These London-based educational Foundations are shaping the city’s future by helping people who are struggling with the changing job market. Along with institutes like No Code, they’re on a mission to help marginalized individuals and communities regain control of their lives and careers.
Importance of Educational Foundations
London is not only a hub of history, culture, and commerce but also a vibrant host to Foundations and organizations dedicated to making a difference. These Foundations focus on education and technology and the intersection of the two to accelerate social inclusion and environmental sustainability. By creating learning and growing opportunities for people who feel suffocated by the constantly changing job market, these Foundations offer a breath of fresh air.
These Foundations fully understand that in order for the world to become a fairer place, it will need all the help it can get. Therefore, their courses are designed to help people of all ages and backgrounds familiarize themselves with the digital world and indeed excel as entrepreneurs and employees.
Benefits of Educational Foundations
These London-based Foundations are focused on the marginalized and overlooked sections of our society. They know that education is only half the answer to lift them up to the level of the world. And that true advancement lies in ‘quality’ and ‘timely’ education. With that in mind, these Foundations are uniquely designed to offer the following benefits:
- Equality and Empowerment: Foundations like "She Can Code" and "Women Who Code London," empower women by giving them a platform to flourish as coders.
- Valuable Connections: They enable connections with diverse professionals and mentors that can unlock career prospects and collaborations.
- Limitless Learning: They offer alternative pathways to higher education.
- Solution-oriented: They tie up with tech giants to help learners become solution-providers to real-world problems.
Best NGOs/Foundations in London:
1. She Can Code
Website: www.shecancode.io/
About the Foundation
She Can Code is committed to addressing the tech gender gap. This community-driven, women-in-tech platform offers valuable resources, advice, tools, events, and even job opportunities. With a global user base exceeding 180,000, She Can Code is cultivating an inclusive community to motivate, guide, and assist women at every stage of their tech careers.
Foundation Highlights
- Energizing events
- 180,000 users worldwide
- Focus on mental health
Who should attend
- Women seeking work-life balance
- Women caught in the wrong job
- Women who wish to upskill
- Women who wish to switch to a career in tech
Why you should consider
- To meet other like-minded women
- To get inspired by stories of strong women
- To access their valuable resources
2. Women Who Code London
Website: www.womenwhocode.com/
About the Foundation
Women Who Code London is a part of the Women Who Code global network. It offers mentorship, collaborative learning, and opportunities to women to help them advance their tech careers. Since its inception, Women Who Code has expanded to over 20 countries, supporting women in tech everywhere.
Foundation Highlights
- Bridging the gender gap
- Mentorship and educational opportunities
- Inspiring the next generation of female coders
Who should attend
- Women caught in the wrong job
- Women who want to upskill/reskill to relaunch their careers
- Women who wish to improve their earning potential
- Female Entrepreneurs
Why you should consider
- To empower your tech career
- To join a global community of women in tech
- To access tools, events, and job opportunities
3. London Metropolitan University
Website: www.londonmet.ac.uk
About the Foundation
London Met's programs provide an alternative path to higher education. With three campuses in Holloway, Aldgate, and Shoreditch, the Foundation welcomes and encourages people who do not possess traditional qualifications. Ideal for individuals aiming to upgrade their skills, it offers the perfect blend of foundational introduction and contemporary courses.
Apart from comprehensive learning material, it also offers sports facilities and access to libraries to encourage individuals and local communities become perpetual learners.
Apart from the facilities they provide to their own students, London Met’s outreach Programs have touched many lives outside its premises as well. Many adult learners, for example, have benefited greatly from their initiatives and discovered their hidden potential.
Foundation Highlights
- Flexible programs
- Sports facilities
- Libraries, and support services
- Outreach initiatives
Who should attend
- People caught in the wrong job
- People who are unemployable
- People who want to upskill/reskill to relaunch their careers
- Those who wish to improve their earning potential
- Young aspirants
Why you should consider
- To enhance your tech skills
- To avail networking opportunities
- To advance your career in tech
4. Tech to the rescue
Website: www.techtotherescue.org/tech
About the Foundation
Tech to the Rescue unites tech companies with non-profit organizations to address critical global challenges. They seek tech companies that are equipped with dedicated teams to create pro bono digital solutions. Put simply, Tech to the Rescue makes it easy for tech companies to engage in meaningful projects and drive positive global change.
