AltSchool Africa Rolls Out Summer Tech Bootcamp for Teens
AltSchool Africa, the Nigeria-founded edtech startup, has launched a targeted online program to introduce tech skills to teenagers. Designed to spark innovation early and guide career choices, the course is open to 14–16-year-olds over the summer holiday period .
Bridging the Age Gap in Tech Education
Traditionally, African teenagers only encounter formal tech training at the university level, a gap AltSchool aims to fill. Nifemi Akinwamide, Head of Global Operations, explains:
“Teenagers don’t need to be computer engineering students to learn valuable tech skills.”
By offering coding fundamentals to young learners, the startup hopes to build a strong foundation before they enter university.
A Hands-on, Mentored Experience
This pilot initiative runs for 2–3 months during the summer, and intentionally avoids conflicting with regular school routines. Participants receive one-on-one mentorship and focus on software engineering basics, such as HTML, CSS, and website architecture, empowering them to solve real-world problems through technology.
More Than Just Coding
Beyond tech fluency, the program equips teens with the skills to take charge of their futures. Akinwamide observes that early exposure translates to fewer career detours down the line:
“By starting early, teenagers can build a strong foundation in tech skills… It puts them in control of their career choices.”
Serving as a bridge to tertiary education, the course emphasizes self-assessment and goal-setting, helping participants understand whether a career in engineering or tech might suit them.
Flexible, with Future Expansion Potential
The Summer Tech Class runs from August through September or October and is fully online for now. However, if interest spikes, AltSchool may follow up with in-person sessions. The company believes its solid curriculum, skilled mentors, and alignment with long-term aspirations, will set this pilot apart .
Shaping Tomorrow’s Innovators
AltSchool Africa envisions this not just as a coding introduction, but as a platform for self-discovery, passion exploration, and preparation for what lies ahead. The goal is to empower young Africans to create, not just consume, technology.
