Every year, approximately 12.8 million young people enter the labor market in India, yet the vast majority lacks the necessary training and skills to succeed in the workforce. Launched in November 2009, the Skills for Youth (SkY) program supports the Government of India in addressing the national skills deficit facing disadvantaged youth, ages 15 to 29. Through engaging key stakeholders in identifying challenges and sharing effective program models, the program seeks to increase the relevance and effectiveness of current government programs. Drawing on IYF’s previous experiences in India through the Education and Employment Alliance and QUEST Alliance, SkY will develop a repository of good practices on building the employability skills of disadvantaged youth.

SkY is part of MEGA-SkY (Minority Education for Growth and Advancement – Skills for Youth), a larger program in which MEGA, led by the Education Development Center, seeks to improve primary and secondary educational opportunities for minority students in India.