Fundación Universidad de La Punta

Mission: Our mission is to contribute to the sustainable progress of the community by establishing an ecosystem of educational opportunities aimed at fostering the development of impactful projects that affect the economic, social, and productive sectors of the Province of San Luis and the surrounding region.

Vision: Our goal is to empower the residents of San Luis by providing them with access to an educational network that equips them with the practical skills necessary for today's job market, while also offering training to support companies in the search for and strengthening of their qualified workforce. We position ourselves as facilitators in this process, from providing basic education to incubating business ideas and turning them into successful ventures.

Core Values:

Innovation: We encourage and generate scientific and technological contributions aimed at improving the conditions of the social environment in which we live, while fostering links with the productive system to strengthen the sector.

Education: As a solid foundation of a University, teaching and continuously updating education operate our core values. All our programs are somehow related to education, with the aim of contributing to the progress of our region from this perspective. We are dedicated to building an ecosystem that generates educational opportunities and promotes the progress of the province and the region, advocating for social inclusion and sustainable development.

Community: Every effort of alliance and cooperation aims to improve the quality of life of people, working together to combine strengths. Through various initiatives, we facilitate the integration of the educational community into the workforce and support companies in the search for and strengthening of qualified talent. Our commitment extends to key areas such as assistance to vulnerable sectors and collaboration in comprehensive and technological education programs.

As General Secretary, María Eugenia plays a fundamental role in the foundation's daily operations, overseeing the budget, expenses, income, and coordinating all programs. She is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of daily activities and for ensuring that desired results are achieved. With extensive experience in leadership and a distinguished track record in research, particularly in regional development and sustainability, María Eugenia has successfully led similar initiatives in the past. Previously, she has held managerial positions in other foundations focused on entrepreneurship and education.

The three main members of the Fundación Universidad de La Punta team are: 

- María Eugenia Verges, General Secretary.

- María Belén Blasco, Fundation Manager.

- Valentin Endeiza, Fundraising and Partnerships Manager.

(All three registered on the SOLVE platform)

Specifically regarding workload, we have long incorporated a continuous training and project support modality that often adds certain weekly hours, as LEAP proposes in this case. Nonetheless, this is a positive aspect for us as it allows us to consider other perspectives and enhances our training, ultimately adding long-term value and benefits.

On the other hand, through our university connections, we have access to a vast pool of specialized professionals in various fields, particularly in computer science, including professors and teaching assistants who form part of the key human capital available to us. We can utilize their expertise and services to ensure the quality of the projects we present. Additionally, we have professionals from different sectors such as social workers, teachers, psychologists, accountants, lawyers, nurses, entrepreneurs, and high-level academics who are willing to help and contribute in diverse ways to each project and program presented by the foundation.

Mini Programmers It is the opportunity and possibility to learn programming in a fun, free and online way.

In San Luis, Argentina, notable progress has been achieved in granting children access to notebooks and internet connectivity, thanks to robust public policies aimed at enhancing computer literacy over the past decade. However, despite these commendable efforts, a critical issue remains unaddressed: a noticeable lack of opportunities for these children to engage in coding and programming software tools.

While most of them possess the necessary hardware and internet connection, the absence of structured programs or educational initiatives geared towards teaching coding to young learners is glaring. Many children are left without guidance or exposure to the vast possibilities that coding can offer. This deficiency is particularly concerning given that programming skills are increasingly essential in today's digital age and projected to be even more vital in the future.

Without access to coding education from an early age, children miss out on the chance to develop crucial problem-solving skills, logical reasoning abilities, and creativity, all of which are cultivated through learning to code. Moreover, coding proficiency can provide a significant competitive advantage in future career prospects, as technology continues to shape various industries.

The consequences of this educational gap are far-reaching. Children who lack exposure to coding are at risk of being left behind in an increasingly tech-driven world. Meanwhile, those who do receive early or have more economic means for accessing coding education later on, or with other standards of comfort, are poised to thrive and excel in the digital landscape. Thus, the absence of structured coding education not only perpetuates inequality but also widens the gap between the digitally literate and those who are not.

