Generation is increasing diversity in the LatAm tech sector through partnership with SumUp

In 2023, 112 individuals in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia became Java Full Stack Developers thanks to a cross-regional partnership between Generation and SumUp, a global financial technology company, which made the program possible.

They attended an intensive three-month bootcamp designed to provide skills and support to unemployed youth coming from underrepresented groups in Latin America interested in pursuing a career in tech. Of all 112 graduates, 81% secured a job after six months of completing the program.

Among the recent cohort of graduates in Brazil, 76% are women, 40% self-identify as part of the LGBTQIAPN+ community, and 70% are black.

“At Generation, we believe that a career is a pathway to enhanced well-being and economic mobility. So, when recruiting our learners, Generation and SumUp considered the historically underrepresented groups in Latin America who could benefit the most from this opportunity,” said Gabriela Paranhos, Generation’s regional COO for LatAm. “More than 70% of the learners across the three countries were women, and around 18% of them were immigrants in Chile and Colombia,” she added.

The partnership between SumUp and Generation started in 2020 when the company hired two graduates from one of Generation Brazil’s first cohorts. In 2021, SumUp took the collaboration between the two organizations one step further by co-designing a program for another cohort in Brazil. In 2023, the program was expanded to two other countries, resulting in 112 graduates from Brazil, Colombia, and Chile. The partnership will continue in 2024, offering the opportunity to approximately 120 individuals across these countries to become developers.

“SumUp is grateful for the partnership with Generation. We strongly believe it is our social responsibility to support our communities. We believe that education is a key driver to financial independence and to reduce poverty. With the collaboration with Generation, we want to contribute to fight inequality through giving an opportunity,” said Felizitas Lichtenberg, SumUp’s Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion and ESG.

Partnerships in LatAm

The impact Generation has achieved in all four countries we operate in Latin America (Brazil, México, Colombia, and Chile) is a result of the unwavering support of the many partners we have in the region, which include employers, donors, government entities, and implementation partners. Some of our partners, like it’s the case for SumUp, support us in more ways than one, support for which we are very grateful.

After completing our programs, 86% of the graduates in Latin America have been able to secure employment within six months. This remarkable achievement is due to our vast network of more than a thousand employers. Our network includes both global and regional organizations that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as small and medium-sized companies seeking assistance in finding qualified candidates.

To learn more about our work in LatAm and explore opportunities for collaboration, please reach out to us at latam@generation.org.

Employment has the power to transform lives. Generation drives the economic mobility of its learners by helping them prepare for, find, and succeed in life-changing careers.

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