Manchester United Foundation have teamed up with DXC Technology (DXC) to provide a match-winning education program for secondary school pupils in the Greater Manchester area.
Aimed at developing key social and technical skills for the students, the DXC Digital Futures Academy has been launched to help empower young people and connect them to opportunities they ordinarily may not have access to. It will strive to enhance their career prospects and future opportunities.
Fifty pupils aged 12-13 will be selected for the initial four-year initiative. During that time, they will each be taught important technology skills that span several key areas; including automation, virtual reality, security and professional development.
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DXC experts have helped to create the Digital Futures Academy curriculum, along with Manchester United Foundation and teacher advisory groups from the Manchester area. At the end of the program, students will be supported with pathways into further education, colleges, apprenticeships and employment.
Schools taking part in the scheme are Stretford High School, Great Academy Ashton, Middleton Technology School, Manchester Academy, Whalley Range 11-18 High School and Levenshulme High School.
Speaking about the initiative, Mary Finch, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at DXC Technology, said: "We are proud to partner with Manchester United Foundation and use our technology skills to drive positive impact in local communities.
"With the Digital Futures Academy, our colleagues will use energy, passion and technical expertise to educate and inspire young people in their academic and professional journeys."
John Shiels MBE, who is chief executive for the Manchester United Foundation, added: "This project is a year in the making and we are witnessing the start of an initiative that will demonstrate a long-term commitment to the 50 young people involved.
"It demonstrates real collaboration between ourselves, teachers and DXC and it is hoped that, by the end of the programme, all involved will be in a position of choice as to what their adult pathway may look like."
Aside from being a digital transformation partner for Manchester United FC - and their primary shirt sleeve sponsor - DXC is the presenting partner for Manchester United Foundation. DXC and the Foundation aim to work closely with government authorities - including Manchester City Council - to support Manchester in its mission to become a technological powerhouse.
As such, by introducing these students and nurturing key skills required in the technology sector, the Digital Futures Academy will help build a future pipeline of local digital talent. Cllr Bev Craig - Leader of Manchester City Council - said: "Manchester has one of the most significant digital and creative sectors in Europe.
"Opportunities for talented young people with tech skills are growing all the time. The Academy is perfectly aligned with our strategy of supporting young people, especially those who might not previously have seen the benefits of such opportunities, to get equipped with skills they need to succeed in key growth sectors in what is a thriving and inclusive economy."
Manchester United Foundation use football to engage and inspire young people to build a better life for themselves, and unite the communities in which they live. Dedicated staff deliver educational and community outreach programmes to help young people make positive choices in their lives.
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