Apps for Good 15 Years On: A Changing World, A Constant Vision
Education technology charity, Apps for Good, is celebrating 15 years of positive impact on young people by telling stories from the students creating technology for good.
Behind every number is a story
As CEO of Technology Education Charity Apps for Good, I’m immensely proud that over the past 15 years, our computing courses have reached almost 350,000 young people. Of course, the figure itself is remarkable – but behind every number is a human being: a student emerging with a spark of curiosity, a voice that wants to be heard, and the skills, confidence, and agency to shape their future. They may be stepping into a world full of unknowns, yet, no matter their starting point, they are equipped to solve problems, lead change, and create opportunities not just for themselves, but for the greater good of their communities. These possibilities, these outcomes – this is what drives us. This is why we exist.
Inspiring journeys: David and Mohima’s stories
In 2012, 13-year-old David, a shy and creative student, discovered his potential through one of our courses. He developed Qbook – a gamified reading app inspired by his own struggles, and won an award for his idea. Today, working in marketing at Nike, he reflects: “It sparked everything. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am. There’s probably another me in school right now. Something like this could show them the world is bigger than they think.”
Another alum, Mohima Ahmed, first encountered Apps for Good in 2010, when her school took part in the pilot programme. She and her team developed Transit – an app inspired by their real-life experiences as second-generation Bangladeshi students. “At the time, it was just an exciting opportunity – but it stayed with me,” she says. Now Product Lead at With Intelligence and an Apps for Good Trustee, Mohima had a full-circle moment when she returned to her school as an Apps for Good ‘educator’ and reflects: “Apps for Good is one of the very few opportunities in the education system at the moment to really understand what the real world is like…to get the skills that employers actually care about.”
Re-engaging students through real-world learning
While our alumni show what’s possible, disengagement remains a pressing challenge. The Pearson School Report 2025 finds that 69% of secondary educators expect it to be a major barrier this year, affecting disadvantaged students most. Motivation often dips sharply during the transition to secondary school, risking both confidence and opportunity. At Apps for Good, we tackle this by giving students agency and connecting learning to real-world problems that matter to them. Independent learning helps them become effective problem solvers and confident decision-makers – crucial skills for thriving in any future career, especially in the digital economy.
Building digital and essential skills for life
With the Curriculum Review imminent, we are ready to support schools in delivering the skills the interim report highlights. Our project-based computing courses already model the review’s vision: equipping young people with the knowledge and confidence to navigate a rapidly changing world. The challenge lies in implementation: how will schools keep pace with AI and emerging technologies, while also embedding essential skills? Our approach is simple. Students work in teams to create app prototypes, tackling real-world problems that matter to them. This hands-on, collaborative learning helps them develop a dual skillset of digital and essential skills like teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.
AI as a teammate, not a threat
Looking forward, we see AI and emerging technology not as something to fear, but as a tool for agency and social impact. As Dan Fitzpatrick references in The AI Educator podcast, “AI is not just a tool, it’s a teammate” and “it’s not a shortcut, it’s a skill stack.” By reframing AI as a partner and channeling it as tech for good, we can help students become future-ready citizens, equipped to broaden horizons, close opportunity gaps, and make a positive difference in the world. That’s why we’re excited to be bringing our courses together into a single, multi-themed programme, integrating AI for Good throughout.
Join us in shaping future innovators
As we mark 15 years of Apps for Good, our mission remains the same: to inspire curiosity, nurture confidence, and give every young person the skills and belief to shape a better world. Over the next 15 years, we’ll continue to evolve with education and technology, ensuring our courses offer real-life, engaging experiences that support both teachers and learners.
David and Mohima’s stories show what’s possible when young people use technology for good. Explore more stories like theirs and see how our free computing courses can spark innovation in your classroom and beyond.
Interested in bringing Apps for Good’s free courses to your classroom?
Contact: Kathy – education@appsforgood.org
Interested in helping to support Apps for Good’s mission to bring computing curriculums to life?
Contact: Rich – partnerships@appsforgood.org
Learn more about Apps for Good: click here.
