Vincula LAC: Digital Skills for the Future

VINCULA LAC cover

Boosting human talent and digital competencies in Latin America and the Caribbean

 

1- What is Vincula LAC?

Vincula LAC is a program promoted by the World Bank in collaboration with Coursera, designed to strengthen digital human talent in Latin America and the Caribbean, facilitating access to training and certification opportunities in key areas for the digital economy.  

The program's main objective is to develop digital competencies and soft skills, essential for the current and future labor market.  

Through 5,000 free accesses to the Coursera platform, participants obtain official certifications from the best universities and leading companies worldwide.  

Vincula LAC is committed to creating a more competitive, inclusive, and prepared region to face the challenges of digital transformation.

 

2- Program objectives:

  • Develop digital talent in Latin America and the Caribbean, aligned with the new demands of the labor market.  
  • Strengthen soft skills such as leadership, communication, and critical thinking.  
  • Provide access to free training and certifications in strategic areas.  
  • Foster the creation of a regional learning and collaboration network.  
  • Contribute to closing digital gaps in the region.  

 

3- What does the program offer?

VINCULA LAC offers

a) Academic training and certifications:

  • 5,000 free accesses to Coursera for 6 months.  
  • Courses and micro-credentials in key areas such as:
    • Critical thinking and creativity
    • Artificial intelligence and data analysis
    • Communication and leadership skills
    • Entrepreneurship and project management
    • Digital competencies for the global economy

b) Support spaces:

  • Monthly webinars on best practices and digital trends.  
  • Bi-weekly office hours for consultations and support.  
  • Follow-up meetings with teams from country offices.  
  • Progress and final report at the end of the program.  

c) Regional network and networking opportunities:

  • Connection with professionals and leaders in the region.  
  • Virtual spaces to share experiences and generate collaborations.  
  • Access to exclusive sessions with experts in digital transformation.  

 

4 - Selected proposals

Vincula LAC supports 13 initiatives across 12 countries in the region:

Country

Government Entity

Scope

Belize

Ministry of e-Governance (National)

The project aims to build digital skills among key populations such as civil servants, youth, the unemployed, SMEs, and educators, to meet national workforce needs and global trends. It includes training opportunities on basic digital literacy, advanced digital skills, professional certifications, and emerging technologies.

 

Brazil

Secretary of Planning (SEPLAN), Sergipe State (Sub-national)

The program aims to prepare state and municipal public servants—focusing on women, persons with disabilities, and people of color—to promote and lead digital transformation in the state of Sergipe, contributing to the state’s inclusive and economic growth.

 

Chile

Secretary of Digital Government at the  Ministry of Finance (National)

The program aims to strengthen the digital skills of public officials and foster a culture of digital transformation in the public sector. In particular, it seeks to develop competencies in technology project management and change management at all levels, including raising awareness and garnering support from high-level authorities.

 

Costa Rica

Ministry of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications (MICITT) (National)

The program aims to strengthen institutional capacities in digital transformation by equipping public servants with technical knowledge in areas such as emerging technologies and project management, enabling the acceleration of the State’s digital transformation and promoting innovation in the country.

Dominican Republic

Dominican Institute of Telecommunications (INDOTEL) (National)

The program seeks to recognize and empower outstanding students from rural communities, particularly women, through technical training in STEM fields—promoting access to high-level digital education, technological literacy, youth leadership, and reducing the digital divide in the country’s most vulnerable areas.

Haiti

National Identification Office

The program aims to strengthen the digital competencies of ONI’s workforce and affiliated public sector personnel involved in digital identity. It will support the development of interoperable services with other public institutions and private sector stakeholders, positioning ONI as a regional case study in digital identity and inclusive digital transformation.

Jamaica

Office of the Prime Minister (National)

The project aims to develop digital talent within the public sector, aligned with the evolving demands of Jamaica's labor market. It particularly focuses on building digital knowledge and skills among government employees, adopting a whole-of-government approach to ensure the public sector is well-prepared for the digital economy.

