Digital Xtra’s Core and Secondary Objectives remain the same and are reflected in the charity’s new Code Xtra community coding & AI hubs strategy. These are:

Core Objective:

• Inspire young people to learn digital technologies skills through high quality, exciting extracurricular activities, thus expanding Scotland’s future talent pipeline.

Secondary Objectives:

• Increase overall number of young people learning digital technology skills across Scotland

• Dispel negative perceptions and stereotypes about digital technologies and careers in technology

• Increase diversity and inclusion of young people learning digital technology skills especially among:

  • audiences from areas often excluded from digital technology activities through lack of local resources or geography (i.e., areas of high deprivation and/or rural isolation)

  • groups underrepresented in the digital technologies sector (i.e., girls and young women, minority groups, and/or children and young people with additional support needs)

• Provide context to the skills being learned

• Promote digital technologies as an attractive career path and highlight the range of tech careers across a variety of sectors

The underlying goals of these objectives also continue to be:

• Increased number of young people studying computing science and other digital technologies related courses both in and out of school

• Increased number of educational establishments and organisations delivering digital technologies related extracurricular activities

• Increased meta-skills (innovation, social intelligence, self-management) and employability skills (confidence, resilience, communication, leadership) amongst young people

• Ultimately, an increased number of young people pursuing a career in digital technologies

Digital Xtra will now work with select delivery partners to establish several community coding & AI hubs across Scotland. The first phase saw the establishment of four hubs in Inverclyde, Midlothian, Moray, and North Edinburgh in August 2026. We are now looking to establish four more hubs in early 2027. 

Each Code Xtra hub will initially focus on directly engaging and inspiring young people. Each hub will then offer instruction and guidance for educators and local club leaders before serving as a resource centre to support the development of additional grassroots clubs. Digital Xtra has repeatedly seen this hub-and-spoke strategy successfully employed during the previous grant awards programme and we are now looking to implement this approach in communities across Scotland. Once fully operational, each community coding & AI hub will become a keystone in the growth of both local and national ecosystems driving non-formal computing engagement and education.

Code Xtra’s hubs will focus on coding and physical computing using the popular LEGO Learning System, BBC micro:bits, and on-screen coding activities. Using common learning platforms and pedagogy from the outset will create a more connected and sustainable ecosystem. Each hub will be supplied with LEGO Education computing assets and resources as well as a set of BBC micro:bits enabling them to teach coding and AI in a dynamic and exciting way. Each hub is also welcome to supplement content with their own resources and equipment.

By the end of the first year of delivery, Digital Xtra anticipates each Code Xtra hub to be able to clearly demonstrate impact across three areas:

1. providing high quality extracurricular coding and AI activities for young people

2. offering instruction and guidance for educators and club leaders to help develop confidence delivering engaging and meaningful tech activities

3. serving as a resource centre with equipment and activities to help other grassroots clubs and organisations diversify and attract new participants

To ensure Code Xtra is successful and sustainable, Digital Xtra is seeking quality delivery partners (also referred to as Lead Organisations) who share our passion to empower young people with critical digital skills. We are looking for organisations from the public or private sectors who can host, manage, and maintain a Code Xtra community coding & AI hub while making a demonstrable, positive impact on the digital skills landscape.

Code Xtra hubs also do not need to be standalone projects, and Digital Xtra is interested in seeing them run alongside or incorporated into other organisation’s existing programmes and strategies. As such, community coding & AI hubs could be delivered independently or as part of a larger, pre-existing digital skills programme where there is clear added value.

Expressions of Interest are also encouraged from organisations/locations that can effectively reach young people unengaged with digital technologies due to barriers such as gender, geography, background, or socioeconomic factors. If applicable, Expressions of Interest should identify any key audience(s) and clearly explain how the initiative will successfully engage this audience.

The following types of organisations can submit an Expression of Interest to become a Code Xtra community coding & AI hub:

• Any UK registered company or UK registered charity

• Chartered Bodies

• Scottish Local Authorities (including council run facilities such as libraries and schools)

• Higher Education and Further Education Facilities

Lead Organisations who previously received a grant award from Digital Xtra are welcome to submit an Expression of Interest should they meet the above criteria.