To effectively tackle this challenge, it is imperative to undertake coordinated efforts aimed at creating and executing coding education programs specifically designed for the young learners in San Luis. These initiatives must prioritize inclusivity and accessibility while centering on delivering hands-on coding experiences that ignite creativity and foster innovation. That's why we are introducing this program free of charge and open to everyone in the province.

Creating a fun, entertaining and efficient way to train children ages 8 to 12 in programming skills is essential to prepare them for the digital future. We firmly believe that this training is essential to equip children with relevant skills in the current and future industry and job market. Also, we recognize that this training not only benefits individual children, but can also have a positive impact on society as a whole, promoting equity and upward social mobility.

Our solution, based on the success of a previous course called "MiniXD Programmers", seeks to provide children with a fun and practical introduction to programming. We understand that programming can seem overwhelming to children, so we want to present it in an accessible and stimulating way.

The program will focus on teaching children the basics of programming in a way that is easy to understand and apply. We will use simple, everyday examples to illustrate the meaning of programming and how it is used in the world of technology. For example, we will explain that programming is like giving instructions to a computer, similar to how they plan their daily activities, such as going to school, lunch, doing homework, and playing games, of course through interactive and attractive games educational learning platforms.

We will provide hands-on activities and creative projects for children to experiment with programming, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. Our aim is for kids to view coding as a potent tool for realizing their ideas and tackling challenges innovatively. This program will be accessible to all children in the province, as we're partnered with the San Luis Government's Ministry of Education and 27 rural schools, alongside 2 digital schools, ensuring inclusivity through free access.

To date, the University of La Punta has conducted and commissioned several research studies aimed at demonstrating the effectiveness of the Programmers 4.0 initiative and its associated projects, such as the San Luis 4.0 Programmable Robotic Model and the Mini and Mega Programmers. These research efforts have been crucial in assessing the impact of the initiative on education, skill development, gender equity, economic growth, and community inclusion in San Luis.

A key area of research has been impact evaluation studies. These studies have tracked the progress of Programmers 4.0 initiative participants over time, assessing their competence in technology-related skills, academic performance, and professional outcomes. By evaluating the long-term impact of the initiative, these studies provide evidence of its effectiveness in preparing individuals for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

As of the year 2019, we have graduated 3,317 students from the program. 739 in 2019; 1000 in 2020; 803 in 2021; and 775 in 2022, across all levels.

Surveys and comment analysis have also played a significant role in demonstrating the effectiveness of the Programmers 4.0 initiative. Feedback has been collected from participants, educators, and other stakeholders to assess their perceptions of the initiative and identify areas for improvement. Analyzing this feedback has provided valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the initiative, helping to refine and enhance its implementation.

Personal case studies of these students' experiences can be found on the official website of the last call: https://programadores.sanluis....

Case studies have been instrumental in showcasing the success stories of individuals and communities that have benefited from participating in the Programmers 4.0 initiative. These case studies highlight how skills acquired through the initiative have translated into tangible benefits, such as employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and contributions to technological innovation in San Luis.

Comparative studies have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the project initiative compared to other programs or educational interventions aimed at developing technology-related skills. By comparing the initiative with alternative approaches, these studies provide valuable information about its unique strengths and areas for improvement.

Additionally, gender equity-focused studies have assessed the extent to which the Programmers 4.0 initiative has succeeded in promoting the participation of girls and young women in technology-related fields, particularly given the scarcity of women in leadership roles in the industry. By analyzing enrollment data, survey responses, and qualitative feedback, these studies provide insights into the initiative's impact on gender diversity and inclusion in the technology sector.

This initiative has laid the groundwork for a promising future in the field of technology in the province, preparing young people to face the challenges and opportunities of the digital era.

The Mini and Mega Programadores project, along with the Maqueta Robótica Programable San Luis 4.0, has had a significant impact on education and the development of technological skills in San Luis. Thanks to this initiative, students have acquired knowledge in programming and robotics, preparing them to confront future technological challenges.

