Russia Launches Nationwide IT Career Programs for Students

New initiatives aim to prepare both schoolchildren and teachers for the digital economy through hands-on training and real-world tech challenges.

Russia is rolling out large-scale education projects designed to steer schoolchildren toward careers in information technology. The nonprofit “Digital Economy,” working with leading Russian IT companies, the Ministry of Digital Development, and the Ministry of Education, has announced a new season of its flagship programs, “Lesson in Digital” and “Digital Literacy,” for the 2025–2026 academic year.

The first initiative focuses on early career orientation. Students explore new technology professions through interactive simulators and video lectures. Teachers also play a key role: they gain access to teaching materials and can improve their qualifications via specialized webinars.

Some of Russia’s biggest tech firms are participating. From September through April, schools in 89 regions will host lessons on six major topics: AI agents, video platforms, the evolution of AI assistants, cybersecurity in space, data science, and quantum technologies.

In parallel, the “Digital Literacy” project is being expanded to help students learn safe and responsible use of modern technologies in daily life.

The goal is clear: to give every student the knowledge needed to make an informed career choice in IT. By connecting classrooms with real challenges from technology companies, the programs offer a glimpse into the future of the digital workforce.