How to increase opportunities for the youth of Latin America?
Thinking
Mercado Libre was looking to increase opportunities for young people in the field of technology, opening doors to a future in which they can become creators. With the aim of enhancing the impact of their actions, the organization turned to Happy Together Studio in search of a diagnosis.
We found that there are certain social and cultural barriers, as well as limited access to quality information, that deter a large percentage of young Latin Americans from considering the possibility of careers in or professional training towards the field of technology. Furthermore, these issues are even deeper for some due to the lack of representation, as is the case for female students and those with non-binary identities.
For this reason, it is not enough to offer free training in technology. We must go further.
We observed that to design a winning proposal, the solution had to be composed of three variables:
→Quality pedagogical content that motivates students to continue learning.
→ A peer network that provides support and attention, made up of people close in age who share similar interests and dreams.
→ A network of mentors made up of people with previous experience, capable of guiding the way.
By emphasizing networks of peers and mentors, we seek to build young people's confidence and ability to build their own journey in the field of technology.
Doing
In order to create a product that combines these three variables, we brought together an interdisciplinary team, made up of people from both Happy Together Studio and Mercado Libre.
Together, we developed Beta Hub, a learning platform aimed at young people aged 16 to 18 in Latin America.
Beta Hub offers free access to an online schedule of courses and activities, creating a digital and multicultural learning community. The course offerings and selection of partners prioritizes a social perspective that favors diversity and inclusion, as well as a regional outlook.
With these criteria in mind, we have selected educational partners with proven track records working with young people in both Spanish and Portuguese, such as Digital House, Guayerd, Aptugo, Crack the Code, Junior Achievement, Social Good, reprograma, Mais1code, Descomplica and Cubo's Academy.
Educational courses in technology: 100% free.
Further, the platform's community spaces encourage cultural and social exchange between young people of various nationalities and from different contexts, nurturing the aspects of diversity that are necessary to make an impact in today’s globalized world.
The main focus of the platform is to help young people from LATAM go from being mere internet users to becoming technology creators.
Beta Hub brings knowledge, learning and support to young people in Latin America. It is not just another educational platform, but rather seeks to empower youth and support tools that enhance their future.
Sustainable Development Goals - ONU
