**Fostering AI and Software Skills among Local Elementary Students and Instructors**: The National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) and the NAVER Connect Foundation have joined forces to cultivate AI and software talent.
On the 17th, NIPA and NAVER Connect Foundation announced their signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost AI and software education capabilities for local elementary students. This agreement, part of the “SW Future Filling” initiative, aims to enhance digital skills among regional software instructors and students in alignment with the AI era.
Per the agreement, the two organizations plan to collaborate on: expanding AI and software education for local elementary students, supporting curriculum and educational materials for elementary education, and implementing programs to strengthen teacher capabilities.
The “SW Future Filling” project, supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, started in 2019 to increase digital education and reduce educational disparities in various regions. It is currently active in 13 regions nationwide, providing education to over 200,000 students annually to nurture future digital talent.
Through this collaboration, NIPA plans to offer pilot educational support in three regions—Gyeonggi, Jeonnam, and Ulsan—during the first semester. In the second semester, they intend to expand to five additional regions, working to strengthen the digital talent base in eight regions nationwide this year.
The NAVER Connect Foundation, established in 2011 by NAVER as a non-profit to transparently and professionally conduct public-benefit educational projects, will deliver quality software education through its diverse software teaching methodologies and experienced professionals.
NIPA’s Head of Regional Digital Headquarters, Jung Soo-jin, expressed optimism that the agreement will offer quality software education opportunities to local instructors and students involved in “SW Future Filling,” and affirmed their commitment to creating a foundation for continuous skill development for local talent.