Part
01
of six
Part
01
Organizations Working in Education: Advocacy, Government Entities Part 1
Four examples of some of the top government entities that are working in the area of youth-led advocacy have been provided in row 3, column C of the Advocacy Landscape tab in the attached spreadsheet. Details regarding these organizations have been provided below.
USAID
- The USAID through its “Youth Excel” initiative is funding local youth-led organizations and youth servicing organizations so that they can implement their initiatives in education, health, employment and governance.
- USAID was included in this list because of its reputation as a recognized international development agency.
GEAR UP
- The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) by the US Department of Education is aimed at increasing the number of low-income students succeeding in postsecondary education. The program offers grants to partnerships and states to provide services at high schools in poverty-stricken areas.
- GEAR UP hosts an annual Youth Leadership Summit, which is characterized by student-led presentations. The event helps students identify and take advantage of their leadership skills.
- GEAR UP was selected in the list because its reputation as an initiative of the US Department of Education and its current activities. The organization aims to serve up to 70,000 students.
YouthBuild
- YouthBuild gives at-risk youth between 16 and 24 years the opportunity to better their lives by earning their high school diploma and preparing them for college and post-secondary training programs.
- With youth leaders at the forefront, the organization advocates for higher federal appropriations for the youth.
- YouthBuild was included in the list because of its current activity in supporting low-income youth without education access and sharing occupational skills in in-demand industries.
Employment and Training Administration
- The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) supports the enrollment of youth apprentices between 16 and 24 years old into existing Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
- ETA was selected in this list because it of the amount of investment in the space. In 2020, the agency set aside $42.5 million to support between 15 and 20 Youth Apprenticeship Readiness grants that range from $1 million to $5 million.