Empowering Youth: TCS goIT Program Drives Global Digital Innovation


12/11/2024


Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a renowned global provider of IT services, consulting, and business solutions, has empowered over 300,000 students under 18 across 48 countries with digital skills through its flagship Go Innovate Together (goIT™) program. Celebrating 15 years of success, TCS has launched initiatives to train youth, particularly from underserved communities, in advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI, and Machine Learning, equipping them for the evolving global digital economy.

goIT, a free program aimed at fostering digital innovation and career readiness, was developed to close the skills gap in science and technology while sparking interest in these fields among young people. The program connects industry and TCS experts to provide training in areas such as mobile app design, microprocessors, IoT, and AI/ML. It also encourages students to address human and environmental challenges by creating projects aligned with the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Balaji Ganapathy, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at TCS, highlighted the program's impact: "We celebrate the ability of young changemakers to transform their communities by leveraging 21st-century skills and digital tools to tackle real-world challenges. It is a fitting tribute to a program that helps youth secure their economic futures and foster innovation. I am especially proud that more than 50% of participants are girls and 70% are from minority groups, bridging global equity gaps. Their use of technology in areas such as app design, cybersecurity, AI, and IoT strengthens our belief in expanding access to opportunities worldwide."

Established in 2009 by TCS associates in Cincinnati, Ohio, goIT began as a summer camp teaching coding and robotics to a small group of students. Over the years, it has grown into a global initiative, thanks to a robust curriculum continually refined by program leaders and delivered by TCS employee volunteers, who have contributed over 74,000 hours to its success.

The program offers multiple formats to cater to diverse needs, including goIT Live, which integrates innovation into classrooms and extracurricular activities, the goIT Monthly Challenge, goIT Online, and goIT Work Experience, where students learn directly from industry professionals. Participants create "tech-for-good" solutions targeting SDGs such as health, equality, poverty reduction, and climate action.

Peter Singh, Executive Officer for IT Services and Chief Technology Officer at the Toronto District School Board, shared his experience with goIT: "Since 2014, our partnership with goIT has helped us build a strong curriculum and develop effective practices for the program’s success. Students love the program, and it enhances their digital literacy, critical thinking, and presentation skills. Their enthusiasm constantly reminds me why I chose a career in education."

In addition to goIT, TCS runs several other social responsibility initiatives like Ignite My Future, BridgeIT, Literacy as a Service, and the Youth Employment Program. Together, these programs have positively impacted over 7.1 million individuals globally, focusing on education, skill development, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and sustainability.

Click here to know more about goIT.