About IYF
With 35 years of experience of creating impact, IYF is a global nonprofit transforming lives and tackling economic inequality at scale by equipping young people with the skills to thrive today and lead tomorrow.
Together with a network of trusted local community-based organizations and some of the world’s foremost businesses, foundations, and multilateral partners, we’re the leading experts connecting young people with life-changing opportunities.
Over the past 35 years, IYF has supported more than 15 million young people worldwide through practical, cost-effective, and scalable programs:
8
million
reached through global awareness initiatives for under $1 per participant
4
million
gained life skills and career coaching for under $5 per person
1
million
completed industry-validated technical training for $500 each
1.5
million
received comprehensive career support for under $1,000 per learner
Who We Are
IYF is staffed by a diverse team of mission-driven professionals dedicated to unlocking the potential of young people worldwide. Combining deep youth development expertise with global experience and local insight, our staff includes program innovators, researchers, and education and technical specialists.
In partnership with our funders and community organization network, and guided by our Board and youth Board members, the IYF team works across sectors and continents to expand economic opportunities for young people. Find out more about our team.
Our Story of Impact
From our first programs in Latin America to today’s global initiatives powered by technology, IYF has evolved alongside young people. Our approach remains rooted in partnership, innovation, and trust—meeting youth where they are and helping them go further than they imagined.
Beyond individual impact, our work to improve education-to-employment pathways creates ripple effects that reach millions more young people now and for generations to come.
Mission & Model
At IYF, we believe that educated, employed, and engaged young people don’t just build their own futures, they possess the power to solve the world’s toughest problems.
There is only one truly sustainable way to help young people to rise above the challenges of poverty, violence, hunger, climate change, and the threat of job loss to AI: a living wage.
Yet around the globe we’re still failing young people—and AI is pushing entry-level jobs even further out of reach. Education systems are misaligned. Employers can’t find talent. Millions of young people remain left behind. That’s why our purpose is clear: to connect young people to economic opportunity.
Our Mission:
IYF connects young people with opportunities to transform their lives.
Our Vision:
All young people inspired and equipped to realize the future they want.
By 2030, our goal is to impact the lives of another 2 million young people.
Our Values
Inclusion
Consider all perspectives equally and honestly.
Integrity
Honor the best in ourselves and others.
Inspiration
Move people to believe in better.
Innovation
Make a difference, differently.
Impact
Create change that matters.
Our Model
What makes us unique is that we partner with young people, not just for them. We place youth at the heart of all our programs because we know from experience that it’s essential for lasting impact. When young people help design solutions from the start, programs are stronger, more relevant, and more just.
Collaboration is non-negotiable. Alongside some of the world’s foremost businesses, foundations and multilateral partners, we work in partnership with a network of over 600 trusted community-based organizations who bring deep local insight to combine with our global expertise. Read more about the way we work.
Join us in shaping what’s next.
Learn more about our impact.