I started programming at a top computing university where my father was on the faculty while still in high school. I was working with other high school students and college students who were very passionate about programming and computer hardware. I remember working 80 hour work weeks during summers and breaks learning an enormous amount from fellow students as well as faculty and researchers.

Generally, if one wants to get into computing in a highly competitive environment, they should attend a top computing university. Fortunately there are top schools that are public as well as private.

I rarely see blacks (or Hispanics) at computer Meetups in NYC. For that matter, at many computer Meetups, there aren't so many women either.