Foundation Highlights
- 1200+ tech companies from 58 countries
- 840+ non-profits from 75 countries
- 250+ projects in 28 countries
- 4 million+ lives impacted
Who should attend
- People caught in the wrong job
- People who are unemployable
- People who want to upskill/reskill to relaunch their careers
- Those who wish to improve their earning potential
Why you should consider
- To collaborate on life-changing projects
- To use tech skills for good with non-profits
- To access curated high-impact projects
- To create world-changing solutions
5. Social Tech Trust
Website: www.socialtechtrust.org
About the Foundation
The Social Tech Trust is a UK-based charity that invests in and supports tech ventures that aim to create meaningful social and environmental change. They believe that tech inspired by social needs can transform lives and address some of the most pressing challenges in society. The Foundation often collaborates with innovators to enable, accelerate, and scale socially motivated tech solutions.
Foundation Highlights
- Active collaborations with the likes of Microsoft, Catch 22, UFI VocTech Trust, and Hatch
- AI for social impact
- Tech to encourage equality
Who should attend
- People caught in the wrong job
- People who are unemployable
- People who want to upskill/reskill to relaunch their careers
- Those who wish to improve their earning potential
Why you should consider
- To use Tech as a force of good
- To work with and learn from industry leaders
- To become a changemaker
6. Good Things Foundation
Website: www.goodthingsfoundation.org
About the Foundation
The Good Things Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving digital and social inclusion. Their mission is to empower individuals and communities by providing access to digital skills and resources, thus, enabling people to lead more connected and fulfilling lives.
The Foundation works towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to harness the benefits of the digital age, regardless of their background or circumstance. Additionally, they partner with local organizations to offer digital skills, data, devices, and online learning resources to people who are socially excluded.
Foundation Highlights
- Advocating for government action on digital inclusion
- Empowering digitally excluded individuals
- Addressing social inequality with digital inclusion efforts
Who should attend
- People caught in the wrong job
- People who are marginalized
- People who want to upskill/reskill to relaunch their careers
- Those who wish to improve their earning potential
- Those who are socially excluded
Why you should consider
- To make a meaningful impact
- To join a nationwide network of dedicated organizations
- To meet inspiring individuals
- To transform your life through digital skills
7. Vodafone Foundation
Website: www.vodafone.co.uk
About the Foundation
The Vodafone Foundation London is the philanthropic arm of Vodafone Group. It’s dedicated to supporting various charitable initiatives in London, particularly those focused on addressing social and environmental challenges. The Foundation is funded by Vodafone Group Plc and works with other charitable organizations and NGOs.
It collaborates with local organizations, invests in community projects, and leverages technology to create a positive social impact on education, health, and digital inclusion in London.
Foundation Highlights
- Goal 2025: To assist 4 million individuals and businesses
- Collecting used smartphones and tablets to donate to those in need
- Providing support to minorities through apps like Zoteria
Who should attend
- People belonging to minority groups
- People caught in the wrong job
- People who are unemployable
- People who want to upskill/reskill to relaunch their careers
- Marginalized people
Why you should consider
- To bring real-world change
- To participate in on-ground projects
- To meet inspiring people
- To engage in actionable dialogues
8. Uxbridge College
Website: www.uxbridgecollege.ac.uk
About the Foundation
Uxbridge College is a large further education institution in Uxbridge, West London. It is part of the Harrow, Richmond & Uxbridge Colleges (HRUC) Group, which was formed in 2023 after merging with Harrow College and Richmond upon Thames College.
