Empowering Uruguay’s future workforce with AI

Uruguay is experiencing a significant increase in tech development, evident through the growing number of developers and repositories on GitHub and the establishment of its first AI lab, the Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Lab, which is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. GitHub launched the Git Commit Uruguay program in 2022 to promote equitable tech opportunities for high school students and recent graduates in underserved areas of Montevideo, focusing on AI skills and featuring training in Git commands, AI-powered projects, and GitHub Copilot. The program, which began with 60 students and expanded to 105 in its second year, underscores the potential of education and inclusivity in tech, with plans to secure internships for graduates and expand further. Participants gained insights from industry leaders like Elianne Elbaum and Alejandro Pazos, enhancing their readiness for careers in the evolving tech landscape, while the program's growth from three to seven institutions highlights its success and impact on students' futures.