The Upwork Foundation is preparing youth for the digital workforce. This year, it announced $800,000 in grants. The grants target youth aged 15 to 25 from marginalized communities.
Technology is changing quickly. Fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and cybersecurity are transforming industries. To succeed, young people need new skills.
The foundation’s grants will empower young people with technical and interpersonal skills crucial for long-term career success. The initiative builds on a track record of $4.6 million since 2018.
“I’m deeply inspired by our grantees this year,” said Director of Sustainability and Impact Hannah Erickson.
She highlighted the resilience these programs build. Many youth served by these grants live in remote areas.
Empowering Marginalized Communities
Youth unemployment is a global issue. Over 65 million young people worldwide are out of work, and low-income countries have the highest unemployment rates.
These grants also support underserved urban areas. In developed countries, poverty lines still restrict opportunities. The foundation’s grants aim to break these barriers.
“Upwork knows how important diverse career paths are,” said Sunita Solao, Chief People Officer at Upwork.
The foundation believes in innovative solutions for economic stability.
Upwork’s Giving Circle, a team of employees, selected the grant recipients. The process focused on creating a lasting impact. The grants fund specific programs and general support.
Learn more about the incredible impact of these grants through examples like the one shared here.
Here are this year’s nonprofit recipients:
Coded by: This organization, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, equips underrepresented youth in the U.S. with tech skills, from coding basics to launching startups.
Digital Opportunity Trust inspires youth in East Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Based in Ottawa, Canada, it focuses on digital literacy and 21st-century skills. These efforts foster inclusion and confidence.
Innovate, Educate, & Inspire Pakistan supports remote youth in the Gilgit Baltistan region. The organization teaches innovation and empathy to solve local challenges, and its programs reach deeply isolated communities.
KindKart connects donors with causes they care about. This U.S.-based nonprofit focuses on supporting India’s marginalized communities. It uses a transparent marketplace model to drive change.
Latin American Leadership Academy identifies young leaders in Central and South America. This Medellin-based group develops socially innovative leaders who work toward sustainable development and stronger governance.
MAIA Impact School is a Denver-based organization dedicated to empowering women in rural Guatemala. It works to create equity and opportunity and maximize the potential of young women.
Pacific Links Foundation, headquartered in Milpitas, Colorado, helps sustain Vietnamese communities. Its work preserves cultural heritage while fostering development.
Passerelles Numeriques offers digital education in Southeast Asia and Madagascar. The Paris-based nonprofit uses technology to fight poverty, and graduates contribute to their countries’ economic development.
RefuSHE empowers refugee girls and women in East Africa. Based in Chicago, Illinois, it focuses on education and resilience. The program builds healthier, stronger futures for participants.
The Urban Alliance Foundation connects youth to economic opportunities. It works in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Chicago, and Detroit. Participants receive skills training, mentorship, and paid work experience.
Uncommon delivers free technology education in Zimbabwe. The Harare-based nonprofit trains youth in entrepreneurship and employment skills. Its programs focus on underserved communities.
Driving Global Impact
Technology moves at a breakneck speed. Without intervention, underserved youth risk falling further behind. These grants create a path forward.
The foundation’s focus on youth fills a critical gap. Programs emphasize long-term empowerment, and participants gain skills that lead to economic independence.
The Upwork Foundation’s commitment ensures no one is left behind. Youth gain tools to lead and innovate. These grants create lasting change by bridging the digital divide.
Investments like these are essential. The workforce of tomorrow demands adaptability and expertise. The foundation’s efforts ensure marginalized youth can thrive in a tech-driven future.
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About the author
Khalid Jama is a Senior Contributor at DbdPost, offering expert insights on business and finance through engaging news and opinion pieces. His thoughtful analyses make complex financial topics accessible to readers.
