Where We Work: Mexico

For over a decade, IYF has been a leading organization in creating pathways to economic opportunity for disadvantaged youth across Mexico. Through strategic public-private partnerships and innovative programs, we have worked tirelessly to address the challenges faced by Mexico's young population.

IYF’s Approach

Mexico boasts the largest generation of youth ever seen in the country, representing nearly a quarter of the nation’s total population. However, despite their potential, many young Mexicans encounter significant barriers to accessing quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Socio-economic disparities and systemic challenges in the education and employment sectors create obstacles for millions of young people striving for a better future.

Recognizing these challenges, IYF has implemented a multi-faceted approach to empower Mexican youth and equip them with the skills and resources needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving economy. Through our initiatives, we have provided life skills and employability training, job placements, technical education aligned with market needs, career guidance, and leadership development to more than 300,000 young people across the country.

Impactful Initiatives

Since 2012, with regional initiatives like Entra 21 and New Employment Opportunities (NEO), and country-specific programs like Youth:Work Mexico and Rutas, we have reached thousands of young men and women, equipping them with the skills and resources they need to succeed in growing industries. Additionally, our YouthActionNet® education partners in Mexico provided young social entrepreneurs with mentoring, financing, and networking opportunities to scale their ventures and maximize their impact on society.

Through recent initiatives such as JuvetudES and En Trayecto, we have supported opportunity youth and at-risk youth to access quality education and find decent work. Our partnerships with Google.org, the Cisco Networking Academy, and Microsoft Philanthropies are actively tackling the gender gap in STEM careers and increasing women's participation in industries of the future. Meanwhile, our long-standing initiatives such as EquipYouth, Jóvenes con Entrega, and Networking Scale, as well as newer sector-specific programs like Capital Juvenil and Green Generation MX, provide young people with the skills they need to enter emerging markets while making a positive impact on the world.

At IYF, we believe in the power of collaboration. Our extensive network of public and private sector partners, academia, and civil society organizations has been instrumental in achieving scale and sustainability in our efforts to empower young people across Mexico. Over years of building strong alliances, we've established a trusted network that shares our commitment to transforming the public education system to meet the needs of young people. Together, we've created pathways to opportunity and developed the skilled workforce that Mexican industry needs to grow the economy, create new jobs, and secure a dignified life for millions.

IYF's agile and demand-driven approach ensures young people are prepared for employment opportunities in key sectors like advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, information technology, aerospace, hospitality, tourism, and clean energy.