In its eighth edition, the initiative reached over 32,000 young people across 13 European nations, highlighting its commitment to fostering inclusivity and addressing the digital divide.
Aligned with the European Commission’s goals of ensuring 80% of adults have basic digital skills and growing the ICT workforce to 20 million employed professionals by 2030, Meet and Code is building a digitally skilled generation prepared for the future.
Reaching Underserved Communities
This year, through the tireless efforts of local non-profits and with the support of microgrants, we reached thousands of participants from underserved backgrounds:
- 40% came from marginalized communities, ensuring those who often lack access to technology were front and center.
- An astounding 22% of participants didn’t own personal IT devices, yet gained critical exposure to digital tools and skills.
- 26.5% lived in socially deprived areas, demonstrating our focus on making a tangible difference where it’s needed most.
These aren’t just numbers, they represent real lives transformed, futures shaped, and opportunities unlocked.
Amplifying Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Meet and Code’s mission. This year,
around 42% of participants were female, creating opportunities for young women to explore careers in technology. Additionally, over
33% were from
low-income households, highlighting a focus on overcoming financial barriers and accessibility.
By tailoring workshops to meet the needs of these groups, we’ve shown that coding is for everyone.
Life-Changing Outcomes for Participants
The feedback we’ve received from participants tells a clear story of real impact and growth. From sparking interest in coding to providing clarity on career paths, the results speak for themselves.
- 85% said the events met or exceeded their expectations, a solid improvement from 80% in 2023.
- 60% gained insights into potential career paths, connecting education with employment in a meaningful way.
- 80% want to continue learning about coding, showing Meet and Code is igniting a genuine passion for technology.
- 89% found the workshops fun and engaging, proving that learning can be impactful without being dull.
Our ongoing collaborations with NPOs are driving real change, providing valuable skills and inspiration for the future.
Supporting Non-Profits to Drive Change
The success of every event is driven by the hard work of the non-profit organizations we partner with. These groups tackle important challenges, and our collaboration helps scale their efforts.
Meet and Code’s microgrants provide more than financial support—they enable these organizations to increase their reach, amplify their impact, and use technology to address local issues. In 2024:
- 66% said their events wouldn’t have been possible without Meet and Code’s microgrants.
- These organizations tackled critical issues such as educational inequality (22%), diversity (19%), and the gender gap in IT (17%), showing the far-reaching effects of this program.
- Our support didn’t just fund events—it helped these non-profits grow their capacity, enabling them to address local challenges through technology.
Looking Ahead
Since its launch in 2017, Meet and Code has reached over
330,000 young people and supported more than
9,000 coding projects. As we look to the future, the initiative remains committed to bridging the digital divide, empowering the next generation, and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Stay tuned for the 2025 edition as Meet and Code continues its journey of transforming lives through technology and education!
Watch our 2024 Meet and Code Impact Video
here.
To learn more, follow the link:
https://www.meet-and-code.org/gb/en/award. For updates, follow our social pages on
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