In celebration of black history month, Colgate-Palmolive has teamed up with Black Girls Code to produce a campaign aimed at helping young women of color to learn computer programming.

According to the National Science Foundation, women occupy less than 25 percent of jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs in the US, and African-American women make up just 2 percent of the country’s science and engineering work force.

The initiative will include an online campaign which encourages consumers to share stories to inspire the next generation, as well as a series of hackathons for girls aged 12 to 17 held in New York and the Bay Area. Colgate-Palmolive will donate US$1 to Black Girls Code for every share or like of inspiring videos featuring Black Girls Code participants across social platforms carrying the #CodeAFuture hashtag.

“At Colgate, we believe that everyone deserves a future they can smile about,” said Carla Kelly, General Manager, US Multicultural Marketing, Colgate-Palmolive. “This partnership with Black Girls Code helps us to provide healthier, happier and brighter futures for young girls as they gain access to the technology, ultimately transforming their lives and their communities.”