International Youth Foundation

Did you know that by 2030, 80% of jobs will require STEM skills? Yet, too many young women still face systemic barriers to education and employment, limiting their opportunities in these fields. At IYF, we’re breaking down those barriers. In 2024, we supported 88,250 young women, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to lead in STEM, business, and beyond. From IT training to leadership development, we’re helping young women build brighter futures—and changing industries along the way. This #InternationalWomensDay, we honor the resilience and potential of young women worldwide. Together, we’re working toward a future where every woman has the chance to thrive. Discover how we’re making an impact: https://ow.ly/kW3850VcTtt #IWD2025 #IYF #TransformingLivesTogether

On this International Women's Day, we recognize the contributions of young women who are shaping the future of STEM and the digital economy. Despite projections that 80% of jobs will require STEM skills by 2030, gender disparities persist—especially in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa, where barriers to education and employment limit opportunities for young women. Through Conectadas, IYF is changing that. Since 2019, we've equipped thousands of young women in Colombia, El Salvador, and Mexico with critical IT support and cybersecurity skills—achieving completion rates over 11 times the average. With tailored mentorship and career support, Conectadas is driving real career outcomes, boasting a 69% job placement rate and helping young women break into the ICT industry. Learn how mentorship, targeted support, and high-quality training are breaking barriers—and how we’re expanding this work to include AI skills for the future of work. Check out the Conectadas program snapshot below and explore our full Impact Report here: https://lnkd.in/esNuEqTA #IWD2025 #InternationalWomensDay #IYF #TransformingLivesTogether

Buscamos Consultoría técnica para el dise?o de una estrategia de comunicación de cambio de comportamiento en Arequipa, Perú. El 28 de marzo es la fecha límite para postulaciones. Consulta la convocatoria y requisitos aquí: https://ow.ly/XtX450VacR0 #Peru #ComunicacionSocial #IYF #TransformandoVidasJuntos

As we continue celebrating Black History Month, we recently held a Virtual Fireside Chat honoring the 2025 theme, "African Americans and Labor." From the historical struggles of Black workers to their present-day achievements and future opportunities, their contributions have been essential in shaping industries, driving innovation, and advancing both economic and social justice. Through this conversation, we reflected on this powerful legacy and reaffirmed our commitment to empowering young people in a rapidly changing workforce. Read more about how we celebrate resilience, leadership, and the transformative power of work in our latest blog: https://ow.ly/FRrQ50V72Xw #BlackHistoryMonth #TransformingLivesTogether #IYF

We’re thrilled to spotlight Susana, a graduate of IYF’s Conectadas program, whose journey showcases the power of digital skills in transforming futures. Despite setbacks that disrupted her education, Susana found new opportunities through Conectadas. As part of the inaugural IT Support Certification cohort, she developed essential technical skills that reignited her passion for technology. Today, as a backend developer, she is paving the way for more girls to explore the digital world and break barriers in tech. Susana’s story is a testament to the importance of access to digital education, leadership, and resilience. When young women have the right tools and support, they don’t just build careers—they shape the future. Let’s continue to advocate for and inspire the next generation of women in tech! #WomenInSTEM #FutureLeaders #Innovation #TechLeadership #IYF #TransformingLives

On the World Day of Social Justice, we reaffirm our commitment to breaking down systemic barriers and expanding opportunities for young people. Social justice is about ensuring that every person—regardless of their circumstances—has the tools, support, and agency to shape their own future. Through our JuventudES program, we witness the impact of investing in young people's potential. Adriel’s story shows how access to education, community, and second chances can disrupt cycles of exclusion and open doors to new possibilities. His journey is a testament to the resilience of youth and the power of collective action to create a more just world. Watch Adriel's inspiring journey and see how we’re collectively working to build a more just and equitable world for everyone. #WorldDayOfSocialJustice #SocialJustice #YouthLeadership #OpportunityForAll #IYF #TransformingLivesTogether

Join us TODAY for an essential conversation on thriving in an AI-driven world! Christina Sass, IYF President & CEO, will be joined by experts from LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Kokoroe to discuss how human skills like adaptability, communication, emotional intelligence, and creativity are more critical than ever. ?? TODAY | Feb 19 | 8:30 AM PT / 11:30 AM ET ?? It’s not too late—register now! https://lnkd.in/dDDuexsJ What human skill do you think is most valuable in the AI era? Share in the comments! #AI #FutureOfWork #Leadership #HumanSkills #CareerSuccess #IYF

Tomorrow, we’re diving into the future of work! As AI continues to reshape industries, human skills like adaptability, communication, emotional intelligence, and creativity are more essential than ever. Join Christina Sass, IYF President & CEO, plus experts from LinkedIn, Microsoft, and Kokoroe as they explore how to stay ahead in the evolving workforce. Together, they’ll explore how we can integrate human skills with AI to drive personal and professional growth. Don’t miss this conversation! ?? Save your spot: https://lnkd.in/dDDuexsJ #AI #FutureOfWork #HumanSkills #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #IYF

At IYF, we create opportunities for young people to strengthen their digital skills and drive innovation in today’s world. In this video, Omar Saucedo, Techspark Community Engagement Manager at Microsoft, joins IYF to discuss the different types of innovation and the ideas shaping our digital future. Watch the video and discover how innovation and digital skills open doors to new possibilities. Let’s continue building a future where young people have the tools and confidence to transform their communities through technology. #Innovation #DigitalSkills #DigitalLeaders #FutureOfTech #YouthLeadership #IYF

Meet Britney, an inspiring participant in our Conectad@s program in Colombia! Britney was a migrant in her country, and her story is a remarkable example of how passion, determination, and the right opportunities can lead to extraordinary career growth. By combining her love of IT with the socio-emotional and technical skills she gained through Conectad@s, she has opened up new career opportunities and is thriving in a growing sector. This week, as we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Britney reflects in this video on how the program helped her build essential skills and opened doors to new career opportunities - empowering her to forge a path in technology and achieve her goals. ??Watch her powerful story and hear the impactful message she has to share. Her journey is a true testament to the power of perseverance and breaking barriers. #ScienceCareers #SkillsDevelopment #Opportunities #IYF #TransformingLivesTogether #WomenInScience