Meet and Code 2019: Grant Applications Now Open

The initiative will enable young Europeans to take their first steps as digital creators.

#pressrelease #June2019
03.06.2019

Starting June 3, the initiative Meet and Code invites local nonprofits across Europe to apply for micro-grants to organize events that foster interest in and access to digital skills among young Europeans. Last year, more than 50,000 young people took part in 1,100 programming events. Grants of up to 500 Euro are available to bring the joy of coding to many European communities.

Empowering a Generation
9 out of 10 jobs will soon require digital skills, according to “The Digital Skills Gap in Europe” report by the European Commission in 2017. Every day, our increasingly digital world presents new challenges to European businesses and societies. For this reason, it is important that the young are prepared to embrace the digital future.
The aim of Meet and Code is to help build a world in which every young European has the digital skills required to shape their own future. It was co-created by SAP and Haus des Stiftens gGmbH in Munich, which coordinates the grant-giving process, along with the TechSoup Europe network partners. The initiative is aligned with the EU Code Week and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

For the third year in a row, Meet and Code is inviting local nonprofits across Europe to submit their coding events for children and young people aged 8-24. Nonprofits from 25 countries can apply online at www.meet-and-code.org until September 8, 2019. Each approved event idea will receive a grant of up to 500 euros.
The following 25 countries are eligible: Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. 

The Race Is On: Applications for the 2nd Meet and Code Award
Following record participation last year, Meet and Code will again award the most creative and innovative event ideas used by nonprofits to get youngsters excited about coding. Finalists will be invited to an amazing Award Weekend.
Submissions will be accepted in the following four categories: Girls do IT!, Community, Diversity, and Code for the Planet. Additionally, the public can vote for their favourite event, which will be awarded the Public Choice Award. The winning events of every edition will be presented in the European repository of best practices.

More: www.meet-and-code.org  |  www.facebook.com/meetandcode | Photos to download

Media Contact: Katarzyna Zwolak-Szwechowicz, TechSoup Europe, Warsaw, Poland
Email: kasia@techsoup.org |  Phone: +48 22 102 21 34

Meet and Code is organized in partnership by: Stifter-Helfen IT portal and TechSoup Europe network. The initiative is proudly supported by SAP.