We invest in youth first to connect young people to economic opportunities.
Over the past 35 years, IYF has supported more than 15 million young people worldwide through practical, cost-effective, and scalable programs:
8
million
reached through global awareness initiatives for under $1 per participant
4
million
gained life skills and career coaching—real guidance for real opportunities—at under $5 per person
1+
million
completed industry-validated technical training linked to jobs for less than $500 each
1.5
million
received comprehensive career and livelihood support, helping them build the futures they envision for under $1,000 per learner
IYF is the smartest investment in the next generation.
We put youth first—by equipping them with the skills to thrive today and lead tomorrow. We operate at the intersection of youth and employers. We understand what young people want from work and what industries truly need.
Placing young people at the center of every solution isn’t just what we do—it’s what defines us, because it’s what works. For 35 years, we’ve partnered with organizations worldwide to transform the lives of more than 15 million young people in 105 countries, helping to tackle economic inequality at scale. Today, we’re redesigning education and employment pathways to better prepare tomorrow’s workforce—unlocking success for young people and long-term value for business and society.
About 20% of the world’s young people are not in education, employment or training. Two thirds of these are young women.
Around 74% of employers worldwide report difficulty in filling roles.
Despite record numbers of young people entering the workforce and millions of open jobs worldwide, employers and youth remain disconnected. The real issue isn’t unemployment — it’s misalignment between where talent is and where opportunity lives.
Read our latest Impact Report to find out what IYF and partners are doing to help tackle the gap between youth skills and workforce needs.
Our Vision
90% of young people who start an IYF program complete it and 75% of IYF graduates go on to achieve better economic outcomes, through meaningful employment, continued education, or both.
By 2030, our goal is to impact the lives of another 2 million young people.
Find out how we’re working towards our vision where all young people are inspired and equipped to realize the future they want.