The college offers professional guidance on study options to help students achieve their career goals. The college community is enriched with like-minded teachers and students who believe in the power of meaningful dialogues. It has a variety of courses and vocational programs designed for 16–19-year-olds and even adults in areas of academic studies, vocational training, and professional development.
The Foundation has made laudable investments in its IT systems and facilities and won several awards for its quality of education and social impact. They are committed to providing equal opportunities, embracing diversity in all aspects, and promoting an environment where everyone can excel instead of some being left behind because of inequality and discrimination.
Foundation Highlights
- Adult-Centric Education
- Part-Time and Full-Time Options
- Extensive Course Variety
- Dedicated to Equality and Inclusion
Who should attend
- Professionals seeking a career change
- Migrants of all age groups
- People caught in the wrong job
- People who are unemployable
- Adults who want to upskill/reskill to relaunch their careers
Why you should consider
- To gain from their variety of Adult-Focused Courses
- For supportive Career Guidance
- To learn in an inclusive and diverse environment
9. Education and Training Foundation
Website: www.et-foundation.co.uk
About the Foundation
The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) London is a prominent educational organization that is focused on providing support, resources, and professional development opportunities to teachers, trainers, and educators across London. Established in 2013, it is a registered charity and the leading authority for professional development in Further Education and Training (FE).
Its mission is to enhance the quality of teaching and learning, primarily in the post-16 education and training sector, through various programs, training sessions, and initiatives. The ETF works collaboratively with educational institutions and professionals to improve the skills and knowledge of educators and, in turn, the educational experiences of students.
The Foundation offers a variety of courses and resources to help practitioners improve their skills and knowledge. It also confers qualifications such as Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS) and Advanced Teacher Status (ATS) through its membership body, the Society for Education and Training (SET).
Foundation Highlights
- Largest community in post-16 education
- Confers QTLS and ATS
- Works with partners, employers, government departments and trade unions
- World leader in education and training
Who should attend
- People caught in the wrong job
- People who are unemployable
- People who want to upskill/reskill to relaunch their careers
- Those who wish to improve their earning potential
Why you should consider
- To learn from some of the best minds
- To benefit from their range of courses and resources
- To gain professional qualifications like QTLS and ATS
10. City & Guilds Foundation
Website: www.cityandguildsfoundation.org
About the Foundation
The City & Guilds Foundation is committed to creating a positive impact in the world by promoting social investment, recognition, and advocacy. Their mission is to empower individuals from all backgrounds by supporting them in their quest for success.
The Foundation is dedicated to fostering skill development and equal opportunities for everyone, irrespective of their background. They offer financial support through a bursary program, along with various social initiatives to help underserved individuals enhance their skills. By collaborating with diverse organizations, they aim to drive innovation, celebrate best practices, and inspire progress in the field of skill development.
Their strategic focus includes:
- Helping prisoners gain skills to secure employment upon release
- Supporting refugees in overcoming skill-related barriers
- Assisting individuals at critical transition points in their lives and careers
Foundation Highlights
- Driving social impact through skill development
- Financial support through a bursary program
- Focus on supporting prisoners, refugees, and critical transitions
- Inclusivity and diversity
Who should attend
- People caught in the wrong job
- People who are unemployable
- People who want to upskill/reskill to relaunch their careers
- Those who wish to improve their earning potential
Why you should consider
- To drive meaningful change through skill development
- To collaborate with diverse partners for social impact
- To support vital causes like prisoner rehabilitation and refugee employment
- To be a part of a purpose-driven community
IN CONCLUSION
In a world where change and progress are crucial, these educational Foundations in London stand as a beacon of hope and transformation. With unwavering dedication, they amplify skills, eliminate barriers, and help create a society where everyone, regardless of their background, can succeed. Their collaborative approach, commitment to innovation, and support for vital causes like prisoner rehabilitation and refugee empowerment, for instance, illuminate the path to a brighter future. As we navigate the evolving landscape of skill development, Foundations like these and institutes like No Code can have a profound impact on lives, careers, and communities and serve as reminders that collective efforts can lead to lasting change.
