Education Digest 2026
In 2026, the Star for Life Ukraine Charitable Foundation invites students aged 10–17 to join free educational programs aimed at developing hard and soft skills. Throughout the year, participants will be able to choose training in various programming languages, freelancing, leadership, creative disciplines, and special courses for girls.
The combination of modern technical knowledge and soft skills helps teenagers confidently move toward their goals and grow competitively in the tech world. Over the past three years, more than 25,000 Ukrainian children have completed the foundation’s programs, and in 2026 the opportunities continue to expand.
Creative Coding
The course combines programming basics, creativity, and working with artificial intelligence. Students will create their own graphic and animation projects in CodeGuppy, as well as artistic works using AI tools. The program develops both technical and creative skills, and the final stage will include an online presentation of student projects. The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
Python in Action
Development of programming skills and algorithmic thinking (basic course). The course focuses on learning the fundamentals of the Python programming language, fostering logical and algorithmic thinking. Participants will study basic language constructs, work on Olympiad-style problems, and acquire skills necessary for further IT learning and careers. The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
AI Literacy
During the course, students will learn what artificial intelligence is, how it works, and what opportunities it opens in the modern world. Participants will explore a variety of AI tools for learning, creativity, and everyday tasks — including Google Workspace, ChatGPT, Canva, Copilot, Notion, and others. Students will also learn to use technologies safely and ethically, protect personal data, and follow digital hygiene and responsible online behavior. The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
Cybersecurity
Students will learn what cybersecurity is, what threats exist on the internet, and how to protect their devices and data. The program covers online safety basics, common cyberattacks and vulnerabilities, rules for safeguarding personal information, principles of network security, and responsible use of technology. Students will also explore career options in cybersecurity.
The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
Java SE21 Pro (Preparing for Oracle)
An advanced Java course designed for students who already have basic programming knowledge and want to upgrade their skills to a professional level. The program includes four modules covering: core syntax and structured programming, object-oriented programming, exception handling and collections, modern Java SE9–SE21 features: modules, var, records, sealed classes, pattern matching, streams, and updated APIs.
The final module includes practical tasks and preparation for Oracle certification.
The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the language, modern tools, approaches, and prepares students to confidently pass the international exam. The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
Java Basic
The course introduces students to the basics of Java — one of the world’s most popular programming languages. Participants will learn to work with variables, conditions, loops, and functions, and they will create their first simple programs.
After completing the course, students will have a solid foundation for further development in programming.
The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
Introduction to FrontEnd Development
Students learn the basics of creating websites and user interfaces. They will explore foundational technologies — HTML, CSS, JavaScript — and learn to work with structure, styles, and interactive elements. After completing the course, students will build their first web project and understand how to continue growing in web development.
The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
Summer IT School
The summer school consists of three educational modules, each dedicated to a separate IT direction and providing comprehensive skills: Web Layout
(Students learn the basics of structured web pages, HTML, CSS, Flexbox, Grid, and adaptive design), Frontend
(Students study HTML, CSS, JavaScript, programming logic, DOM manipulation, and creating interactive elements), Python (Students explore the basics of Python — variables, conditions, loops, functions — and create their own program or game).
Each module ends with a practical project. By the end of the school, participants will have a basic understanding of web development and programming, forming a foundation for further IT study. The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
Girls in Tech: UI/UX Design
Students will learn the fundamentals of UX/UI design and create their own landing page in Figma — from the idea to the final layout. The program includes work with the Figma interface, composition, typography, color, styles, and visual hierarchy. Participants will learn how to choose references, work with content, build moodboards, and use AI tools. The course consists of practical tasks, real examples, and step-by-step creation of adaptive designs with basic animations. The final project is a website design for desktop and mobile. The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
.NET for Beginners
The course introduces students to the basics of programming on the .NET platform using C#. Participants will learn to create simple programs, work with variables, conditions, loops, and basic data structures. After completing the course, they will be able to develop their own console applications and will have a foundation for further learning of modern .NET development.
The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
Digital Marketing
The course introduces students to the exciting world of online promotion and modern media. They will learn to create engaging content, analyze trends, build strategies for social media and advertising campaigns.
After completing the course, students will confidently present ideas online and turn creativity into successful projects.
The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
Animation
This course introduces students to animation fundamentals and interactive interface design in Figma. It includes video lessons, webinars, practical tasks, and group feedback. Students will learn UI animation principles, transitions, micro-interactions, and prototyping. Step by step, they will create their own interactive layout or animated prototype in Figma and present it at the final session.
Upon completion, participants will confidently work with interface animation and create projects suitable for a beginner portfolio.
The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
Freelance
The course introduces students to freelancing basics and personal branding. Participants will learn to create effective profiles on popular platforms, build portfolios, write professional proposals, set their own rates, and communicate with clients. The program includes practical tasks, real examples, and work on personal projects. After the course, students will have a ready freelance profile, a portfolio with several projects, and an understanding of how to work with clients and promote their skills online.
The program includes English classes and Mental Boost activities.
All classes are held in Ukrainian and designed for Ukrainian children.