Schools looking to start up or scale up a private coding or tech club specifically for their learners also are not eligible to submit an Expression of Interest as activities must be accessible to the wider community. However, schools who are recognised as community schools/education centres are eligible provided activities will be publicly accessible. Schools who are looking to create a coding or tech club specifically for their learners should speak with their local hub, once established.

Each Code Xtra community coding hub must focus on increasing community access to extracurricular opportunities which teach computing skills such as coding, robotics, machine learning, cyber, and games development. Activities which focus on other digital skills, such as digital literacy or digital media, do not fall under the remit of Code Xtra. Digital literacy or digital media skills can be defined as:

• the general use of digital applications (e.g., Microsoft Office, Photoshop, iMovie, social media) excluding apps used for teaching coding/computing science

• the ability to access general information online

• the administration and monitoring of digital content

• methods of communicating with technology including, but not limited to:

  • videography / photography

  • video / photo editing

  • vlogging / blogging

  • digital / online marketing

  • graphic design

 Digital Xtra will also not consider Expressions of Interest for the following:

• Activities/venues which occur outwith Scotland

• Activities whose primary audience is exclusively older than 16 years

• Activities/venues that are not accessible to the wider community

• Activities whose primary purpose is to conduct research

• Business start-up or scale-up activity

• Activities which also promote political or religious beliefs

• General appeals or circulars

Lead Organisations also cannot be a Partner or Supporter of Digital Xtra.

No, Digital Xtra will not consider submissions from individuals.

If a Lead Organisation does not maintain a publicly accessible venue but has the knowledge and expertise to deliver other elements of Code Xtra, Digital Xtra encourages them to partner with another organisation which does (i.e. library, community centre) and submit a joint Expression of Interest.

Storage and décor for the hubs will also be supplied and will be designed in a modular fashion so they can be set up and removed as needed. As such, the hubs will not require a full-time dedicated space (although that is possible) and could even change venues/locations. However, all equipment must have secure storage when not in use.

No, the Code Xtra hubs do not need to be standalone projects if your organisation already run a similar initiative in your community. Digital Xtra is interested in seeing Code Xtra running alongside or incorporated into existing programmes and strategies if it still meets the rest of the programme’s requirements. As such, community coding & AI hubs could be delivered independently or as part of a larger, pre-existing digital skills programme where there is clear added value.

Lead Organisations are also welcome to supplement the content with their own resources and equipment.

No, Lead Organisations will be expected to provide their own screen devices on which learners can code and have adequate connectivity to download and/or access the LEGO Education SPIKE App, the LEGO Education Coding Canvas, and the LEGO Education Teacher Portal as well as the Microsoft MakeCode App (or online equivalents). An internet connection is also required to download the LEGO Education SPIKE app, the LEGO Education Coding Canvas, and the Microsoft MakeCode App as well as subsequent updates, some in-app content, accessing support materials, and using the web-based version; however, the standard apps can then be used for offline programming after content is downloaded/updated. A constant internet connection is required for the online equivalents of the above apps as well as the LEGO Education Teacher Portal for which there is currently no app available to download.

All computing activities provided by Code Xtra community coding & AI hubs should be ‘extracurricular’ in nature, delivered entirely within Scotland, accessible to the general public, and meet Digital Xtra’s Core Objective. While Digital Xtra’s primary audience is young people aged 16 years or under, community-based activities for other ages or family learning opportunities are also encouraged.

An ‘extracurricular’ tech activity is any activity that enables participants to learn innovative digital technologies skills outside the core school education curriculum; whilst providing a safe, fun, and sociable environment.

To become a Code Xtra community coding & AI hub, Lead Organisations commit to the following:

• Provide a venue or venues in which to run activities which are accessible to the public. If a Lead Organisation does not maintain a publicly accessible venue, they will need to provide evidence of collaboration with an Activity Partner who does.

• Deliver a minimum of six coding programmes for local young people per year with the aim of engaging at least 100 separate young people per year. Each programme should take place across several sessions covering a variety of skills and concepts. Separate programmes could take place on the same day but for different groups. How each programme is delivered (e.g. duration, timing, length, content) will be up to the Lead Organisation and their Activity Partners (example project plans and content are available).

• Work to support the development of other grassroots computing initiatives by establishing a hub-and-spoke model to:

  • offer instruction and guidance for local educators and club leaders

  • serve as a resource centre to help other clubs, organisations, and/or schools

• Explore opportunities to engage other audiences (e.g. family learning, adult learning).

