Code2040

A comprehensive deep-dive into the facts, history, and hidden connections behind code2040 — and why it matters more than you think.

The Beginnings of Code2040

Code2040 traces its origins back to the year 2012, when co-founders Laura Weidman Powers and Tristan Walker noticed a troubling trend in the tech industry. Despite the vast growth and influence of Silicon Valley, the racial makeup of the tech workforce remained staggeringly homogeneous – overwhelmingly white and Asian, with alarmingly low representation from Black and Latinx engineers and entrepreneurs.

Determined to address this disparity, Weidman Powers and Walker founded Code2040, a non-profit organization with the ambitious goal of creating a pipeline of talented Black and Latinx technologists who could thrive in the innovation economy. The name "Code2040" was a nod to the projected year in which the United States will become a "majority-minority" nation, with non-white racial groups comprising the numerical majority.

The Code2040 Fellowship Program

At the heart of Code2040's mission is its flagship Fellowship program, which identifies and supports exceptional Black and Latinx undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in technology. Each year, the highly competitive program selects a cohort of Fellows who receive a paid summer internship at a leading tech company, as well as mentorship, professional development, and a community of peers navigating similar challenges.

The Fellowship program has grown exponentially since its inception, from just 5 Fellows in 2012 to over 500 as of 2021. Alumni of the program have gone on to secure full-time roles at companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple, or to launch their own successful startups.

"The Code2040 Fellowship was a transformative experience that gave me the confidence, network, and technical skills to thrive in the tech industry. It's been invaluable in my career." - Jamal Williams, Code2040 Fellow '16, Software Engineer at Airbnb

Expanding the Reach of Code2040

While the Fellowship program remains the core of Code2040's work, the organization has expanded its initiatives over the years to tackle diversity and inclusion in tech from multiple angles. One key program is the Code2040 Accelerator, which provides funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage startups led by Black and Latinx founders.

Code2040 has also launched advocacy campaigns to pressure tech companies to improve their hiring and promotion practices, as well as educational initiatives to inspire and prepare the next generation of diverse technologists. Through partnerships with universities, coding bootcamps, and community organizations, the organization aims to build a robust pipeline of underrepresented talent.

The Impact of Code2040

In the decade since its founding, Code2040 has had a measurable impact on diversifying the tech industry. Alumni of the Fellowship program have gone on to launch successful careers, start their own companies, and reinvest in their communities. The organization's advocacy work has also contributed to growing awareness and accountability around the industry's diversity challenges.

But Weidman Powers, Walker, and the Code2040 team know there is still much work to be done. The racial disparities in tech remain stark, and the barriers to entry for underrepresented groups persist. That's why Code2040 continues to evolve its programs and partnerships, always striving to create more pathways for talented Black and Latinx technologists to thrive.