Published on
This Research Confirms It: Passport to Success® Works
Through programs led by the International Youth Foundation (IYF), young people are not just preparing for work—they are gaining life skills such as confidence, communication, and leadership.
Now, new peer-reviewed research confirms the impact of that work.
A recent study published in the Journal of Youth Development provides independent, third-party insights into the implementation and perceived impact of Passport to Success® (PTS), the life skills curriculum developed by IYF. The study examines Youth Opportunity (YO), a collaboration between IYF and McDonald’s focused on expanding access to skills training and employment pathways for young people. Through initiatives like YO, PTS equips youth with the skills needed to successfully transition into the workforce.
Developed in 2008, PTS has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of young people and the labor market. It primarily serves youth aged 16 to 24, many of whom come from underserved communities and face barriers such as limited access to education, employment opportunities, and professional networks. For many participants, programs like YO provide their first opportunity to build these critical skills and create a pathway into the workforce.
A key feature of the PTS curriculum is its experiential learning approach, which allows facilitators to adapt content to local contexts and youth experiences. This flexibility enables delivery across diverse settings, both in person and online, and supports implementation across countries and contexts. With content translated into more than 20 languages, the curriculum reaches youth around the world in ways that are relevant and accessible.
Proven Impact on Life Skills
Findings from the study indicate that youth who participated in PTS reported meaningful gains in critical life skills, particularly in communication. Participants described feeling more prepared for interviews, more confident expressing themselves, and better equipped to navigate professional environments. One participant said:
“It provided me [an] opportunity to learn more about skills when interacting with others… talking about teamwork or how to stand up for yourself, how to voice your thoughts. So overall, that was really helpful because that’s an important aspect when it comes to the job I’m currently doing.”
Beyond skill-building, youth also described increased confidence, stronger leadership abilities, and a broader sense of what is possible for their futures.
Recognized by Employers
Importantly, these outcomes align with what employers are looking for.
Employers involved in the study noted that PTS participants demonstrated stronger workplace readiness, particularly in communication, professionalism, and collaboration. As one employer shared:
“There are certain areas that I think, when it comes to the program, the curriculum, that [participants] tend to excel a lot better in, such as …managing strong emotions, the resumes, cover letter, the job (…) I think the biggest area that I’ve seen of growth for (…) has always come down to conflict resolution and assertiveness.”
This kind of growth reflects the real-world skills employers prioritize and reinforces the value of investing in life skills training that prepares youth for today’s workplace.
Why This Matters
For funders and partners, this research reinforces the value of investing in scalable, evidence-based life skills programming. PTS delivers measurable results by equipping young people with the skills employers demand and supporting their transition into meaningful employment.
It also highlights the strength of a cross-sector model that includes private sector partners, nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations, and importantly, youth themselves. Young people are not just participants—they actively shape the program, informing content, sharing feedback, and helping ensure the training reflects their realities and aspirations.
Looking Ahead
This study is an important milestone, but it also points to what comes next. Expanding access to proven models like PTS means reaching more young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed.
Because PTS is designed to be flexible and adaptable across contexts, we are well positioned to scale this impact—meeting young people where they are and equipping them for the future of work. Our model works, and we will continue building on it to drive even greater impact.