The Scottish digital technologies sector is expanding, resulting in an increasing demand for employees with high level digital technology skills. However, there is now clear evidence that the talent pipeline is Scotland must expand in order to meet this demand. Young people are avid consumers of technology but it’s important we stimulate their interest in computing science and technology from an early age through fun and engaging activities as well as provide context to these skills. It is imperative that young people consider computing science and digital technologies as a positive and exciting career path, otherwise the resulting skills gap will have long-term consequences on their future as well as that of the Scottish economy. 

Backed by businesses, organisations and individuals with a common will to help young people succeed in a digital world, Digital Xtra is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) that supports the delivery of extracurricular computing and digital tech activities across Scotland to boost interest in computing and technology among young people aged 16 years and under. In particular, the charity seeks to dispel negative perceptions about computing science and promote digital technologies as an attractive career path while also improving participation of girls and other underrepresented groups in digital tech and supporting activities in areas of high deprivation and rural isolation.

Digital Xtra would like to thank it’s Partners without whom the grants programme would not be possible: