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FAQs

Answer: No, BGH Foundation, and all of its programs are open to all unless specified by a specific donor for a specific program, scholarship, or opportunity.

How do I join your workshops or events?

Answer: BGH Membership (Paid or Free) is required to join our events. Sign up at BGH.mobi/join. You must complete a membership application AND join teams bgh.mobi/teams to participate in our events.

How do I become a member?

Answer: BGH Membership (Paid or Free)is available at bgh.mobi/Join or Sign up at BGH.mobi/join. You must complete a membership application AND join teams bgh.mobi/teams to participate in our events.

How do I volunteer?

Answer: BGH Volunteers can sign up at BlackGirlsHack.org/Volunteer, Click the link under our Contact Us for Volunteering, Find positions in our Job Board below, or sign up in Teams. BGH Volunteers are required to spend 15 hours a month doing BGH business. An NDA, Volunteer Handbook Agreement, and Background Check (conducted via Checkr) are required to become a volunteer. Leadership positions additionally require paid membership. 

How do I upgrade from a free to a paid member account?

Answer: Go to BlackGirlsHack.org/shop and purchase a 1 year membership. Once you have completed payment email info@blackgirlshack.org with the subject "Membership Upgrade" to be changed in the website and added to Project BRAIN in Teams.

I paid for membership, when can I expect my application to be approved?

Answer: BGH paid memberships are approved on Sundays. Once your account has been approved please send an email to info@blackgirlshack.org with the subject "Paid BRAIN member - Add in Teams"

I'm a paid member, how do I access my member benefits and certification discounts?

Answer:  When you are logged into your website account as a paid member you will see a Project BRAIN Membership benefits link in the MEMBERSHIP menu item. This provides links to sign up or information about how to use your member benefits. There is ALSO a Project BRAIN private channel in teams that you should be added to. If you cannot see it please email info@blackgirlshack.org with the subject "Missing Project BRAIN Membership Benefits"

I'm interested in an accelerator program, are the vouchers included?

Answer: BGH Accelerator programs now have a nominal fee and all vouchers and training materials are included. The only cost that is not included is the cost for ISC2 membership or IAPP membership if your selected track requires that for an exam you are taking.

I'm interested in an accelerator program, why do you need my SSN?

Answer: BGH Accelerator programs include between 5-7 certifications and the associated training. These programs cost BGH around $4000-5000 per student and any while students are only asked to pay the nominal fee ($250 as of 2024), the remaining amount paid on the students behalf are taxable above the IRS minimum threshold of $600. As such students are requested to submit a w-9 so that a 1099 can be sent to them at the end of the year. 

I'm applying for a BGH Cares scholarship, why do you need my SSN ?

Answer: BGH Cares scholarships are taxable above the IRS minimum threshold of $600. Any scholarship funds above that amount (inclusive of all scholarships awarded that calendar year) are therefore taxable.  As such students are requested to submit a w-9 so that a 1099 can be sent to them at the end of the year. Students have the option to enter the w9 into QuickBooks online or send via encrypted mail. 

How long are the training and vouchers valid for?

Answer: BGH Accelerator training and vouchers are available for the maximum time allowable by the training provider. With that being said, our BGH Accelerator programs are typically 12-18 months long with each level taking a set amount of time (example 1-2 months). Exams and training not completed within the grace period for each level (1 month) are forfeited and member is removed from the program due to inactivity.

What happens if I am unable to complete my training/accelerator program/certification?

Answer: Failure to complete any training/accelerator program/certification will result in your removal from that program and ineligibility for any future discounted programs.

How to Upload Your Documents if you've ordered a voucher

Step 1: Access the Upload Link
Click on the secure upload link provided.

Step 2: Sign In
You will be directed to a screen with the following prompt: "Sign in with Google".

• Click "Sign in with Google" and follow the login steps.

Step 3: Upload Your Files
After signing in, you will see the option to "Select Files".

• Click "Select Files" to choose the required documents from your device.

Step 4: Confirm Upload
Once your documents are selected:

• Click "Upload and Share" to complete the process.