In an effort to tackle the digital skills gap, ScotlandIS has funded a scholarship for 10 pupils, launched at the beginning of the year, in partnership with The Education Academy Scotland, to support their National 5 Maths exams.

Ten pupils from Glasgow and the West received a comprehensive programme of education which resulted in them not only passing, but improving their National 5 Maths grade in the final exam.

The programme also offered a series of engagements and activities with a group of inspirational role models from Scotland’s digital sector, including senior leaders in companies, college and university staff, and award-winning experts in the field.

Within months, 100% of the ScotlandIS Scholars reported the programme had grown their interest in a digital/cyber/technologies career, with 75% now planning to work in STEM, and 40% now choosing these specific fields.

100% of the students passed their final exam, with all of them improving their grades with an average upturn of over two grade bands across the full cohort. 90% of scholars gained A-C grades, versus a national average of 68%.

Additionally, 88% of ScotlandIS Scholars say their problem-solving skills are increasing, and 75% of them say their knowledge and understanding in maths is increasing.

ScotlandIS Scholars will now be offered fast-track entry to a range of digital courses at Glasgow Clyde College, City of Glasgow College, or West College Scotland.

Courses accessible through the scholarship include NCs, NQs, and HNDs in a variety of topics ranging from cybersecurity and software engineering to esports and computer game design.

 “I am incredibly pleased with the results our scholars have achieved, the impact of dedicated support and inspiration from industry professionals has been phenomenal,” Karen Meechan, CEO of ScotlandIS said. 

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“The Scholarship was designed to pave the way for young people across all backgrounds and demographics to enter this area of STEM, to see it as a viable future pathway for them, letting them experience the exciting and rewarding opportunities that working and studying in digital holds for them.”

It should also be noted that over 60% of scholars reside in the lowest SIMD (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) quintile, with the data showing a positive testament to ways to mitigate the link between attainment and deprivation.

“We are proud to provide an opportunity for all young people that is genuinely addressing and bridging the digital skills gap,” Meechan added.

“I can’t wait to see how our Scholars’ journey’s progress as they continue on to College courses.”

ScotlandIS and The Education Academy Scotland aims to grow this offer for the new academic year in 2024 and into 2025, in order to increase the number of young people receiving the educational support needed for today’s digital careers, and exposure to inspirational role models in the technology sector.