Youth job skills are fostered by quality education systems and employers that invest in human capital, and are the key to thriving markets that develop individual potential and offer long-term pathways out of poverty. Investment in youth job skills by public and private systems develops society’s next-generation contributors, and is a critical lever for development in low-income areas.

Desired Equilibrium

Public education systems and private markets equip society’s youth with skills, job pathways, and ambitions to succeed as valuable members of society. Quality public education systems incorporate 21st century skill sets into curricula, while private markets invest in young talent through job training and long-term growth paths. As a result, healthy local markets offer equal access to quality, secure employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities for every youth.

Ways Skoll social entrepreneurs are addressing the issue:

• Embedding 21st century life skills and training into the secondary and post-secondary classroom (Camfed, INJAZ al-Arab, Pratham)
• Creating support networks of resources and training for marginalized youth outside of school systems (Center for Digital Inclusion, Manchester-Bidwell Corporation, YouthBuild USA, Friends-International)
• Combining skills training with employment and entrepreneurship opportunities (Fundacion Paraguaya, Digital Divide Data, Friends-International)