GoCode Academy, a Harrow-based community programme which runs after-school coding clubs and holiday technology camps, has received £10,000 of matched funding from Santander’s innovative Changemaker Fund.
The Fund is part of a pioneering collaboration between Santander and rewards-based crowdfunding platform Crowdfunder. The programme is designed to help social enterprises, small charities and community groups deliver projects that improve communities and help disadvantaged people to have confidence in the future.
GoCode Academy’s mission is to inspire the next generation of digital creators and make coding a skill accessible to all children. It furthers this aim by running after-school coding clubs and technology camps for young people aged six to 18. Participants can learn computer programming, website building, game design and coding, in addition to skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving. In order to provide equal opportunities, the organisation provides a scholarship programme for students from low-income backgrounds, backed by leading technology companies.
The additional funding has allowed GoCode Academy to open a dedicated centre to house young coders and store educational equipment. This allows the programme to provide more frequent events and clubs for young people eager to learn about technology.
Sue Douthwaite, Managing Director of Santander Business Banking, commented: “Being knowledgeable about computers and coding will only become more important in the future, so the work GoCode Academy does is essential. We are thrilled to have been able to contribute to the new centre and hope that many new students from all backgrounds can take advantage of the fantastic opportunity provided by the programme and build their technological skills to become digital leaders of the future.”
Robert Rajeswaran, CEO at GoCode Academy, commented: “This funding from Santander has made our dream of offering our programmes to even more students come true. The centre funded by this contribution is already providing the skills, space and opportunities to hundreds of students in the local area. We will continue to drive the education technology movement forward by opening more centres across the UK. We are very thankful to Santander for their support.”
The Changemaker Fund, www.crowdfunder.co.uk/changemaker, is part of Santander’s flagship community programme, The Discovery Project, which aims to inspire people to have confidence in the future through projects that build skills, grow knowledge and support innovation.
By working together with Crowdfunder, Santander aims to enable entrepreneurs and community groups to tackle social challenges and create positive local impact. Eligible projects seeking funds of up to £20,000 and focused on supporting skills, knowledge or innovation that get the crowd’s backing will receive 50 per cent of their funding requirement from Santander to ensure the enterprise reaches its target.
As well as access to the matched funding from Santander, projects will benefit from crowdfunding team specialists with education, enterprise and coaching support to unlock further funds and create lasting impacts in communities across the UK.
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About GoCode Academy
GoCode Academy was founded with the mission to inspire the next generation of coders by giving them the computational skills and programming knowledge.
GoCode Academy is part of Natwest’s Entrepreneurial Spark programme backed by major corporates including DELL, KPMG and Pinsent Masons and are a team of professional teachers, developers and passionate students. GoCode Academy focuses on making sure that every minute of their sessions are fun and engaging and aim to provide students with the environment, skills and the support to build their tech skills. Through their training, they have reached over 2000 students and have been trusted by parents to provide their children the knowledge and skills in a safe environment. GoCode Academy works with over 30 schools, colleges and universities taking their coding sessions to the class rooms.
For more information please visit. www.gocode.academy
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