Exactly from this understanding the Academy for Heroes emerged — an educational initiative that helps veterans, their family members, and people from vulnerable population groups to master modern professions for free, gain practical experience, and gradually adapt to civilian life.

The Academy’s training programs are developed and reviewed by lecturers and professors of Lviv Polytechnic together with leading IT specialists. The education is built comprehensively: in addition to technical knowledge, students develop English, soft skills, work with mentors, receive individual support, and career guidance.

The Academy for Heroes in Numbers

Over the entire period of the Academy for Heroes’ work:

  • more than 150 people have completed training or educational programs (including core courses, partner projects, and initiatives in rehabilitation centers);
  • dozens of students are currently studying or preparing to start new groups;
  • 4 graduates are already officially employed after completing courses and internships (as of February 2026).

Students received their first job offers from EveryMatrix and Stepico Games. Even during internships, our students managed to prove themselves by working on real projects side by side with professionals.

From Learning to Internships: The Academy’s Comprehensive Approach to Employment

The Academy’s strong point is a holistic approach. It is not only lectures, but also:

  • mentorship support;
  • practical assignments;
  • trainings;
  • educational camps;
  • free English language classes;
  • personal development;
  • resume preparation and interview training;
  • internships in IT companies.

Today, students are completing practical training or internships at:

  • EveryMatrix
  • Stepico Games
  • ELEKS
  • ArchySoft and other companies

Each group has its own pace: some have already completed internships, some are going through interviews, and new cohorts are just starting internships. Even those students who have not yet received an offer gain valuable experience working in the IT environment and better understand market requirements.

Free IT Training Tracks

At the Academy, you can choose both technical and non-technical IT specializations:

Classes take place in the evening, so it is easy to combine studies with work, family, or other activities. Location — a training center in Lviv at Y. Petrushevycha Square, 3.

This is a comfortable inclusive space with a ramp, stable power supply, and all necessary equipment.

Learning at the Academy is not limited to classroom sessions. For students, the Heroes Club has been created — an online space that gathers all learning materials, class recordings, lecture notes, and useful resources. It is a place for communication, mutual support, and experience sharing among veterans.

In addition, veteran students have free access to the learning platform Udemy and participate in a speaking club — English conversation meetings focused specifically on the IT field. This helps them learn better, communicate more, feel support, and gradually regain self-confidence.

Training for Veterans in Rehabilitation Centers

A separate area of the Academy’s work is a lecture course for veterans and servicemen who are recovering from injuries at the UNBROKEN and Recovery centers.

During these sessions, veterans gain useful computer skills that help with successful adaptation to civilian life and job searching. For many, this is also an opportunity to try themselves in a new profession for the first time.

As noted by the Head of the Academy, Professor Oleksii Druhov:

Our goal is to help heroes undergoing rehabilitation gain IT knowledge that will make their lives more comfortable. We conduct training sessions at the centers weekly, and instructors adapt the topics to the participants’ needs. Such a flexible approach makes the program truly useful for everyone.

Partnership with the Red Cross and Programs for Vulnerable Groups

An important area of work is cooperation with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society.

In partnership, training programs are implemented for veterans and people from vulnerable population groups, including: Python for beginners, logistics courses, micro-entrepreneurship programs, and more.

Here, students gain real-world experience that becomes a foundation for starting their own business or gives momentum to developing existing ideas.

Stories of Academy for Heroes Students

“Here we have a great community that will always help.” Watch the video in which veteran Sviatoslav shares his impressions of studying with us.

 

 

Artur, an officer with 20 years of experience, is successfully mastering project management as a new stage of his career:

Thanks to the Academy, I am gaining knowledge and practical tools for project implementation and mastering modern management approaches that will help me work effectively in the civilian sector.

After being wounded near Avdiivka, Viktor was unable to return to his previous work, but found the strength for a new start — now he is mastering the IT field:

IT has become a chance for me to start a new chapter in life and find a profession that brings both satisfaction and stability.

Veteran Denys admits that he came to study almost by chance — on his wife’s advice — and today he already has his own project idea and the support of the community.

And for Vasyl, studying became a way to return to social life:

The courses are very healing. Here I am integrating back into society, gaining knowledge, and seeing real prospects.

Read more inspiring stories of our students at the link: https://www.academy4heroes.com/en/category/student-stories/.

Educational Programs for Children of Veterans and Military Personnel: AI Training and Summer Camp

The Academy works not only with adults. Within the AI Kids Academy initiative, children of veterans and servicemen take part in an interactive course consisting of 12 trainings. Here, teenagers aged 13–15 explore the world of artificial intelligence: from creating effective prompts in ChatGPT to Python programming and developing their own games and comics.

Parents note that children attend Saturday classes with pleasure, as theory here is always reinforced by experiments, teamwork, and the drive of modern technologies.

In addition, the Academy organizes summer Future Heroes Camp — educational camps where children learn, make friends, develop soft skills and English, and get acquainted with the world of IT in a friendly atmosphere.

A Small Step — A Big Change

Military experience shapes strong qualities: discipline, responsibility, stress resilience, and the ability to work in a team. The Academy for Heroes helps transform these qualities into a competitive advantage in civilian life.

We believe that investing in personal development is one of the most reliable paths to a stable future! And if you or your loved ones are looking for an opportunity to start a new chapter, it all begins with a simple step — apply for training at the Academy for Heroes.

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