WINNER: UK Youth & Microsoft
PROJECT: Digital Skills Programme
The Project
Since 2014, UK Youth and Microsoft’s partnership has engaged over 17,000 young people with digital opportunities. During 2014-15, UK Youth created 45 Microsoft Youth Hubs, providing local youth organisations with funding of £3-10k to invest in the necessary technology and staff resource to support peer-led digital skills projects. In 2016, the project expanded its digital initiative with the creation of Generation Code, a practical and targeted curriculum aiming to inspire the next generation of coders. The programme recognised young people’s need for supported access to IT outside of school and has demonstrated positive impacts including increased motivation, resilience and digital technology skills.