Quantum Leaps

Fueled by the momentum of our early successes, IYF hit the new millennium at full speed. Between 2000 and 2005, the size of our global partner network doubled to 25 new members. Growth didn’t stop there. The number of companies and organizations that believed in our work multiplied—increasing our reach and impact in the areas that make the greatest difference for the world’s youth. 

Securing Livelihoods

Amidst concerns over rising youth unemployment, IYF leveraged its experiences in the field to create effective workforce development initiatives, including entra21—IYF’s signature employability program in Latin America launched in 2001. Entra21 changed the lives of nearly 20,000 out-of-school, out-of-work young people.  read adail’s story.

At the core of IYF programs are life skills. Early on, IYF recognized that workplace success depends upon them, and in 2005, IYF teamed up with the GE Foundation to create Passport to Success.

Quality Education for All  

Technology and collaboration are critical ingredients for improving educational outcomes. IYF harnessed them both for optimal results. 

In 2003, together with Nokia, Pearson and the United Nations Development Programme, IYF launched BridgeIT, a game-changing initiative that helps teachers in remote communities boost student achievement. 

watch bridgeit in action in the philippines

watch bridgeit at work in tanzania

Another important milestone in education came in 2004. IYF and USAID formed the Education and Livelihood Skills Alliance (ELSA), a multi-stakeholder partnership in the Philippines providing learning and employment opportunities for at-risk children and youth.

Empowering Agents of Change

Additional program expansion came in the form of YouthActionNet®. Building upon Nokia’s desire to honor, train, and connect truly exceptional young social entrepreneurs, this exciting new program celebrates and promotes young change makers. read more