About HYPE

HYPE is building a world where every girl belongs—in computing, tech, and any other space she chooses to show up in.

Our Mission

HYPE is rewriting the story of tech to invite and empower every girl to lead the industry forward. We’re building a new narrative—one where every girl has the opportunity, access, and confidence to lead in technology and beyond.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every girl belongs in tech, leads with purpose, and builds a better future for us all.

A 2014 study from Google titled, "Women Who Choose Computer Science—What Really Matters" found that of 91 statistically relevant factors, four made the greatest difference in girls' decisions to pursue careers in computer science: Social Encouragement, Self Perception, Academic Exposure, and Career Perception. We’re not just preparing girls for jobs in tech—we’re preparing them to lead change, solve problems, and drive innovation that benefits everyone.

Our Purpose

HYPE exists to make the world of technology more inclusive by empowering girls to explore, create, and lead with confidence and community.

We believe that technology shapes the future—and that our scholars deserve to shape it, too. At HYPE, we equip the next generation of innovators with the skills, mentorship, and support they need to thrive in the digital economy and to lead with purpose.

Our Why

Because over 50% of our high schools don't offer computer science courses

Fewer than 4% of Black girls are taking the AP Computer Science exam

More than 50% of Black women leave the tech industry within the first 5 years

HYPE was created to address these statistics. HYPE is about more than just teaching girls how to code. We are providing hope, leaving a legacy, and doing our part to make sure that our future is better than our past.

HYPE empowers the next generation of girls with technology skills

Meet The Founder & Executive Director

Kristina Newton

In 2015, less than 1 percent of all U.S. engineering bachelor's degrees went to African-American women. Of the 106,658 engineering bachelor's degrees awarded that year, 937 went to African-American women. In 2006 I received my bachelor's degree in computer engineering.

As a Black Woman who personally experienced doubt and isolation due to lack of representation, mentorship, and upward mobility opportunities; I am committed to changing the statistics for Black and Brown girls in STEAM pathways – and I’m committed to doing it now.

After 7 years working as a tech consultant for a major consulting firm, I chose to do something that many considered to be risky and even career-ending. In search of purpose and in response to my inner voice that consistently told me “there is something more for you”, I left my job with no plan B.

I spent nearly a year traveling the world, serving & supporting nonprofit organizations in various capacities, and in 2017, HYPE was launched. I discovered how tangible skills combined with a genuine desire to make an impact can result in something powerful, purposeful, and productive.

I believe that hope and opportunity are life-changing gifts that should be available to everyone.

I believe that access to education and skills needed for 21st century opportunities is a right, not a privilege.

I believe that our girls deserve role-models who let them know that they belong here and that they can impact the world for good.

I believe that representation truly does matter.

And I’m confident that HYPE will change the face of what a computer scientist looks like, empowering others to live lives full of hope, driven by love, and void of fear.