New programmes to improve social mobility in the digital sector

The Sutton Trust has launched two new programmes that are designed to improve social mobility in the digital sector.

220 state school pupils will have the opportunity to learn to code through the programmes, which are designed to widen access to the tech sector for disadvantaged pupils.

One programme, Imperial Sutton Scholars, will be delivered by Imperial College London and will help pupils between the ages of 11 and 14 learn more about coding, programming and the application of these skills in the sciences.

The second programme, Pathways to Coding, is delivered by Queen Mary University of London and will support students during their A-levels through e-mentoring, coding clubs, campus coding days, talks and a ‘hackathon’ residential summer school.

Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the Sutton Trust, said: “The digital sector is set to be a major area of growth for the UK over the next few years and there are many fantastic and financial rewarding careers on offer for talented young people.

“But we need to make sure that these opportunities are available to all young people, not just those from better-off backgrounds. Through the development of these two new programmes, we will support young people from low and middle income homes to develop the skills and confidence they need to pursue careers as coders.”

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