Citi Foundation has chosen the Perspektywy Education Foundation as one of 50 global non-government organizations, which they will support in relation to the Global Innovation Challenge 2025. Perspektywy Foundation is to be granted 500 000 USD and will receive access to a global NGO community and an education network.
As a part of the program, financed by Citi Foundation, Perspektywy Education Foundation will support 60 000 young people, who struggle in entering the job market. Five thousand of those pupils will undertake internships as a part of the program, while another thousand is to find employment. All the participants will take part in a series of workshops and mentoring on subjects related to the skills of the future.
Youth unemployment is an ongoing and persuasive issue. Despite recent progress, the international Labor Organization estimates that 65 million young people globally are unemployed – which places a substantial burden on public resources, increasing poverty and stifles growth, presenting a critical challenge to global economic progress.
For the last 10 years Citi Foundation has invested over 5 million dollars in youth development support programs in Poland, among these Shessnovation program run by Perspektywy Education Foundation. The goal of the initiative was supporting women in developing innovative startups in STEM sector (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and increasing their presence in industries of the future. Over 175 women participated in five editions and as a result 37 technological startups were created. Participants took part in more than 60 trainings and workshops with experts, which were dedicated to the development of business, technological and leadership skills.
Competences key for employment
Young people face many obstacles in their pursuit of employment, but skills mismatch continues to be a particular area of concern. The World Economic Forum reports that 63% of employers identify this as a major barrier to securing a job, and 39% of current skill sets are expected to be outdated within the next five years. In addition, post-pandemic recovery for youth has been uneven — especially in emerging markets — and the acceleration of digital transformation is rapidly reshaping job opportunities. Projections indicate that 60% of employers anticipate broadening digital access transforming their businesses by 2030, creating high demand for new skills in areas such as AI.
About Global Innovation Challange 2025
The $25 million in grant support from the Citi Foundation will enable these community organizations, which were selected through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, to pilot and scale employment solutions for low-income youth. The grants will support a variety of programs, such as upskilling for digital literacy (including AI), technical and vocational training, work-based learning, career guidance and resources for entrepreneurs and mentorship.
Programs funded by these grants will be implemented over two years, and recipients will have access to a learning community of fellow grantees that facilitates opportunities to build deeper connections, share lessons learned and exchange best practices. For more information visit: www.citifoundation.com/challenge.
