Sky Tackles Digital Inequality Through Tech Grant Commitment

Sky is today announcing the roll-out of its Sky Up Tech Grants initiative with an investment of £220,000 to provide young people with equipment and connections to get online.

The initiative is specifically targeted to help young people between 16 and 25 to live independently, after leaving the care system. It forms part of Sky’s ambitious goal to tackle digital inequality and provide support to a quarter of a million digitally excluded people through a £10m fund.

Through its Sky Up Tech Grants, Sky aims to support thousands of young people leaving care by giving them individual grants that include a personal tech device pre-loaded with relevant software, an internet connection through Sky, and access to skills training.

"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."
- Dana Strong, Group CEO, Sky

Young people benefiting from the Sky Up Tech Grants will receive:

• Free Sky Broadband for up to 18 months
• A technology bundle including laptop, rucksack, digital active pen & software
• Access to specialist events focusing on skills, careers and wellbeing.

Sky has partnered with social impact agency Spectra to create a new technology grant programme, which will initially be focussed on three Local Authorities: Dorset, Stockport and Gateshead.

"We’re proud to be partnering with Sky to support young people who have experienced care to live independently. The Sky Up Tech Grants will have a significant impact on lives of our young people leaving care, helping them reach their full potential."
Matthew Gordon, Founder & CEO, Spectra

Sky launched its ambition to address digital exclusion in April 2022 with a three-part initiative designed to tackle digital inequality and provide support to a quarter of a million digitally excluded people through a new dedicated £10m fund. The initiative, Sky Up, supports people to succeed in a digital age, ensuring that those who are most at risk of being digitally excluded are given access to the right skills, technology, and connectivity.

As part of the initiative, Sky announced that it would deliver 100 new Digital Hubs, powered by Sky’s broadband network to provide free internet access and digital skills support, as well as expanding Sky Up Academy Studios to engage 20,000 students a year.