• Register as a Code Club with the Raspberry Pi Foundation. Any other supported clubs/initiatives will also be requested to register as a Code Club.

• Nominate at least one paid staff member as a key contact. This person will participate in the initial training as well as CPD approximately six times per year as organised by Digital Xtra. CPD will usually be delivered remotely with occasional in-person meetups. Some financial support may be available for those travelling further distances.

• Ensure any staff or volunteers who have unsupervised contact with young people are enrolled in the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme provided by Disclosure Scotland. This is a legal requirement for anyone carrying out a regulated role with children or protected adults.

• Aim to implement Scotland’s Young STEM Leader Programme as part of delivering the coding sessions, giving young people valuable experience whilst also increasing the project’s sustainability.

• Report twice a year on engagement and any other progress achieving the three aims of Code Xtra.

• If a Lead Organisation is unable to continue offering activities for young people, all equipment will be returned to Digital Xtra so that another organisation can be selected.

• The option for community coding & AI hubs to participate in FIRST® LEGO® League Explore or Challenge is also available with potential support (equipment and training) available. It is recommended those interested in incorporating this into their hub highlight this in their Expression of Interest (it can also be incorporated later if a submission is successful).

Each Lead Organisation will be provided with a suite of cutting-edge LEGO Education equipment and resources. This currently includes:

• 8 x LEGO Education SPIKE Prime sets

• 8 x LEGO Education Computer Science & AI (age 8+) sets

• 5 x LEGO Education Computer Science & AI (age 5+) sets

Ongoing training and content will also be provided allowing the hubs to engage various age groups across a range of topics.

If required, up to 20 x BBC micro:bits will also be provided for each Lead Organisation, allowing the hubs to offer activities and projects from the Raspberry Pi Foundation and Micro:bit Educational Foundation. Resources and training for activities from Raspberry Pi Foundation and Micro:bit Educational Foundation will also be provided.

Décor, storage, and promotional materials will also be supplied to help promote the hub and create an innovative space for learning. These will be designed in a modular fashion so they can be set up and removed as needed. As such, hubs do not require a full-time dedicated space for delivery (although that is possible). This also allows hubs to change venues/locations should they wish. All equipment will need to be stored securely when not in use. Promotional materials for each Code Xtra community coding & AI hub currently includes:

• 1 x stretch fabric backdrop (2.3m by 2.9m)

• 3 x roller banners (2.0m x 0.8m)

• 25 x A3 posters and 50 x A4 posters

• 500 x A5 flyers

• Various stickers

Please note, all equipment, storage, décor, and branding will remain property of Digital Xtra and, should a Lead Organisation cease to operate as a community coding & AI hub, all assets would need to be returned to Digital Xtra for use in another hub. Digital Xtra also reserves the right to amend the above allocations as required.

There will be no financial contribution for set up and delivery of each hub and activities. All support will be in the form of equipment, training, and ongoing assistance (both in-person and remote).

All computing activities provided by Code Xtra community coding hubs should be ‘extracurricular’ in nature, delivered entirely within Scotland, accessible to the general public, and meet Digital Xtra’s Core Objective. While Digital Xtra’s primary audience is young people aged 16 years or under, community based activities for other ages or family learning opportunities are also encouraged.

An extracurricular tech activity is any activity that enables participants to learn innovative digital technologies skills outside the core school education curriculum; whilst providing a safe, fun, and sociable environment.

Digital Xtra also places a strong emphasis on promoting diversity and inclusion to help break down barriers at a grassroots level. In particular, key audiences include areas often excluded from digital tech activities through lack of local resources or geography (i.e., areas of high deprivation and/or rural isolation) and groups underrepresented in the digital technologies sector (i.e., girls and young women, minority groups, children and young people with additional support needs).

Please indicate in your Expression of Interest if your coding hub will proactively target any of these key audiences. For definitions and more information about key audiences, please refer to the Expression of Interest Project Guidelines.

The delivery timeline for the Code Xtra (Year 1.2) is outlined below; however, this is only the second tranche in developing a broader network with the aim of creating additional hubs across Scotland in coming years.

