Sky announces £220,000 investment for young people leaving the care system

This forms as part of Sky’s ambitious goal to combat the digital divide and offer support to a quarter of a million digitally excluded people via a £10m fund

Sky has announced its ‘Sky Up Tech Grants’ initiative with a £220,000 investment to support young people when leaving the care system.

The initiative will provide 16-25 year olds with equipment and connections to get online and to live independently after leaving the care system.

Sky aims to support thousands of young people leaving care by providing them with individual grants that include personal devices equipped with software, a Sky internet connection and access to skills training.

Those benefiting from Sky Up Tech Grants will receive: free Sky broadband for up to 18 months, a tech bundle including a laptop, rucksack, digital active pen and software- as well as access to events focusing on skills, career and wellbeing.

Dana Strong, group CEO, Sky said: “As part of our £10m commitment to tackle digital inequality, Sky Up Tech Grants aim to provide young people leaving care with the tools, skills and opportunities that they need to unlock the digital world.” 

Sky has partnered with social value agency Spectra to create a new technology grant programme which will first be focussed on Dorset, Gateshead and Stockport.