Call for proposals: microfinance for coding and programming projects within the framework of EU Code Week

The Code4Europe initiative is a call for proposals launched by Junior Achievement Bulgaria (JA Bulgaria) to support microfinance for coding and programming projects within the framework of EU Code Week. This opportunity aims to boost digital skills among young people aged 6 to 25 by fostering innovative activities that integrate coding into education, promote community engagement, and encourage gender equality in STEM.

Eligible participants include schools, coding clubs, and non-governmental organizations based in Bulgaria. Projects should aim to develop digital skills through innovative approaches in both formal and informal educational settings. While the call supports single applicants or small teams, commercial projects and those unrelated to coding or digital skills are excluded from eligibility.

The evaluation process consists of several stages, including an eligibility check, expert evaluations, and a committee selection. Proposals will be assessed based on their alignment with the initiative's objectives, educational quality, community impact, budget rationality, and overall presentation.

The funding is intended for projects that develop curricula, purchase necessary technology, or manage workshops aimed at improving coding skills and digital engagement among youths, promoting diversity and collaboration within local communities.

Overall, this initiative is not an EU action but is independently managed by JA Bulgaria, although it aligns with broader EU strategies for enhancing digital skills, particularly among underrepresented groups.

The Code4Europe project, under grant agreement number 101158834, is launching a call for proposals to support microfinance for coding and programming projects within the framework of EU Code Week. This initiative, titled "Call for proposals: microfinance for coding and programming projects within the framework of EU Code Week," aims to identify and support local projects aligned with the mission of EU Code Week, specifically targeting programming, algorithmic thinking, and digital skills for young people aged 6 to 25. The call is launched by DZHUNIAR ACHIYVMANT BALGARIYA (JA BULGARIA), and the financial support will be provided directly by JA BULGARIA under its own responsibility. This is not an EU action.

The opening date for submissions is April 28, 2025, and the deadline for submission is June 28, 2025, at 23:59 (Brussels time). The expected duration of participation is until October 31, 2025. The total funding available is €10,000.00. The project acronym is Code4Europe, and the full name of the EU-funded project is "Code4Europe - empowering the new generation of Young Digital Europeans." The relevant topic is DIGITAL-2023 - Boosting Digital Skills of young pupils, in particular girls.

The submission and evaluation process involves several stages. The invitation, including terms and conditions, will be published on the EU Code Week website, the JA Bulgaria website, and in JA social media channels. Applications will be submitted via an online form and will undergo an eligibility check, expert evaluation, final selection by a committee, and contracting.

In this first call for applications, up to 7 projects will be selected for funding ranging from 250 to €500, and up to 7 projects will be selected for funding ranging from 501 to €1500, with a total of up to €10,000 being awarded. The evaluation criteria include: (1) Compliance with the programmatic design of the initiative; (2) Education in coding, specifically training in programming and algorithmic thinking; (3) Quality of the proposal; (4) Impact; and (5) Presentation of the idea, including clarity and completeness.

In summary, this call for proposals, managed by JA Bulgaria, seeks to fund local projects that promote coding, algorithmic thinking, and digital skills among young people aged 6 to 25, aligning with the EU Code Week mission. The funding is divided into two tiers: 250-€500 and 501-€1500, with a total budget of €10,000. Projects should focus on innovative digital skills activities, integrating coding into education, encouraging community participation, and promoting gender equality and diversity in STEM. The application process involves online submission, eligibility checks, expert evaluation, and final selection. The evaluation criteria emphasize compliance with the initiative's design, coding education quality, proposal quality, impact, and clarity of presentation.

Summary:

This opportunity is a microfinance grant program called Code4Europe, offered by Junior Achievement Bulgaria (JA Bulgaria) within the framework of EU Code Week. It is designed to support local projects in Bulgaria that promote programming, algorithmic thinking, and digital skills among young people aged 6 to 25. The call aims to foster innovative digital skills activities, integrate coding into education, encourage community participation, and promote gender equality in STEM.

This call is not an EU action but is independently launched and managed by JA Bulgaria. The EU Funding & Tenders Portal is only used to increase the visibility of the call. The deadline for applications is June 28, 2025. The project aims to empower the new generation of Young Digital Europeans.