SoftServe Recognized at Un Global Compact Ukraine Network Partnership for Sustainability Awards 2023

LVIV, Ukraine (Nov. 27, 2023) – SoftServe, a premier IT consulting and digital services provider, has been recognized as a finalist in the UN Global Compact Ukraine Network Partnership Sustainability Awards 2023 in the People category for its EmpowerU and Generation Tech programs, initiatives providing free training courses in various IT disciplines to diverse communities.

Recognition of SoftServe’s EmpowerU program gives weight to the company’s progress in propelling DEI initiatives forward. Launched earlier in 2023, EmpowerU has provided women, people with disabilities, veterans, refugees, and more community members the opportunity to excel their IT skills and capabilities. Since inception, about 100 graduates in Ukraine, Poland, Mexico, and Colombia have completed the training.

“Since joining the UN Global Compact in 2021, SoftServe has accelerated its various initiatives focused on sustainability and communities, such as continued education,” said Mariia Kucherenko, SoftServe’s Director of Corporate Reputation & CSR. “Our EmpowerU and Generation Tech programs are designed to provide an equal opportunity for all who wish to transition into a career in tech. Access to education is key to helping underrepresented groups to identify a new career path and make it a reality.”

In Ukraine, in particular, the program is deployed in partnership with Veteran Hub, a Ukrainian nonprofit, which provides holistic support to veterans and their families. Out of 237 participants registered for the program, 80 of them passed the selection and started their studies. There were 30 graduates who received certificates following completion of their studies; among them were veterans and their relatives. Graduates can continue with further free training at SoftServe Academy.

For the children of Ukrainian soldiers and veterans, a separate initiative was launched: "Generation Tech.” The initiative was preceded by SoftServe’s IT Pupil project, which started back in 2016 and provided the opportunity for more than 600 high school children from orphanages and large families to acquire fundamental IT skills. As a result of the first recruitment, 109 children had the opportunity to work with SoftServe mentors for three months, learning programming languages, the basics of cybersecurity, teamwork, and public speaking skills. The project continues and is gaining momentum.

These educational avenues helped position SoftServe as an optimal award candidate to the UN Global Compact Ukraine. Entrants were evaluated to identify the “best projects implemented in partnership between business, government, and civil society to achieve the SDGs (Sustainability Development Goals).” Recognition as a finalist highlights the support of Ukraine during the Russian invasion and best practices related to sustainable development.

To learn more about SoftServe's EmpowerU program, please visit the SoftServe website or fill out this contact form.