In an opinion piece, EDC’s Rachel Blum shares lessons learned from EDC’s work with youth and discuses USAID’s latest Youth in Development Policy.
![Youth Skills and Employability at Scale A photo representing Youth Skills and Employability at Scale](https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/SystemsStrengtheningHeader.jpg)
Globally, demand for employment is growing faster than the market can respond or absorb new entrants. Millions of unskilled youth are employed in low productivity occupations and experience exploitation or working poverty. Opportunities to develop or upgrade employability skills are small-scale and inaccessible, especially for vulnerable youth.
To reform education and employment systems to serve all youth and promote decent work, EDC engages youth in the design, implementation and decision-making of programs. In support of local ownership and sustainability of market-driven skills development, innovations and transition to work services, EDC facilitates collaboration and strengthens capacity of system actors such as government institutions, community-based and youth-led organizations, and local employers. EDC also reinforces policy dialogue and provides costing analysis to institutionalize work readiness and work-based learning programs within education and vocational training systems.
Across the U.S., EDC partners with industry, preK–16+ education, and communities to ensure all young people thrive. Two fundamental principles drive our work—that equity and excellence are inseparable and diversity drives innovation. For over 60 years, we have advanced equity, access, and inclusion in workforce preparation, creating and scaling career pathways for youth who have limitless potential, but limited opportunities. In addition to designing, leading, and scaling programs, we study and evaluate promising approaches to career learning. Our staff brings expertise in workforce development ecosystems, career academies, place-based career development models, and effective strategies to foster future-ready youth.
Featured
![EDC Youth Projects Featured in USAID Review on Soft Skills A photo from Rwanda representing EDC Youth Projects Featured in USAID Review on Soft Skills](https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/USAID%20Article_1100x450_9.21-1.png)
The review finds that young people thrive when soft skills training is combined with workforce development programs.
![Supporting Youth in Building Their Own SMEs A photo from Rwanda representing Supporting Youth in Building Their Own SMEs](https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/EDC-Blog_MChaneta_6.21.jpg)
Owning and operating businesses are important in empowering youth and supporting their economic independence.
![The Time For Youth Is Now! A photo representing The Time For Youth Is Now!](https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/Blog%20A%20Time%20for%20Youth_9.21%20v23.png)
The global community must invest in the basic needs of young people, write Norad's Darya Bernett Rekdal and EDC's Amy West.
![A Success Story in Senegal A photo of participants in the USAID-funded APTE-Senegal program.](https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/Senegal-success.jpg)
Meet Adama Diedhiou, a participant in EDC’s workforce development program in Senegal.
![Building Partnerships to Go to Scale A photo from Rwanda representing Building Partnerships to Go to Scale](https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/B.Potter_II.jpg)
Successful, scalable international projects rely on a shared vision and unified approach, says EDC’s Bill Potter.
![](https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/media_2.jpg)
In an opinion piece, EDC’s Rachel Blum shares lessons learned from EDC’s work with youth and discuses USAID’s latest Youth in Development Policy.
![EDC Youth Projects Featured in USAID Review on Soft Skills A photo from Rwanda representing EDC Youth Projects Featured in USAID Review on Soft Skills](https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/USAID%20Article_1100x450_9.21-1.png)
The review finds that young people thrive when soft skills training is combined with workforce development programs.
![Supporting Youth in Building Their Own SMEs A photo from Rwanda representing Supporting Youth in Building Their Own SMEs](https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/EDC-Blog_MChaneta_6.21.jpg)
Owning and operating businesses are important in empowering youth and supporting their economic independence.
![The Time For Youth Is Now! A photo representing The Time For Youth Is Now!](https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/Blog%20A%20Time%20for%20Youth_9.21%20v23.png)
The global community must invest in the basic needs of young people, write Norad's Darya Bernett Rekdal and EDC's Amy West.
![A Success Story in Senegal A photo of participants in the USAID-funded APTE-Senegal program.](https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/Senegal-success.jpg)
Meet Adama Diedhiou, a participant in EDC’s workforce development program in Senegal.
![Building Partnerships to Go to Scale A photo from Rwanda representing Building Partnerships to Go to Scale](https://www.edc.org/sites/default/files/B.Potter_II.jpg)
Successful, scalable international projects rely on a shared vision and unified approach, says EDC’s Bill Potter.