Tech Horizons: Building AI Skills and Confidence in Panama’s Youth

From the heart of Panama to the Indigenous communities in Panama Oeste and Embera comarca, the Tech Horizons program gave learners a guided introduction to AI and programming. The IEEE Panama Section and IEEE Computer Society Panama Chapter partnered with the Universidad Tecnológica de Panama (UTP) to build a simple yet powerful program that ran from September 27, 2025, to December 13, 2025. The driving principle behind Tech Horizons was straightforward: Access to high-quality tech education and digital literacy shouldn’t depend on where someone lives or their background.

A Program Built for Maximum Impact

Tech Horizons was inspired by a core element of IEEE Computer Society’s vision: Play a leading role in providing tech information and community services to the world’s computing professionals. Powered by the IEEE CS Broadening Participation Fund, the program hyper-focused on creating impactful, authentic learning opportunities.

Tech Horizons succeeded in helping participants experience the potential of innovation using a multi-pronged approach:

• 21 virtual sessions, conducted between October and December 2025, taught and reinforced skill-building and the power of mentorship.
• Two in-person events held on October 25 and November 22 gave learners the chance to apply their knowledge in hands-on activities. They also reinforced the importance of community empowerment and motivating participants to continue innovating.
• Ongoing mentor support via regular check-ins, with each mentor assigned to support participants as the program progresses.
• A WhatsApp-based communication system that connected participants, mentors, and families to keep track of attendance and foster real-time coordination.

The program gave 30 participants from a range of towns and villages the chance to learn together and collaborate. Given the diverse mix of students, it’s unlikely they would’ve crossed paths otherwise. Students hailed from 10th through 12th grade classrooms from private and public schools spanning:

• Panamá Centro
• Panamá Oeste
• San Miguelito
• Panamá Norte
• Chiriquí
• Comarca Emberá

Tech Horizons by the Numbers

The program’s success was tangible, especially when you break down the numbers:

• 93.3% completion rate among all 30 participants
• 96.4% of participants reported skill growth
• Participants gave a 3.82 out of 4 satisfaction rating
• 89.3% said they wanted to continue learning more about tech
• 75% said they saw themselves pursuing a career in tech

A Breakthrough Experience for Learners

Prior to Tech Horizons, 92.9% of participants said they had between zero and “Basic” programming knowledge. However, by the time the program finished, the same percentage of participants rated their programming skills as Intermediate or Advanced.

Further, none of the participants reported a decline in their level of programming ability.

Another telling stat further supported the dramatic impact the program had on participants: Between 92.9% and 96.4% reported they had a high amount of confidence in their ability to write a simple program and explain basic technology concepts.

The same percentage also said they understood how to apply AI programming to solve real-world problems.

Building the Foundation for Continued Learning

To make sure the program continues to positively impact the lives of young Panamians, organizers:

• Secured institutional support. Organizers formed partnerships with the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá (UTP) to provide spaces and venues for future programs.
• Documented program assets and delivery models. The team documented core materials and templates, such as session plans, logistics guides, communications assets, and evaluation instruments, to make the program’s success easier to replicate and improve on
• Established a volunteer pipeline. A mentor base of 10 volunteers supported delivery and serves as a foundation for future cohorts.
• Fostered tech inclusion through partnerships. Collaboration with Juventud Indígena (Indigenous Youth Organization) expanded access for indigenous youth.

By taking these measures, the Tech Horizons team established the program as a foundation for future learning, not just a one-off experience.

The IEEE Computer Society: Supporting Tomorrow’s Innovators

Tech Horizons worked because the IEEE Computer Society’s Panama chapter, along with local participants, brought their creativity and a genuine investment in each learner to the table. Everyone joined forces to support digital literacy for under-resourced communities in Panama. The IEEE Computer Society’s Broadening Participation Fund works to expand access to technical learning in remote areas all over the world. You can help, too. Learn how by visiting the Fund’s page today.