With the EmpowerU program, we aim to promote diversity andthe inclusion of single mothers, people with disabilities, veterans, refugees and other representatives of various social and minority groups in business, as well as help the development of disadvantaged people, providing the necessary foundations for a career start in the IT sector. The program includes free IT courses and additional learning resources based on the vast experience of SoftServe Academy. The initiative provides students with the opportunity to work in a team, as well as a variety of benefits such as networking and mentoring support.

The first group in EmpowerU was focusing on people with disabilities. The general target groups are underrepresented people - we aim to promote diversity and inclusion of people with disabilities, single mothers, veterans, refugees and other representatives of various social and minority groups in business.

• The course lasts 2 months. • The course is held 3 times a week, online. • The size of the group of course participants - 10 people. In 2024, we plan to launch 2 more groups.

•Before the start of the course, we held an introductory webinar, in which we told more about the course itself and its specific topic - "Software Testing", to familiarize the candidates with more details about the implementation of the program. • The announcement, communication, and all the necessary information about the initiative, as well as the application, have been digitized for easier access. • A PR was sent to national media to spread the news: https://www.mypr.bg/news/software/Ravni-vazmozhnosti-za-vsichki-i-bezplatni-kursove-v-IT-sektora-s- initsiativata-EmpowerU-39491/ •Communication is published on social networks. • Course lectures are held online, on the Zoom platform. •Educational materials are provided and available to the course participants, with digital access. • An EmpowerU Alumni group has been created to share additional materials and job start-up opportunities for graduates.

How does it help business and the environment? EmpowerU is an initiative beneficial to society and business, combining education, equality and a sustainable approach to improve the environment because: • Provides equal opportunities for all and gives participants a solid foundation of knowledge in one of the fastest-growing sectors – the IT sector. • Trains high-quality personnel ready for a successful start in business. • Promotes equality and inclusiveness, enriching society. • Creates a diverse business community with different social groups, including on a global scale. • Stimulates social responsibility and supports public initiatives in partnership with global organizations.