CODE XTRA
From 2026, Digital Xtra will work with select delivery partners to develop a network of community coding and AI hubs. Each hub will provide extracurricular computing initiatives for the community, offer instruction and guidance for educators, and offer support and resources for local clubs.
BRINGING CODING & AI
INTO SCOTLAND’S COMMUNITIES
Starting in 2026, Digital Xtra will work with selected delivery partners to develop a national network of community coding and AI hubs through a new strategy called Code Xtra with support from the Scottish Government. In turn, each Code Xtra hub will support the start-up and scale-up of extracurricular tech clubs in their local area. The initial four hubs were launched in August 2026 in Inverclyde, Midlothian, Moray, and North Edinburgh. Additional hubs will be added in the near future.
Each hub will be equipped with cutting edge Computing Science and AI technology and resources from LEGO Education and micro:bits, as well as ongoing training and support from Digital Xtra, Raising Robots, Raspberry Pi Foundation, and Micro:bit Educational Foundation. Additional equipment, resources, and training will also be provided by Digital Xtra’s other education and industry partners. Digital Xtra is excited to be partnering with various digital skills organisations to support the growth of the Code Xtra hub network.
Each Code Xtra community coding and AI hub will support the growth of grassroots tech activities in their local area by:
providing high quality extracurricular coding and AI activities for the community
offering instruction and guidance for educators and club leaders to develop confidence delivering engaging and meaningful tech activities
serving as a resource centre with equipment and activities to help other grassroots clubs and organisations diversify and attract new participants
Digital Xtra looks forward to applying the lessons learned from supporting an extensive number of initiatives through the Grant Awards programme and applying these to this new dynamic strategy. The charity has repeatedly seen hub-and-spoke models successfully employed during the charity’s Grant Awards programme. Once fully operational, each community coding and AI hub will become a keystone in the growth of both local and national ecosystems driving non-formal computing engagement and education. Digital Xtra believes Code Xtra will create a larger, more sustainable, and more collaborative ecosystem of non-formal digital learning opportunities throughout Scotland’s communities.
Learn more about each Code Xtra community coding and AI hub on our Programmes page