Mexico

Secretary of Economy (National)

The project seeks to train disadvantaged youth in technology-related topics, helping reduce the employability gap faced by young people in Mexico’s tech sector, while enhancing the competitiveness of companies through skilled talent.      

Mexico

ICT Cluster Nueo León (Sub-national)

The project aims to foster digital talent development and improve the competitiveness of entrepreneurs, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the state of Nuevo León through certified training in digital skills aligned with local productive needs.

Panama

National Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation (National) 

The program seeks to strengthen digital and entrepreneurial skills among vulnerable populations in Panama, including women, unemployed youth, persons with disabilities, and indigenous and rural communities. This will help narrow the digital divide and promote sustainable development and employability.

Peru

Ministry of Transport and Communications (National)

The program aims to strengthen the capacities of public servants and officials involved in complex public management activities and national digital transformation policies, contributing positively to the country’s social, economic, and human development.       

Turks and Caicos

Ministry of Innovation, Technology, and Energy (National)

The project seeks to enhance the digital capabilities and soft skills of citizens—particularly students, civil servants, entrepreneurs, and vulnerable populations such as the incarcerated—enabling them to adapt to technological advancements and fully participate in the digital economy.

Saint Vicent and The Grenadines

Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Technology (Sub-national)

The project aims to reduce gaps in digital knowledge and capabilities across the public and private sectors, fostering a digitally skilled workforce that supports the country’s digital economy. The program includes training for both technical and non-technical public servants, support for STEM education, and capacity building for the IT industry workforce.      


5 - Call for Applications – Women in Cyber

As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, to be held in October 2025, we invite teams of women public officials to participate in the special track of Vincula LAC “Women in Cybersecurity”.

A total of 300 scholarships will be awarded to provide free access to cybersecurity certifications, available from October 1, 2025, through January 26, 2026.

Participants will also join a cyber incident simulation exercise, designed to test and strengthen the ability of institutions, governments, and security teams to respond to attacks or crises in cyberspace. Representatives of the winning teams will be invited to take part in the Latin American Chief Information Security Officers Summit – CISO Summit 2026.

Proposals will be evaluated by the Vincula LAC Program Committee according to the following criteria:

Criteria

Description

Evaluation

Institutional Commitment

A letter signed by the head of the entity responsible for Cybersecurity, nominating the team and confirming commitment to the program, participation in follow-up sessions, and coordination with key stakeholders.

Use the letter template available here.

Mandatory

List of Participants

A list of the participants (only women are eligible) who will benefit from the scholarships.

Use the Excel template available here.

33%

Institutional Contact

Designate an institutional focal point/contact person.

34%

Sustainability and Scalability Plan

A brief strategy describing how the program will be sustained and scaled.

33%

Total

 

100%

Submission of Documents: All documentation must be sent to gmurillovelazque@worldbank.org, program focal point, no later than October 13, 2025.

Selected proposals will receive access to scholarships and technical support to maximize program impact.

6- Vincula LAC Calendar

Milestone

Date

Publication of the official announcement

March 20, 2025

Reception of applications from national and local governments of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean

March 20 – May 23, 2025

Evaluation of applications

May 23 – 28, 2025

Announcement of selected governments

May 28, 2025

Induction to selected governments

June 05, 2025

Official start of training

June 16 – December 15, 2025

Monthly follow-up sessions and calibration of learning paths

First Monday of each month:

  • July 7, 2025
  • August 4, 2025
  • September 1, 2025
  • October 6, 2025
  • November 3, 2025
  • December 1, 2025

Presentation of preliminary results

January 12, 2026

Publication of final report

2026 Digital Summit

 

7- Who participates of Vincula LAC?

National and local governments of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.  

*Redistribution of accesses: Unused accesses will be reassigned to countries with greater demand and demonstrated commitment.  

 

8- Benefits 

VINCULA LAC benefits

 

9- Strategic partners

VINCULA LAC partners

 

Together we can close gaps, create opportunities, and strengthen LAC's digital potential.