This project has been recognized internationally, receiving distinctions at the WSIS (World Summit on the Information Society Awards). The University of La Punta has been nominated on several occasions and has received silver awards twice. In 2018, the "Programadores 4.0" initiative was awarded in the "Capacity Building" category, and in 2023, the "Mini and Mega Programadores 4.0" and "Maqueta Robótica Programable San Luis 4.0" initiatives received the award in the "Education" category. These recognitions highlight the commitment and excellence of the University of La Punta in promoting education in technology.

Thanks to Mini and Mega Programadores, San Luis is positioned as a benchmark in the training of human resources in IT. The inclusion of programming and the use of the programmable model have generated opportunities and learning for students and teachers in institutions in the province. Additionally, this project has contributed to the Sustainable Development Goals, such as quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, and inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities.

References: 

https://noticias.ulp.edu.ar/so...

https://www.mdzol.com/sociedad...

https://noticias.ulp.edu.ar/ed...

Fundación Universidad de La Punta recognizes the importance of strengthening the evidence base of our solution to ensure that it effectively addresses the needs of our target audience and achieves the intended outcomes. While we have conducted research and studies to date, continuous efforts are needed to deepen our understanding of the impact of our programs and identify areas for improvement. This transparency builds trust in our organization and demonstrates our commitment to delivering meaningful results.

We can observe some key points to reinforce during the duration of this project:

1. Data collection and storage techniques: By gathering data on program outcomes and participant experiences, we can identify strengths and areas for improvement, leading to more specific and impactful interventions. Additionally, solid evidence can inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation within our organization.

2. Comprehensive efficiency study of the project: By understanding which aspects of our programs are most effective and which may need adjustments, we can allocate resources more efficiently and maximize the impact of our investments. This data-driven approach enables us to optimize the use of limited resources and achieve better results with the available funds.

3. Contributing to a broader knowledge base in the field of technology education and skill development. By sharing our findings with the research community through publications, presentations, and collaborations, we can contribute valuable insights and best practices that benefit other organizations and initiatives working in similar areas.

4. Conducting an analysis of the gamification of the program and determining which incentives may be appropriate for participating children, thus increasing attendance and, above all, thoroughly studying children's engagement and continuity during the program to make it enjoyable and encourage completion.

Why Now?

We believe that now is the ideal time, primarily because we have confidence in our project. We know it holds real value and addresses the core issues at hand, especially creating genuine development and solutions to the demands of San Luis Province and Argentina at present. In doing so, we directly contribute to the education of thousands of children who otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to learn these skills or receive formal education. This is why we aim to do our best, acknowledging the necessity of receiving appropriate coaching from experts, in this case, from LEAP Challenge. Additionally, we are conducting an introspection of our programs, projects, and collaborations. We genuinely believe that this would be an unprecedented and fundamental opportunity to learn from an esteemed institution such as MIT SOLVE, as we aspire to emulate their way of working in the future.

How does interactive and gamified learning impact children's engagement and retention of programming concepts?

What are the most effective globally tested teaching strategies for introducing coding to 8-12 year olds in a fun and accessible way?

In the 12-week sprint of the LEAP Project, our organization aims to achieve several desired outcomes that will contribute to our long-term objectives of improving program execution, enhancing participant outcomes, and strengthening our organization's innovation and impact capacity.

We have identified the following actions to take:

- Official launch and promotion in schools.
- Creation of a video tutorial on account setup and initial familiarization with the material.
- Work on the interactive platform.
- Establishment of evaluation methods.
- Award ceremony.

Examples from our last program:

Robotics Model: http://www.maqueta.sanluis.gov...
Explanatory video:

We will develop a set of long-term key performance indicators (KPIs):

These KPIs will allow us to consistently and standardizedly measure and evaluate the impact of our initiatives, enabling meaningful comparisons between different program components and time periods. By setting clear metrics for success, we can enhance accountability and transparency within our organization and demonstrate our commitment to driving results.

Comprehensive program impact assessment:

This assessment will involve collecting and analyzing data on program outcomes, participant experiences, and stakeholder feedback to measure the effectiveness of our initiatives in achieving intended objectives. Through rigorous evaluation, our aim is to identify areas of success and improvement, as well as factors contributing to program effectiveness or obstacles.

These tools may include survey instruments, data collection protocols, and analysis templates designed to streamline the evaluation process and ensure high-quality data collection.

