Imagine a young person with such a great talent for logic and creativity that in the future it could become a successful digital solutions architect. Now imagine that this young person never considers studying a career because in their environment, higher education is not a viable option. Sounds unfair, right? That is the reality for thousands of young people in the regions where we operate.
At Pragma, we start from a conviction: talent is everywhere, but opportunities are not. We know that education is the most powerful tool for social transformation, a lever capable of changing the trajectory of a person, their family, and their community.
That's why our purpose of improving people's lives goes beyond technology. It's about building bridges where today there are abysses and creating a support ecosystem so that young talent not only dreams but also conquers their goals and thus builds the country.
How does Pragma face the educational inequality in Colombia?
For many young people, the path to university is full of obstacles. We are not just talking about the lack of resources for tuition, as the barriers are deeper and more structural. Low scores on State tests, deficient vocational guidance, and lack of knowledge about how to access scholarships or financial aid are insurmountable walls in countries like Colombia.
In fact, once inside universities, it is estimated that 11% of university students drop out of their studies for reasons such as financial difficulties, academic problems, mental health issues, and various family circumstances.
In 2023, we closely experienced a statistic that shook us: from the 430 high school graduates we supported, only 5% applied for a scholarship. This was proof that having opportunities available is not enough if young people don't know how to reach them or don't feel capable of taking them.
Pragma builds a better country for young people in Colombia
We understood that the solution went beyond providing more scholarships. We must build an integral model that accompanies each young person throughout their development cycle. Inspired by the metaphor of navigation, we created a three-stage journey:
- First, long for the sea: Before sailing, a person has to feel the call of the ocean. This first phase focuses on inspiring young people to value education and dare to dream big. Through workshops such as "Pilots of Our Destiny" and mentoring, we seek to change their mindset, show them role models, and open their eyes to a future they might never have imagined for themselves.
- Then, build the ship: Once the dream is alive, we must give them the tools to make it a reality. This stage is direct accompaniment during their academic journey. This is where support for accessing scholarships, personalized vocational guidance, and a network of mentors who help them overcome difficulties so that they do not drop out of their studies come in. It's not about avoiding storms, but about teaching them how to navigate them.
- Finally, conquer the ocean: A university degree is not the final goal, it is the starting point. The last stage focuses on helping graduates get a meaningful job that connects with their life purpose. The objective is for education to translate into real prosperity and long-term personal development.
How do our people help us to reduce the youth opportunity gap?
This model wouldn’t work without its most important component: our people. The volunteer system is the heart that pumps life into this initiative.
More than 395 pragmatics have joined as mentors, facilitators, content creators, and researchers with a deep conviction that their experience and time can change someone's life. They are the ones who accompany, listen to, and encourage young people to keep going.
What are the results of this initiative so far?
Social transformation is a marathon. Knowing this, the results of this initiative have brought unforgettable results. Between 2023 and 2025:
- 100 scholarships have been awarded, representing 100 life projects that today have a new direction.
- We have channeled a social investment of approximately USD$600.000, which we don’t see as a cost, but as a direct investment in the talent that will build the country's future.
- We have a network of more than 395 active volunteers, an army of dreamers who demonstrate that change is possible when working as a team.
This is not the end of the journey. It is just the beginning. Every young person who accesses education, every student who remains steadfast, and every professional who graduates is a victory that belongs to all of us.
Because transforming a life is the only metric that, in the end, truly matters. That's what we're betting on at Pragma.
