Helping Altitude to build back better

Two years ago in March 2019, Scott Logic provided seed funding and support for the creation of a new charity, Altitude Foundation, which enables young people with untapped potential to pursue their passion for technology, get their first job, and inspire others to do the same. 

Unfortunately, COVID has hit the charity harder than most and made life even more challenging for the disadvantaged young people it aims to help. But through these difficult times, it continues to succeed with contributions of time and insight from Scott Logic.

The majority of Altitude’s work is through face-to-face contact via schools and academies, and unsurprisingly lockdown created immediate problems. As Colin Ferguson, Altitude’s General Manager put it, “Our young people are not set up to engage remotely. COVID has been difficult for young people from any background, but the young people we focus on are disproportionately affected; more likely to have slow or no broadband, a lack of appropriate devices with which to engage, and without a quiet space for them to work from.” 

Having seen engagement levels drop sharply, there was a lot of work to be done, and Scott Logic was there to offer assistance wherever possible. Having previously supported Altitude to implement its website, we’ve now helped the charity to investigate alternative engagement models through mobile platforms and low-broadband delivery. We’ve also recently completed a project to scope and research collaboration solutions, and helped support implementation. The resulting new solution will soon go live on the Six Circles platform, which is an exciting step for the charity and its cohort of young technologists. 

In addition to changes in its outreach to children, Altitude has been running sessions for teachers and students through Zoom. Scott Logic consultants (particularly the new graduates) have again supported this work, talking through their experiences and their career journeys, and looking at the impact of the digital economy. This has included sessions on the Future of Digital Careers and the Future of Employment.

The relationship between Scott Logic and Altitude has been hugely beneficial to both parties. Our consultants relish the opportunity to contribute to the community and work with those in genuine need to help them realise their potential.

In addition to the significant initial financial investment, the ongoing in-kind support Scott Logic provides has been invaluable to Altitude, as Colin remarked, “As a result of COVID, the impact we’ve made hasn’t been as good as we would have hoped, but with Scott Logic’s support we have lots of commitment from schools and businesses, and we’re laying the foundations for a great 2021.”

Already, Altitude has plans for engagement in September, in which Scott Logic will be heavily involved. It has secured an agreement with 12 schools, with several more in discussions to join the programme, and support from Newcastle Building Society.

If you’re interested in the work of Altitude Foundation or would like to help, please contact Colin Ferguson on +44 191 345 4420 or email hello@altitudefoundation.org.