Young Makers Lab

The Young Makers Mobilab is a mobile educational program that imparts basic digital skills to socially disadvantaged and vulnerable youth aged 14 to 21 in Vienna. In a total of 14 free, modular workshops, participants gain playful insights into topics such as internet security, data protection, 3D printing, coding, robotics, stop-motion film production, as well as digital creative techniques and e-portfolio creation. For this purpose, the project team travels directly to youth centers, AusbildungsFit measures, and outreach facilities with an e-cargo bike to reduce barriers and provide low-threshold access to new technologies. Through the interactive approach, the young people become active shapers of digital transformation and learn how digitalization can enrich their future professional and personal lives.

The project is funded by Volkshilfe Wien gemeinnützige Betriebs-GmbH at 100% through the Vienna Employees’ Promotion Fund (waff) in the form of a grant over the project duration of 52 months (01.01.2024–31.05.2028). Only non-profit organizations implementing the program for the defined target group are eligible to apply. A detailed project description and a financial plan must be submitted for the application; deadlines are determined by the contractual agreements in the funding contract. With this funding, waff aims to reduce digital inequalities and open up perspectives for disadvantaged youth in the areas of education, digitalization, and vocational and further training.