EmpowerU

Equal chances for all

Helping People From Vulnerable Backgrounds Build Careers in Tech

Since 2023, the EmpowerU program has been opening doors to careers in IT. We provide free courses, mentoring, English classes, and networking to support those who are new to the field.

Through this program, SoftServe strengthens its commitment as an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome veterans, people with disabilities, refugees, women, and youth from disadvantaged communities — building a diverse, inclusive talent pool.

EmpowerU is making a real difference. People want more courses, and SoftServe employees are stepping up as mentors. The program is working — and it’s driving our social mission forward.
Mariia Kucherenko,
Director of Corporate Reputation and CSR, SoftServe
EmpowerU is making a real difference. People want more courses, and SoftServe employees are stepping up as mentors. The program is working — and it’s driving our social mission forward.
Mariia Kucherenko,
Director of Corporate Reputation and CSR, SoftServe

Partner Ecosystem

The EmpowerU program is possible thanks to our partners. Their support ensures the program grows, adapts, and reaches people who need it most. Together, we help gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities to start careers in IT.

How Partners Contribute

Our partners support recruitment and local outreach. They help us understand participants’ needs, whether it’s knowledge gaps or access to basics like laptops and the internet. Partners also assist with open calls and candidate pre-selection, share their expertise as teachers or mentors, host events, and even sponsor further learning for graduates.

Why Partner With EmpowerU

Be part of the change you want to see in the world. Join the global EmpowerU program. You’ll create real social impact, support future workforce development, and strengthen your reputation as a champion of inclusion and equal opportunity. It’s also a chance to align with a trusted global CSR initiative and inspire other businesses to follow your lead.

Who We Help

EmpowerU is a global initiative, currently active in six countries: Ukraine, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Colombia, and Mexico. In each location, we carefully study the social context to identify the groups that can benefit most from our support.

Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families

The ongoing war in Ukraine has created this target group. EmpowerU supports service members and veterans reintegrating into civilian life, as well as their family members, who often take on the responsibility of supporting the household.

Refugees and Internally Displaced People

Due to the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine, many people have had to leave their homes and start over in a new place. We support them with education, guidance on local career opportunities, and mentoring from people in the community.

People With Disabilities

We believe that people of all abilities can thrive in the workplace. EmpowerU offers tailored programs, flexible formats, and trainers who know how to accommodate each group’s needs.

Women in Disadvantaged Situations

We empower all women to start and grow their careers, with a special focus on vulnerable groups. For example, in Colombia, we support teen mothers who are balancing childcare with continuing their education and facing limited access to professional opportunities.

Youth From Vulnerable Backgrounds

Vulnerable youth often have limited education, fewer job opportunities, and social stigma. EmpowerU helps break these barriers, giving them the skills, confidence, and opportunities to access meaningful employment.

Stories of Success

I sincerely thank SoftServe and its partners for the opportunity to be part of this course. For me, as a military wife on maternity leave, it became a source of strength and a chance to focus on new experiences and self-development. The course was not only about technical knowledge but also about support, inspiration, new connections, and belief in the possibility of growth despite any circumstances.
Iryna, Ukraine
I truly valued the mentoring experience for its collaborative nature, mutual respect, and the invaluable insights from my mentor. It was an enriching journey, and I look forward to continuing these mentoring sessions with such outstanding professionals.
Marly Dahiana Rodríguez Durango,
Colombia
As an EmpowerU graduate, I can proudly say that I now have the basis to create a website. I truly appreciate this opportunity and SoftServe’s commitment to making technology accessible to people who have historically faced discrimination, including those with disabilities.
Jose Luis Martinez,
Mexico
I’m passionate about technology and continuous learning. Since I was young, I’ve been interested in programming and have looked for opportunities to grow professionally and make a real impact with my skills. Through the EmpowerU program, taking Java and SQL classes strengthened my technical knowledge and motivated me to keep learning and apply technology in projects that create value.
Javier Oswaldo Ruiz,
Colombia
It’s really great that SoftServe is ready to invest time and money into educating people, some of whom are still serving in the military and unlikely to join the company anytime soon. I enrolled in the DevOps course. Because of my military service, I could hardly attend live lectures, so I watched the recordings instead. But the hands-on practice — that was absolutely amazing!
Oleksandr, Ukraine
I sincerely thank SoftServe and its partners for the opportunity to be part of this course. For me, as a military wife on maternity leave, it became a source of strength and a chance to focus on new experiences and self-development. The course was not only about technical knowledge but also about support, inspiration, new connections, and belief in the possibility of growth despite any circumstances.
Iryna, Ukraine
I truly valued the mentoring experience for its collaborative nature, mutual respect, and the invaluable insights from my mentor. It was an enriching journey, and I look forward to continuing these mentoring sessions with such outstanding professionals.
Marly Dahiana Rodríguez Durango,
Colombia

How It Works

Learn In-Demand Skills

Courses prepare learners for in-demand, entry-level tech roles. Each curriculum is tailored to their needs, goals, and circumstances, and all courses are offered free of charge. They are mostly delivered remotely, in the local language with some English materials, and typically last 8-12 weeks. 
Explore our courses to learn more.

Get Guidance From Mentors

Mentoring offers participants individual guidance and valuable experience sharing as they pursue a new career path. Mentors are SoftServe employees, qualified through SoftServe University, usually from the same country as the mentee. The mentoring process lasts several months, and mentees receive a certificate upon completion.

Improve Your English

Graduates can join an English course tailored to their skill level. The course is led by SoftServe University English teachers based in the same country as the learners. Graduates receive a certificate and access to self-study materials to continue improving their skills.

Join a Supportive Community

Participants attend live online classes, complete assignments, and build a supportive network. Graduates receive official certificates and access the SoftServe Learning System, where they can continue learning and stay connected with the community.