The Youth Future IT Roadmap demonstrates how early IT preparation—beginning in high school—quickly becomes an education and career essential. According to the World Economic Forum (2024), nearly 60% of workers worldwide require reskilling by 2027. Therefore, students who prepare early consistently gain the advantage.
At the same time, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects IT jobs expand 15% faster than average, generating 377,500 new positions annually. Meanwhile, UNESCO reports that 90% of jobs now demand digital literacy, yet only 20% of students in low-income nations access structured IT education. Consequently, high school students who engage in structured IT learning not only position themselves for scholarships but also rise into global leadership roles.
“Students succeed when they start early, practice continuously, and apply real-world IT experience through platforms like ServiceNow.”
~Silvia Scandar Mahan, ServiceNow Education Partner
ServiceNow High School Graduate pathways of excellence
- Many ServiceNow University learning programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old.
- Career Focus:Programs are often designed for individuals looking to start or advance their careers in technology and the ServiceNow ecosystem.
Alternative Paths for High School Students
- Create a Free Account:Anyone can create a user account on the ServiceNow University website to access available content and learning materials.
- Gain Access to Free Resources:Free content and certificates of completion can be earned through the online learning portal.
- Utilize Personal Developer Instances (PDIs):Registered users can get free PDIs to practice and develop on the ServiceNow platform, which is a great way to build skills.
- Explore School Partnerships:Some high schools have partnerships with companies like ServiceNow to offer corporate work-study programs, providing real-world experience and exposure.
- Self-Study:With a PDI and free access to learning materials, high school students can begin their journey in self-teaching ServiceNow and potentially qualify for programs once they meet the age requirements.
Mission and Process Overview
Mission
The Youth Future IT Roadmap equips students with IT foundations, ServiceNow badges, certifications, and scholarship strategies. As a result, students enter university and industry with confidence, ready to lead.
Process
- Begin early → immediately explore coding, English practice, and school IT volunteering.
- Advance steadily → add ServiceNow coursework, certifications, and projects to a growing portfolio.
- Strengthen continuously → pursue IELTS, ITIL, and ServiceNow CSA preparation.
- Execute fully → apply confidently to universities, scholarships, and internships that directly launch IT careers.
Four-Year Roadmap Snapshot
Year 1: Launch Youth Future IT Roadmap
Students start coding in Scratch, Python, or JavaScript, then apply skills in simple projects. They activate a free ServiceNow Developer Instance, complete Fundamentals and Application Development modules, and strengthen English by reading blogs and keeping a journal. Simultaneously, they join coding clubs or volunteer in IT support.
Year 2: Build Momentum with Youth Future IT Roadmap
Learners progress with Harvard CS50, consistently publish projects on GitHub, and earn ServiceNow Incident Management and Scripting badges. At the same time, they enroll in Google IT Support and AWS Educate courses, practice IELTS through podcasts and talks, and volunteer with groups like Codejika, CoderDojo, Girls Who Code, or UN Online Volunteering.
Year 3: Expand Skills with Youth Future IT Roadmap
Students develop impactful projects such as chatbots or web apps, then showcase them publicly. They complete ServiceNow App Engine Studio and Reporting courses while preparing for the CSA exam. They also earn FreeCodeCamp Front-End and ITIL 4 Foundation certifications, while drafting scholarship essays and practicing IELTS mock exams. Consequently, they research global scholarships such as Fulbright, Chevening, Erasmus+, DAAD, and MEXT.
Year 4: Achieve Goals with Youth Future IT Roadmap
By senior year, students finalize their GitHub portfolio with three to five projects and share reflections on LinkedIn. They complete advanced ServiceNow modules like Virtual Agent and Integrations before attempting the CSA exam. With IELTS/TOEFL scores of 7.0+, they apply for top scholarships (Fulbright, DAAD, Australia Awards) and internships like Google Summer of Code or Microsoft Imagine Cup. Ultimately, they graduate with certifications, badges, and a volunteer record that sets them apart.
Trailblazing High School Students
Ria Sethi
Ria Sethi pioneers youth IT leadership. As a Monta Vista High School student, she founded Cyber For Youth and interned with Cyber Unbound, becoming the youngest participant accepted. Moreover, she teaches public speaking through the Youth Passion Project and volunteers widely, showing how consistent effort creates global impact.
Maddie Zug
Maddie Zug champions girls in tech. She earns recognition as a Google Trailblazer and NCWIT Aspirations in Computing runner-up. Moreover, she organizes outreach campaigns and coding awareness programs, inspiring peers to pursue IT careers.
TJ³SAT CubeSat Team
Students at Thomas Jefferson High School design and launch CubeSats with NASA. Their work proves that high schoolers can contribute meaningfully to aerospace and IT engineering on a global stage.
Eastern Tech CyberPatriot Team
Eastern Technical High School’s CyberPatriot team repeatedly excels in national competitions, including Lockheed Martin CyberQuest. Their achievements secure scholarships, internships, and recognition, demonstrating the power of applied IT security skills.
Quotes from Industry Leaders
- “Studying abroad consistently accelerates growth, expands resilience, and ultimately multiplies career opportunities.” — CIEE Global Navigator Program
- “Digital literacy already represents the global passport to opportunity.” — World Economic Forum, 2024
Current Quick Reference Table
| Program Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Coding Clubs & Volunteering | CoderDojo, Girls Who Code, UN Online Volunteering |
| Global Youth Exchanges | AIESEC, Youth For Understanding |
| Virtual & STEM Internships | NASA HSIP, Stanford AIMI, Ladder, United Planet, Intern Abroad HQ, IEEE (IIT KGP) |
| Abroad Volunteer Programs | Projects Abroad, Volunteering Journeys |
| Paid Youth Internships | Palantir, Puch AI (India), Port Arthur (USA), Genesys Works |
Other Youth Future IT Roadmap Resources
- 15 Online Internships For High Schoolers
- Dartmouth Precollege Online STEM Programs for Teens | Enrichment Courses
- How do Internships Impact Your College Chances?
- NASA Internship Programs – NASA
- Nonprofit That’s Giving Underprivileged Kids Jobs in Tech Companies | WIRED
- Northwestern Pre-College Online Program | Business Courses
- Online Internships For High School Students 2025
- Personal Developer Instances | ServiceNow Developers
- Sam’s Case of the Mysterious Message: A Guide for Your Child to Stay Safe Online
- Stanford AIMI Summer Research Internship
- Tips for Finding a High School Internship
- United Planet Virtual Internship
- Youth for Understanding – YFU
- Youth Passion Project
