CanCode funds initiatives through not-for-profit organizations that ensure Canadian students, from kindergarten to grade 12, have the skills they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. It also funds initiatives that provide teachers with the training and professional development they need to introduce digital skills in the classroom.
These digital skills for youth can include:
- coding
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- use of digital tools and technologies
Through CanCode funded programs, youth and their educators can learn up-to-date digital skills that will help youth succeed today and in the future.
On this page:
Why CanCode is important
The digital skills learned by youth and their teachers through CanCode funded programs help them succeed in an increasingly digital global economy. For example, by learning to code from a young age, youth are set up for success, particularly as jobs in technology are set to grow exponentially over the coming years. By learning about Artificial Intelligence (AI), youth have access to the training they need to stay ahead as AI continues to shape our society. Canada's success in the digital economy depends on leveraging our diverse talent and providing opportunity for all to participate. Investing in digital skills training for youth, and providing teachers with the professional development to introduce these concepts, will help achieve this.
CanCode objectives
The goal of CanCode is to fund not-for-profit organizations that offer digital skills training to Canadian youth and teachers, with a specific focus on AI.
CanCode funded programs focus on underrepresented youth, including:
- girls
- Black youth
- Indigenous youth
- youth with disabilities
- residents of rural and remote areas that:
- have a population density of less than 100,000 inhabitants
- are at a distance that is outside the commuting zone of metropolitan centres
- residents of Canada's North (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut)
CanCode investments
The total funding available for this phase of CanCode is $39.2 million. Since its launch in 2017, CanCode has made the following impacts:
$229.2 million invested by the program
Over 10 million students developing coding skills
Over 525,000 teachers equipped to help students
Frequently asked questions
For complete application details, consult the full applicant guide.
About the program
Target – Who do CanCode funded programs target?
CanCode funded programs focus on underrepresented youth, including:
- girls
- Black youth
- Indigenous youth
- youth with disabilities
- residents of rural and remote areas that:
- have a population density of less than 100,000 inhabitants
- are at a distance that is outside the commuting zone of metropolitan centres
- residents of Canada's North (Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut)
Definitions – What is considered digital skills training?
Digital training includes educational activities that teach Canadians essential digital skills. These skills include coding, digital content creation, data analytics, and the use of emerging technologies, with an emphasis on AI. The goal is to help Canadian youth and teachers develop the skills they need to succeed in today's digital world, with a specific focus on AI.
Location – Where will the digital skills training be offered?
Training will be delivered within Canada at pre-existing facilities, such as public libraries, community centres, schools, friendship centres, meeting halls or other facilities or locations in the community where groups could gather.
Beneficiaries – How many Canadians will benefit from CanCode?
An estimated 1.5 million Canadian youth and 100,000 teachers will benefit from CanCode-funded initiatives by March 31, 2026.
Program length – Is CanCode a permanent program?
No. CanCode is temporary and will provide funding through one national call-for-proposals. The program ends March 31, 2026.
About the delivery of the program
After application – Once CanCode projects are selected, what will be the next steps?
Once projects are selected for funding, contribution agreements will be negotiated between the successful applicants and the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). Once agreements are established, projects will be publicly announced.
Monitoring – How will CanCode projects be monitored?
Similar to other contribution programs managed by the federal government, CanCode will have a project management framework with a number of control mechanisms (i.e., quarterly reporting) that will allow for tracking of project progress and funding throughout the project lifecycle.
About the funding
Type of funding – Is CanCode a grant or a contribution program?
CanCode is a contribution program where eligible costs are subject to performance conditions which are specified in a contribution agreement.
Costs – What are considered eligible CanCode costs?
Eligible costs are costs that are directly related to the approved project and which respect all conditions and limitations of the program. These costs will be outlined in the contribution agreement and include:
- Costs associated with the delivery of coding and digital skills (e.g., program design, communication and outreach, room rental, administration, fees for instructors);
- Administrative costs (up to 10% of eligible costs funded by ISED, 30% for Northern recipients);
- Travel within Canada related to delivery of training.
- Costs associated with purchase, rental and/or repair of technological equipment/materials, such as computers and tablets, required for the delivery of the program (up to 20% of eligible costs funded by ISED).
Amounts – What is the maximum amount of funding per CanCode application?
The requested funding cannot exceed $3 million per stream, per fiscal year.
Distribution of funds – How will CanCode funding be disbursed?
Funding will be distributed through claims for reimbursement of eligible costs incurred as outlined in a contribution agreement.
Reporting – What are the CanCode reporting requirements?
Recipients will be requested, throughout the duration of their contribution agreement, to submit data, schedules, plans, financial information, and reports to the Minister's satisfaction to assess the project's progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of the contributions. These details will be outlined in the contribution agreement.