In the US, gaps in applicable workplace skills have left approximately 8 per cent of young people unemployed7 – more than double the adult unemployment rate.8
To help build these workplace skills, in 2022 we began supporting the International Works programme led by The LFC Foundation in New York and New Jersey, as part of Futuremakers.
More than 300 participants from underserved communities aged 17 and 18 (50 per cent female) will gain the essential skills needed to unleash their economic potential.
The projects are being implemented by LFC International Academy, local non-profit sports academies, and LFC Club sponsors. The first stage for participants is sports-based employability training that builds skills such as communication, decision making, and resilience. They then move on to mentoring, where they’re guided on career choices.
Kenzino was previously unmotivated to continue with his education and lacking in confidence to connect with others. After completing the project, he'd developed strong communication skills and felt empowered to finish his schooling.
Via sessions with his mentor, Kenzino learnt useful ideas on how to fulfil his future business dreams.
When I first joined the project, I wasn’t really doing much. It allowed me to work on my communication skills, meet new people, and pushed me to go to school.
