50 over 50: Ignite Senior Talent with Code

Project Report – Data +50

Data +50 is a pilot program designed to develop, implement, and evaluate an innovative training model for employability in data analytics, incorporating artificial intelligence components, targeted at individuals over the age of 50 in Colombia.

The initiative addresses a critical systemic gap: the labor market exclusion of older adults, driven by ageism and a lack of digital skills. This challenge is particularly urgent in a context of rapid population aging in Latin America, low pension coverage, and a growing demand for qualified talent in the technology sector. Data +50 seeks to bridge this gap by promoting workforce reskilling and access to emerging economic opportunities.

Problem Addressed

The project tackles two interconnected structural challenges:

- Age-based labor exclusion (ageism): Individuals over 50 face significant barriers to employment and career transition opportunities.

- Digital skills gap: Limited access to and familiarity with digital tools restricts participation in high-growth sectors such as technology.

This dual exclusion reduces economic autonomy, increases vulnerability, and underutilizes the experience and potential of older adults. Data +50 offers a sustainable, long-term solution focused on employability and active aging.

Program Description

The program was implemented as an intensive, fully virtual and synchronous bootcamp, lasting between 4 and 6 months.

Core components:

- Rigorous selection and admissions process

- Technical training in data analytics (SQL, Python, Power BI, AI tools)

- Development of life skills and employability competencies

- Psychosocial support

- Technical mentoring

- Job placement and income-generation support

Full scholarships were awarded to 25 participants.

Implementation

- 1,836 applications received from 26 departments

- 35 participants selected

Training phases:

Foundations Module:

- 0% dropout rate

- Strong academic performance

- Identification of digital literacy gaps

Advanced Module:

- Focus on SQL, Python, Power BI

- Positive feedback on content and approach

- 6 dropouts

Results

Participation and retention:

- 35 enrolled

- 29 graduated

- Retention rate above 80%

- Dropout rate: 17%

Academic performance:

- Overall: 86%

- Foundations: 94%

- Advanced: 80%

- Final projects: 86%

Impact

For participants:

- Technical skills development

- Increased confidence and employability

For the ecosystem:

- Validation of training model for senior talent

- New partnerships with employers

- Increased awareness of senior talent value

Current Status

The program is in the job placement phase:

- Mentoring

- Interview simulations

- Employer connections

- Employment and self-employment support

Key Learnings

- Need to strengthen basic digital skills

- Psychosocial support is critical

- Adult learners require adapted methodologies

- High demand for reskilling among 50+

- Employers open to senior talent when bias is reduced

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

- SDG 4 – Quality Education

- SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth

- SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities

At just 50 years old, from Bogotá, María (name changed) decided to take a leap that would change her professional path: joining Makaia’s +50 Bootcamp. “I joined with high expectations. I only knew how to use Excel and PowerPoint, but I didn’t know anything about data analysis or Python,” she recalls.

From the very first day, María felt supported by an exceptional team.
“I want to highlight the quality of the mentors. You can see their passion and enthusiasm; they supported us very well, even though many of us were starting from scratch,” she says.

The process included not only technical mentors but also mentors in power skills and employability. This combination helped the group stay united and motivated. “The mentors knew how to involve us in the topics and make us enjoy them—so much so that almost no one dropped out.”

Overcoming Challenges

The Python module became a turning point:
“There was a moment when we were already working on Python, and it became a moment of tension for me, but thanks to the support of the group, my classmates, and the mentors, we managed to move forward.”

The in-person sessions also played a key role:
“They were really great because they strengthened our sense of belonging to the learning process.”

New Skills, New Confidence

Today, María speaks proudly about what she learned: SQL, Power BI, pandas, and many other concepts that once felt out of reach.
“Now I feel confident because I know I have the tools, despite my age.”

She completed the bootcamp in September and is currently in the job placement phase with Makaia.
“Makaia continues to support me both with technical skill reinforcement and with guidance for job placement. Things have been going well because I’ve already advanced in some recruitment processes,” she shares excitedly.

With more than 20 years of experience as an animal scientist, María is now seeking opportunities in supply chains, agribusiness, logistics, or data analysis in the agricultural sector.
“I feel that I have a lot of experience, and I still have so much to contribute to a company.”

A Future Opened Thanks to Donors

For María, the +50 Bootcamp didn’t just provide technical skills—it restored her motivation, hope, and the certainty that she still has a valuable place in the labor market.

Her final message for those who make this program possible is clear:
“I’m motivated, I keep studying, and I keep moving forward. Thanks to the support I received, I now know I can reinvent myself and contribute much more than I ever imagined.”

Your support opens real doors so that more people like María can adapt to a changing labor market and continue building a dignified and sustainable life project.