area of Focus

BGDE focuses on developing young girls and women in STEM through mentoring, personal growth programs, STEM projects, and activities. The organization offers programs in areas such as artificial intelligence, coding, robotics, energy, medical sciences, aerospace, audio and visual production, and various branches of engineering.

Industry Significance

BGDE addresses the underrepresentation of Black-American women in STEM fields, aiming to diversify the workforce and provide role models for future generations. By offering targeted programs and support, BGDE contributes to closing the gender and racial gaps in STEM industries.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Access and Awareness: Provide resources and opportunities to Black-American girls to explore and pursue STEM careers.

Advocacy: Promote the importance of diversity in STEM and advocate for increased representation of Black-American women in these fields.

Specific Areas of Specialization

STEM Education: Offer hands-on training in robotics, coding, engineering design, and software development.

Workforce Development: Conduct workshops and career exploration events to prepare girls for future STEM careers.

Mentorship: Connect participants with mentors and industry leaders to guide their educational and professional journeys.

Key Technologies Utilized

Educational Technology: Utilize an edtech platform to deliver real-world learning experiences and build technical skills.

STEM Tools and Equipment: Provide access to robotics kits, coding software, and other STEM-related tools for hands-on learning.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Underrepresented Communities: Focus on Black-American girls and young women, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to ensure equitable access to STEM education and opportunities.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

BGDE has received various grants and donations to support its programs and initiatives. In 2024, the organization reported total revenues of $267,106 and total expenses of $371,081.

Total Funds Raised

As of 2024, BGDE has raised a total of $267,106 in revenues.

Notable Investors

BGDE has received grants from several organizations, including:

The Blackbaud Giving Fund

PayPal Giving Fund

Charities Aid Foundation of America

The Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity

Intended Utilization of Capital

The funds raised are utilized to support BGDE's programs, including:

Providing supplies and equipment for robotics, process design, and science experiments.

Offering laptops for coding and networking events.

Funding scholarships for girls who may not be able to afford membership expenses.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

BGDE's pipeline development focuses on nurturing young Black-American girls and women in STEM through various programs and initiatives.

Stages of Development

Early Education (Ages 6–12): Introduce STEM concepts through workshops, camps, and hands-on activities.

Adolescence (Ages 13–18): Provide advanced training, mentorship, and career exploration events.

Young Adults (Ages 19–21): Offer college preparatory programs, internships, and job placement assistance.

Target Conditions

BGDE targets the underrepresentation of Black-American women in STEM fields, aiming to increase diversity and inclusion within the industry.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

Short-Term Goals: Expand program reach to serve more girls annually.

Long-Term Goals: Achieve the mission of inspiring two million Black-American girls to pursue STEM careers by 2050.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

BGDE utilizes an edtech platform to deliver STEM education and training, providing interactive and engaging learning experiences for participants.

Significant Scientific Methods

Hands-On Learning: Engage participants in practical STEM projects to enhance understanding and retention.

Mentorship Programs: Connect participants with industry professionals to provide guidance and real-world insights.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, BGDE's programs may incorporate AI technologies in areas such as coding and robotics to enhance learning experiences.

Leadership Team

Key Executive Profiles

Kara Branch – Founder and CEO

Professional Background: Chemical engineer with experience in the oil and gas, aerospace, and technology industries.

Key Contributions: Established BGDE to provide mentorship and support for Black-American girls in STEM.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for STEM education and diversity initiatives is growing, with increasing recognition of the need for programs that support underrepresented groups in STEM fields.

Competitor Analysis

Black Girls Code

Focus Areas: Engages African-American girls and other youth of color with computer programming education.

Notable Achievements: Aims to place one million girls in tech by 2040.

Black Girls Do STEM

Focus Areas: Diversifies innovation by empowering Black girls to achieve equitable STEM representation.

Notable Achievements: Provides a seven-year continuous pathway for Black girls from 6th grade through to 12th, supporting them into university and workforce entry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

BGDE collaborates with various organizations and institutions to enhance its programs and reach, including partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations.

Operational Insights

BGDE differentiates itself through its focus on Black-American girls and young women, providing culturally relevant programs and mentorship to address the unique challenges they face in STEM fields.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

Expansion: Increase the number of chapters and programs to serve more girls nationally.

Program Enhancement: Develop new initiatives and resources to support participants at various stages of their educational and professional journeys.

Future Business Directions

National Reach: Establish BGDE as a leading organization in promoting diversity in STEM across the United States.

Global Impact: Extend programs internationally to support Black girls and women in STEM worldwide.

Opportunities for Expansion

BGDE has the opportunity to expand its reach by establishing new chapters in additional cities and forming new partnerships to enhance program offerings.

Current Strengths

Experienced Leadership: Led by founder and CEO Kara Branch, who brings a wealth of experience in engineering and a passion for mentorship.

Established Programs: A proven track record of successful programs and initiatives that have positively impacted numerous participants.

Positioning for Future Objectives

BGDE's commitment to its mission, experienced leadership, and growing network of supporters position it well to achieve its goals of increasing the representation of Black-American girls and women in STEM fields.