• 5 November 2026 – Project Guidelines and Expression of Interest form available on Digital Xtra’s website

• 24 November 2026 – Information Webinar via Microsoft Teams

• 10 December 2026 – Deadline for all enquiries /clarifications via email

• 17 December 2026 – Deadline for submission

• December 2026 & January 2027 - Assessment of Expressions of Interest

• February 2027 – Community coding & AI hubs confirmed, setup and training dates scheduled

• From March 2027 – Initial delivery of coding & AI sessions

• Throughout 2027 and beyond – Ongoing delivery, training, and support to grow grassroots activities

• 30 June 2027 – Initial project evaluation deadline

The above dates and times may be subject to change. Please consult Digital Xtra’s website and social media channels for any updates throughout the submission period.

No, there will be no financial contribution for set up and delivery of activities. All support will be in the form of equipment, training, resources, and ongoing assistance.

Please note, Digital Xtra will be supplying equipment and resources for each hub, but all equipment, storage, décor, and branding will remain property of Digital Xtra. Should a Lead Organisation cease to operate as a community coding & AI hub, all assets must be returned to Digital Xtra for use in another hub.

Lead Organisations who previously received a grant award from Digital Xtra are welcome to submit an Expression of Interest should they meet the Code Xtra criteria.

It is the view of Digital Xtra that AI is a tool which can be used to generate ideas, provide guidance, and improve language. As such, Digital Xtra will not reject submissions where the use of AI is used. However, Digital Xtra strongly urges caution in an overuse or overreliance on artificial intelligence. AI pulls information from a variety of sources and in doing so, its results are often broad, generic, and diluted. AI also creates a risk of promising something different than what will be delivered (think 2024’s Willy’s Chocolate Experience in Glasgow).

Digital Xtra wants to work with Lead Organisations who can make a clear impact in their community, and no one knows your community or how you can make an impact as well as you. Therefore, no one can articulate why you should host a Code Xtra community coding & AI hub like you can. The Expression of Interest provides an opportunity for you to bring your vision to life. Digital Xtra encourages you to take full advantage of this; something AI would struggle with.

The National Lottery Community Fund published guidance on the use of AI in applications which articulates several tips and risks when using AI.

Eligible submissions will be assessed by a panel and decisions will be based only on the information provided. Please be as clear and concise as possible as you will not have the opportunity to provide any additional information or clarification once the form has been submitted. Once initial assessments are completed, shortlisted submissions may be asked to provide additional information to help the panel finalise their decision.

Please remember that the panel most likely will not have knowledge of your organisation or venue(s). Please also do not assume panellists will be familiar with acronyms or terms commonly used in the education or skills sectors.

Where Digital Xtra believes a submission duplicates existing provision or does not achieve the required objectives, the charity reserves the right to reject that proposal in whole or in part. If appropriate, the Digital Xtra may also request a proposed submission be revised to meet the charity’s objectives better.

Please read the Expression of Interest project guidelines and form fully. Additional resources such as Impact Reports, case studies, and resources which can provide additional insight and support for delivering tech activities in the community are also available on the Code Xtra (Year 1.2) page.

Digital Xtra will also host an information webinar via Microsoft Teams during the submission period discussing the Expression of Interest form and guidelines. There will also be opportunity during the call to ask questions about the Code Xtra strategy.

• Information Webinar (via Microsoft Teams) Tuesday, 24 November 2026 from 15:45-17:00 GMT

If you have any problems accessing the Expression of Interest form or guidelines, or have any additional enquiries/clarifications regarding the Code Xtra community coding & AI hubs, please contact info@digitalxtra.scot before 17:00 on Thursday, 10 December 2026. Enquiries/clarifications received prior to this date will be answered within two working days. Any enquiries/clarifications received after this date may not receive a response in time.

Successful organisations will be contacted in early April after the evaluation process has been completed inviting them to speak with someone from the Digital Xtra team for a due diligence and onboarding session. All organisations, regardless of the outcome of their application, will be contacted to inform them the outcome of their submission.

Please note, if required, a shortlist of Lead Organisations may be contacted in January requesting additional information.

If you have any questions or clarifications not covered above, please contact Digital Xtra via email at info@digitalxtra.scot with the Subject Line “Enquiry for Code Xtra (Year 1.2)” and a member of our team will be in touch.

The deadline for enquiries is 17:00 on Thursday 10 December 2026.