Entra 21, an initiative of the International Youth Foundation (IYF), was selected from among 400 alliances worldwide as the recipient of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s 2006 Global Development Alliance Excellence Award. The Award is given annually to showcase exemplary alliances that have a positive impact and bring new partners into the development community. Award winners have shown the ability to bring various resources together with innovative approaches to solve particular development challenges.

Entra 21, is an innovative workforce development program now operating in 18 countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. In five years, entra 21, has provided training to more than 19,000 disadvantaged youth and young adults ages 16-29 in information technology and basic work skills needed for success in the modern workplace. The employment rate for entra 21 graduates is 50 percent, and the majority of those working have jobs that pay minimum wage or more and provide one or more benefits.

“Finding effective solutions to the challenges facing young people by building multi-sector alliances is at the heart of our work at the International Youth Foundation,” says William S. Reese, President and CEO of IYF. “We are thrilled that one of our key programs has been recognized by USAID as a best practice model for providing young people with the tools and opportunities to succeed in the job market.”