Digital Xtra is dedicated to ensuring every young person in Scotland has access to innovative, creative, and meaningful extracurricular computing and AI activities regardless of their gender, background, or where they live.
TECH FOR ALL!
Backed by industry, government, and individuals, Digital Xtra is a Scottish charity driving the start-up and scale-up of extracurricular digital technologies initiatives across Scotland which increases interest in computing science and AI among young people aged 16 years and under. In particular, the charity aims to increase diversity and inclusion of children and young people from:
areas often excluded from digital technology activities through lack of local resources or geography
groups underrepresented in the digital technologies sector
OUR AIMS
INSPIRE
Inspire the next generation to understand and innovate with technology, not simply use it, by supporting high-quality extracurricular initiatives which also helps young people realise the breadth of careers these skills can provide.
ENABLE
Enable exciting and meaningful computing initiatives for young people across Scotland, especially groups underrepresented in digital technologies or areas excluded through lack of resources or local facilities.
ENGAGE
Engage industry with supported initiatives to create opportunities for professionals and young people connect in informal and creative settings, providing context and insight for the skills being learned.
OUR WORK
From 2026, Digital Xtra will develop a network of community coding hubs that will offer computing initiatives for young people, instruction for educators, and resources for other local clubs.
From 2016 to 2026, Digital Xtra awarded £1,189,000 to 210 extracurricular computing initiatives across Scotland allowing thousands of children and young people to positively engage with tech.
Code Like Kids is a hands-on learning opportunity for industry professionals featuring several popular coding devices and activities used by young people, but requires no previous coding experience.
Ethics in Tech enlightens young people about the importance of ethics in digital technologies. Interactive activities explore algorithmic bias; online safety and security; and the role of ethics in industry.
OUR PROGRAMMES
Digital Xtra is a Scottish charity dedicated to increasing the provision of extracurricular computing activities for young people. Since 2016, it has delivered a variety of programmes and activities including its popular 'Grant Awards’ programme; activities focussed on ‘Ethics in Tech’; activities for industry in ‘Code Like Kids’; and its newest strategy, ‘Code Xtra’.
Details about every initiative and activity supported by Digital Xtra can be found on our Programmes page.
SUPPORT US
Digital Xtra is committed to helping young people learn the skills needed to succeed in a digital world. As a charity, it relies on contributions from industry and government to achieve it’s charitable aims. By supporting Digital Xtra, you will be enabling meaningful and creative opportunities for young people to learn critical digital and meta skills, thus increasing their ability to succeed later in life.
If your company or organisation shares these values and wants to help young people, please consider becoming one of our partners or supporters, making a one-off donation, or providing in-kind support. Details about these and how to contact the charity can be found on our Support Us page.
OUR PARTNERS
