The path to digital skills through gaming

The core of the Samsung Innovation Campus program is to further develop young people's digital and social skills through gaming. In an intensive course program of three sessions of three hours each, young people learn programming under the guidance of top trainers and are introduced to the world of digital design and game streaming. The games Minecraft and Roblox are central to the curriculum. In the process, some participants even get the opportunity to present their own designed game at the end of the program. To earn the diploma, participants must complete additional assignments and exercises at home.

Best of all: participation in the program is free of charge.

The Samsung Innovation Campus program is now expanding nationwide with new groups of young people in Utrecht and Rotterdam, under the coordination of the H20 Esports Campus.

Samsung Innovation Campus trains young people to become tech professionals for third consecutive year. After two highly successful editions, Samsung is proud to continue the pioneering Samsung Innovation Campus program. This initiative, which offers young people mostly from disadvantaged situations the opportunity to learn coding through gaming and game technologies, has proven to be a valuable source of knowledge and opportunity. Over the past two years, numerous young people have been put back on the right track through this program; many of them have pursued further education through their sparked interest, while others have found careers in the ICT and tech world.

There is still a significant shortage of IT professionals in the Netherlands, according to the Technology Pact 2020 Monitor. More than half of IT vacancies remain difficult to fill. However, employers are increasingly realizing that good gamers have skills that are valuable for a tech career. A strong player in Minecraft might as well be a programming talent. The young people gaming today are the tech professionals of the future.

Equal opportunities for all

Because equal opportunity for all is of great importance, the program, together with local youth organizations, encourages young people to participate in the workshops. The workshops are organized responsibly; focusing on screen time, exercise, healthy snacks and drinks.