MENACodes: Science, technology and innovation (STI) Program for MENA Future Entrepreneurs and Innovators

About the Project:
MENACodes: Science, technology and innovation (STI) Program for MENA Future Entrepreneurs and Innovators, is a regional after-school coding program implemented by MENACatalyst Sweden. MENACodes is working to introduce a new generation of youth to the power of coding and innovation. While MENA’s youth literacy rates increase, the quality of education remains outdated and doesn’t prepare youth with the skills needed to compete for in demand jobs in the digital world. Our program addresses this and helps improve youths’ digital literacy and increase their economic/employment opportunities by teaching them the skills dominating the latest industry development. 

MENACatalyst’s digital literacy efforts, MENACodes, is introducing youth to the technical world of Coding, AI, Robotics and Machine learning which has become one of the most in-demand skills around the world to enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capacities to innovate market ready solutions that can compete on a global stage. 

Targeted Audience: 
120 youth participants selected from across the MENA region with at least 50 percent female participants.   

Methodology: 
The year-long program consists of an integrated virtual incubator which allows us to reach more participants, tap into our expansive team from around the globe to train and inspire students to see the world from a new perspective and the opportunities they could reach or create by enhancing their digital and STI skills. The trainings will be supported by mentorship services provided by volunteer entrepreneurs and experts from across the MENA region and worldwide. The program will be implemented in four cycles focusing on 30 students per cycle to ensure that each student will receive the attention they need. 

Capacity building will train students in STI (Science, Technology, and Innovation), via an integrated approach, combining programming, entrepreneurial skills, problem solving, creative thinking, life skills training, how to work in teams, and ongoing mentorship from our team of over 30 mentors. Students will then team up to work on their innovative projects and develop digital-solutions addressing local/regional issues. A 3-day hackathon follows and culminate in a region-wide competition bringing together all students part of the incubator. A panel of experts/judges will vote/award the top-5 projects. Additional services will be provided such as ideation, connections and media exposure. 
  
Working results:
-The program will reach 120 students across the MENA region (50 percent females).
-Entry into the virtual incubator which will include over 1800 hours of integrated training, introducing, training, and mentoring students in STI, entrepreneurship and innovation, life-skills, teamwork, etc. 
-Project development, students will be grouped into 25 team and develop competitive digital solutions addressing local and regional challenges.
-3-day hackathon culminating in a competition.