Establishing a framework for continuous improvement and innovation within our organization:

This framework may involve organizing regular review meetings, establishing feedback loops with stakeholders, and implementing mechanisms for capturing and sharing lessons learned. By fostering a culture of learning and adaptation, we can ensure that our programs continue to respond to the needs of our participants and stakeholders and continue to generate significant impact over time.

After the conclusion of the LEAP Project sprint, our organization plans to strategically implement the results to effectively contribute to our long-term goals and objectives.

Firstly, upon completing a comprehensive impact assessment of our program, we will form a multifunctional team to analyze the findings and identify key insights and areas for improvement. This team, comprised of program directors, evaluation specialists, and relevant stakeholders, will collaborate to develop action plans based on the evaluation results. These plans will outline specific steps and strategies to address identified gaps or challenges and enhance the effectiveness of our programs beyond the specific actions already planned or previous steps implemented in the last project.

On the other hand, we will utilize the key performance indicators (KPIs) formulated during the LEAP Project sprint to establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system for our programs. This system will encompass the establishment of data collection mechanisms, the implementation of regular data analysis processes, and the establishment of reporting mechanisms to monitor program performance against predetermined benchmarks. It is crucial to clearly define the specific objectives initially to avoid changes that may disrupt or delay the organization or project schedule; these KPIs should be established within the first two weeks and should be achievable. By systematically monitoring program results and progress, we can discern trends, measure success, and make data-driven decisions to optimize program execution and resource allocation.

Moreover, we will implement the tools and resources generated during the LEAP Project sprint to facilitate continuous evaluation and learning within our organization. This involves providing training and capacity development opportunities to staff members and partners to ensure they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively engage in evaluation activities. 

We will also establish knowledge-sharing platforms and communities of practice to facilitate the dissemination and utilization of evaluation results and best practices throughout our organization. Additionally, we will institute a framework for continuous improvement and innovation within our organization, leveraging the results of the LEAP Project sprint to foster organizational learning and adaptation, and of course, continually improving our project to provide better learning experiences for advanced primary school students possible.

The 12-week Project LEAP sprint is a turning point for us. It is a golden opportunity that promises to generate lasting changes, not only within our organization, but also in the effectiveness of our solution. These changes are in line with our overall goals, including those we have previously discussed about strengthening program delivery, ensuring better outcomes for participants, and driving innovation and impact for our organization.

For us, the real goal of this sprint lies in creating a solid evidence base. We want to make decisions backed by solid data and know exactly where to channel our resources. By delving into impact evaluations and developing key performance indicators, we aim to gain deep insights into how well our programs are working and where we can do better.

But it's not just about the numbers. The Project LEAP sprint is also about fostering a culture of learning and growth within our organization. Our main goal is to offer the best programming education possible to the approximately 1,000 children who will participate. That means creating tools and resources that support continuous learning and assessment. We want our staff and partners to make decisions based on evidence and innovation. This learning culture will generate more collaboration, creativity and flexibility within our organization, helping us adapt to the ever-changing needs of our participants and stakeholders. And well, technological education has always been our problem. That is why our professionals are willing to develop this intense and interactive program.

On top of that, the Project LEAP sprint will amplify our organization's reputation as a leader in technology education and skills development. With the guidance and mentorship of our fellows, we aim to become the go-to source for knowledge and best practices in our field. By sharing our findings everywhere, we hope to help other organizations and initiatives in similar spaces. This thought leadership will open new partnerships, attract more support, and solidify our status as a trusted authority on education and innovation, not just in San Luis, but everywhere.

And let's talk about our solution. The long-term results of the Project LEAP sprint are about improving our programs, making our participants happier, and making our impact last long-term. We will use what we learn from our evaluations and indicators to modify our programs to even better meet the needs of our participants and stakeholders. It's about constantly improving, making our programs world-class and ensuring they can stand the test of time.

So when we talk about the 12-week Project LEAP sprint, we're talking about building a strong foundation, fostering a culture of growth, and making our programs and impact last. And through all of this, our goal is to make a real difference in La Punta, San Luis and beyond, creating positive change wherever we go.