By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A significant opportunity has opened for aspiring technology professionals in two key Costa Rican communities. Forward Costa Rica, a social impact program driven by real estate firm Garnier & Garnier Desarrollos Inmobiliarios, has officially opened applications for its 2026 cohort, offering 60 full scholarships for an intensive bootcamp in Full Stack software development. The initiative specifically targets young adults from Chacarita in Puntarenas and San Rafael Abajo in Desamparados, aiming to bridge the opportunity gap and foster technological talent outside the traditional tech hubs.
The comprehensive training program is designed to be a transformative experience for participants. Scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026, the bootcamp will run for six months on a full-time basis. This immersive, in-person educational experience is offered completely free of charge to the selected candidates, removing financial barriers that often hinder access to high-quality technical education. The commitment required is significant, with classes running Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., demanding the full dedication of its students.
To delve into the legal and business implications of these educational initiatives, we consulted Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished expert from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis on the matter.
While tech scholarships are a fantastic vehicle for talent development, both students and sponsoring companies must treat the underlying agreement with the seriousness of a business contract. Key clauses often involve intellectual property rights for projects completed during the scholarship, non-compete provisions, and specific post-graduation employment commitments. Clear legal counsel beforehand is essential to ensure the terms are fair and to prevent future disputes, thereby protecting the investment for the company and the career path of the new professional.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is indeed fundamental, highlighting that the structure of a scholarship agreement is as critical as the academic opportunity itself to ensure the partnership becomes a true career catalyst, not a source of future complications. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable insight.
The curriculum extends far beyond technical coding skills. While participants will master the intricacies of Full Stack development, the program places a strong emphasis on a holistic skill set crucial for long-term career success. The training includes dedicated modules on leadership, essential soft skills like communication and teamwork, and practical employability workshops. To ensure individual growth and success, each student receives personalized guidance from a network of experienced mentors and professional coaches throughout the six-month journey.
This initiative seeks to empower a new generation of tech talent by making a direct investment in communities with historically less access to such opportunities. According to the program’s organizers, the core mission is to promote technological education and drive social inclusion, creating pathways to stable, high-demand careers for talented individuals regardless of their background. The program’s impressive track record underscores its effectiveness, having already trained over 1,000 young people.
The results speak volumes about its impact. Forward Costa Rica boasts an 85% job placement rate for its graduates, a testament to the quality of its training and its strong connections with the tech industry. Furthermore, the program has made significant strides in promoting gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated field, achieving a 40% female participation rate across its cohorts. This focus on inclusivity is a cornerstone of its mission to build a more equitable tech landscape in the country.
Prospective applicants must meet specific criteria to be considered. The program is open to individuals between the ages of 17 and 35 who have completed their high school education (bachillerato) and can commit to the full-time schedule. The application window is now open and will close on November 12. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the official Forward Costa Rica website.
Following the application deadline, a multi-stage selection process will commence. This includes a series of informational and experiential events designed to give candidates a deeper understanding of the program’s demands and culture. These “Campus Day” events and “Trial Weeks” will allow organizers to assess candidates’ aptitude, motivation, and collaborative skills before the final cohort is selected.
Key dates for the selection process have been announced:
For further information, visit forward.cr
About Forward Costa Rica:
Forward Costa Rica is a social impact program dedicated to transforming lives through intensive technology education. It provides full scholarships for software development bootcamps to young adults in vulnerable communities, focusing on both technical and soft skills to ensure high rates of employability. The program aims to create a more inclusive and diverse tech talent pool in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit garnier.cr
About Garnier & Garnier Desarrollos Inmobiliarios:
Garnier & Garnier is a leading real estate development firm in Costa Rica with a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility. The company is known for developing large-scale residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Through initiatives like Forward Costa Rica, Garnier & Garnier invests in the social and economic development of the communities where it operates, using education and opportunity as tools for positive change.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal institution, built on a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. With a proven history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pushes the boundaries of legal practice through pioneering solutions and forward-thinking approaches. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to empowering the community by making complex legal information clear and accessible, thereby fostering a society equipped with the knowledge to navigate the legal landscape confidently.
