All Star Code (better known as ASC) is building the next generation of Black leaders.

It’s an organization that provides young, intelligent, driven men of color with the access that they need within the computer science field. In so doing, it builds the Black excellence that lives within them.

As a non-profit computer science organization, ASC continues to build economic opportunity that in turn empowers Black and Latino young men with the skills, networks, and mindsets needed to create their own destinies within the world of technology. 

“We envision a country where all young men of color have the access to the tools of success, where the ability to thrive is available to all who are willing to dare greatly,” said Danny Rojas, Executive Director of All Star Code, in an exclusive interview with AfroTech. “Our mission is to create economic opportunity by developing a new generation of boys and young men of color with an entrepreneurial mindset who have the tools they need to succeed in a technological world. We have set a strategic path to impact 100,000 students in the next 10 years.”

In July 2021, the organization raised close to $370,000 during its Virtual Scholar Benefit, where they celebrated game-changing innovations from future tech leaders under the age of 20. 

Some of those rising stars of the future include Justin Burrell, a 17-year-old student at the prestigious Horace Mann School in the Bronx. During the summer, Burrell completed a 6-week predictive innovation internship at Colgate-Palmolive thanks to ASC. Thanks to his passion for social justice and desire to help change the world starting with his own community, the teen and his partner launched KiNECT while attending the ASC Intensive program. 

This start-up idea is a platform that was designed to connect companies, schools, and individuals with local community service opportunities.

“All Star Code has allowed me to grow as a professional. From career networking to presentations, I have continued to learn how to advertise my brand. Most importantly, All Star Code fosters a community of motivated men of color driven to succeed in the STEM world,” Burrell told AfroTech. “As a young Black man, it has often been challenging to expose me to like-minded men. But, at All Star Code, I can join a brotherhood and network of bright young men to forge long-lasting relationships.”

For more on how to get connected to All Star Code, click here.