Social impact
Growth only makes sense when everyone grows.
That's why our co-founder, Marcela Villalta, co-created Forward Costa Rica — a non-profit committed to developing the next generation of tech professionals in Costa Rica. Not as a program we run, but as a cause we believe in.
Visit Forward Costa Rica →About Forward Costa Rica
Education, sport and art that develop people and strengthen communities.
Forward Costa Rica is an independent non-profit co-founded by Marcela Villalta. Its mission is to develop young Costa Ricans through three pillars — technology education, sports and arts — all completely free for those who pass the admission process.
All programs are fully funded. No economic support or meals included — the scholarship focuses exclusively on the learning process.
FWD Academy
Web development, AI business solutions and English courses — technical skills for the modern job market.
FWD Sports
Sport as a tool for civic formation — discipline, teamwork and values.
FWD Arts
Music and artistic expression that strengthen identity and community.
Their approach
Four pillars behind every program.
Safe academy
A safe learning environment built on respect, inclusion and trust across all academic, sports and cultural spaces.
Active citizenship
Programs motivate young people to be agents of positive change — participating in community activities and developing social awareness.
Soft skills
Leadership, communication, discipline, resilience and teamwork — skills that help young people face personal, academic and professional challenges.
Employability support
Every participant builds a personal and professional growth plan with real opportunities to enter the formal job market.
Why our co-founder helped build it.
After 25+ years operating in Costa Rica's tech ecosystem, Marcela Villalta saw firsthand that the talent pipeline needed investment — not just consumption. The professionals she works with every day come from communities worth investing in. Forward CR was born from that conviction — and Marcela led the technology side of it from the ground up.
Marcela Villalta
Co-founder & CEO, Crest Partners
Led the technology vertical at Forward CR — from program design from scratch to full implementation. Responsible for the technical curriculum, structure and execution of FWD Academy.
"My experience at FWD was incredibly enriching. I learned a skill that allowed me to enter the tech industry. Thanks to FWD, I can say I improved my professional situation."
Roger Elliasson — FWD Graduate
Want to support Forward Costa Rica?
Forward CR is an independent non-profit. If you'd like to learn more, collaborate or get involved, reach out directly.