On the June 11, HP-YMCA Digital Hub and Gaming Garage Project launches in Setúbal: a brand new digital hub that empowers communities through game development.
The Digital Hub launch, expertly orchestrated by the dedicated team at YMCA Setúbal, took place at the vibrant Casa do Largo 11. The event brought together motivated young participants eager to embark on their journey into game development and digital skills, with the atmosphere buzzing from day one, accelerating digital equity and empowering community learning.
The Challenge: Digital Access Gap Blocks Young Talent
Across Setúbal, many young people face a critical barrier: lacking the technology and structured learning paths needed to pursue careers in gaming, artificial intelligence, and digital content creation.
Without access to laptops, courses, or mentorship, talented individuals find their potential limited by circumstances beyond their control.
How YMCA Setúbal and HP Responded
On June 11, 2026, the HP Gaming Garage Project officially launched at Casa do Largo 11, bringing together young participants eager to begin their journey into game development and digital skills. The initiative, aligned with YMCA’s Vision 2030, provides:
- over 10 HP laptops pre-loaded with the HP Gaming Garage platform
- Free, certified training in Game Design, Game Programming, Esports Management, and Generative AI Mastery
- Hands-on workshops transitioning learners from online courses to real project creation
- Career pathway guidance for the gaming industry
“We wanted to create an engaging and welcoming environment from the very beginning,” said the project team during the launch. A key moment was getting to know participants — their backgrounds, interests, and expectations — ensuring everyone felt valued from day one.
The Transformation: From Curiosity to Confidence
The launch day proved immediately impactful. Participants navigated available courses, discovered learning paths, and gained clarity on how training unfolds throughout the program. Several attendees were already familiar with the platform, with some having completed multiple modules before joining — their prior experience enriching discussions and demonstrating strong motivation.
During an interactive Q&A session, participants asked thoughtful questions about the gaming industry, career pathways, course content, and program structure. The session clarified expectations and reinforced the relevance of skills they’ll develop.
Real Impact: Game Design Workshop Brings Learning to Life
Just five days after the launch, on June 16, the project delivered its first dedicated Game Design workshop for young creators at Centro de Invoção Social (CIS). The session transformed the space into one of creativity, imagination, and hands-on discovery.
Children learned what it truly means to be a Game Designer — the person who imagines rules, mechanics, characters, and experiences that make games “fun.” Through playful activities, they:
- Transformed ordinary objects into game enemies with unique abilities
- Expanded existing video game mechanics to create new features
- Competed in a lively Kahoot quiz reinforcing key concepts
Community Reach: EA Sports FC 26 Tournament Connects with New Audiences
The project’s momentum continued at the “de Partida” event at Centro Multicultural de Setúbal, where dozens of teenagers gathered for an EA Sports FC 26 tournament. Before gameplay began, the team set up a promotional stand with flyers, pins, and three laptops displaying the Academia Digital website.
Visitors explored courses in Game Design, Game Programming, Esports Management, and Generative AI Mastery. Several people showed genuine interest, asked questions about content, and were excited about beginning free, certified training.
“This reinforced the project’s presence at youth-focused and gaming-related events, bringing it closer to new audiences and demonstrating how gaming can be a gateway to digital skill development,” the team noted.
What’s Next: Practical Workshops Begin Soon
Following the successful launch, the team is preparing the next phase. Over coming weeks, the schedule will fill with practical workshops covering the program’s core areas — from hands-on technical sessions to collaborative activities helping apprentices apply learning in real scenarios.
Why This Matters Beyond Setúbal
The HP-YMCA Digital Hub Project represents more than local impact — it’s part of a pan-European movement. In 2025, the HP-YMCA Europe partnership delivered over 1,700 laptops to 23 countries, establishing more than 500 community digital hubs. Portugal joins Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine as recipients of HP-YMCA Digital Hub resources.
