In Lipetsk, plans were announced to open a Sber campus known as “School 21,” a free programming school designed to train IT specialists across a range of fields. The program targets programmers, machine learning engineers, development engineers, IT project managers, analysts, and support staff, from mid-level to senior developers. The initiative was agreed upon by German Gref, President and Chairman of the Board of Sberbank, and Lipetsk Region Governor Igor Artamonov. Sberbank’s press service confirmed that the parties signed a cooperation agreement focused on information technology development.
Sberbank notes that admission to School 21 does not depend on prior knowledge, work experience, programming ability, or diplomas. For more than half of the participants, this project represents their first foray into programming.
Training takes place on a domestic digital learning platform developed by Sber, offering flexible content that evolves to meet current market needs. The platform emphasizes practical skills and up-to-date technologies to ensure graduates can meet the demands of modern IT teams.
According to German Gref, the cooperation agreement signed today marks another milestone in the collaboration between Sberbank and the Lipetsk region and is anticipated to accelerate IT sector growth in the area. This alliance is seen as a pathway to cultivating a robust local tech ecosystem and expanding opportunities for residents to engage with cutting-edge digital initiatives.
“Together we will equip highly qualified specialists who will actively contribute to Lipetsk region development. School 21 will play a key role in building this talent base. The Lipetsk regional government has expressed strong interest in the project, recognizing its potential to drive regional innovation and economic vitality,” stated the Sberbank leadership.
Igor Artamonov, Governor of Lipetsk region, highlighted the region’s leadership in digital transformation across the country. He outlined a clear vision for ongoing IT sector development through collaborative projects with Sber. The governor noted that the new campus would be a meaningful addition to the region’s educational and economic landscape, helping local enterprises that pursue innovative initiatives and public and social institutions that strive to serve customers more effectively. The program is designed to attract skilled graduates who can fill essential roles in technology teams and contribute to long-term regional growth.
Artamonov added that residents from neighboring regions would also have the opportunity to study in Lipetsk, expanding access to high-quality tech education beyond provincial borders. This inclusivity aligns with broader regional goals to nurture talent and retain skilled professionals within the broader national economy.
Currently, more than 4,100 students from 70 regions across the country are enrolled at six School 21 campuses within Russia. The scale of this initiative demonstrates a sustained nationwide commitment to practical, outcome-based IT training, with a track record of aligning classroom learning with real-world employment opportunities.
Sberbank notes that all graduates and participants who reach the internship stage are employed by major Russian IT companies and enterprises. The organization also has plans to expand its footprint by opening campuses in 16 additional cities nationwide, signaling a broader strategy to increase access to free, high-quality programming education and to strengthen Russia’s digital economy through a wide network of capable professionals.