Youth Skills and Employment Accelerator

The Youth Skills and Employment Accelerator helps nonprofits working with young people from underserved communities to connect with other organizations, businesses and funders to improve young people’s skills and employment prospects. With one in ten young people in the US not in school or work, the Global Business Coalition – supported by Dell Technologies and Deloitte – has created this national network to ensure that by 2030, all young Americans will have the skills they need to get a job. To date, this program has invested in 28 nonprofits in 22 U.S. states to positively impact more than 200,000 young people.

Applications are now open for up to 20 more U.S.-based organizations to join the 2025 accelerator and receive training, pro-bono support from corporates as well as opportunities to network, pitch for funding and attend conferences.

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By 2030

over half of young people worldwide won't have the skills needed for jobs

Join the accelerator creating the largest network of youth-serving organizations in the U.S., and together, we can tackle the youth skills crisis.


What is it?

The accelerator runs from January to December 2025, during which time successful participants will:

  • Join a network of nationwide participants convening regularly for networking sessions and workshops
  • Access corporate pro-bono support such as donations of tech, opportunities for volunteer skills placements, training and consulting services
  • Receive opportunities to pitch for funding as well as stipends to attend regional and national conferences to build your network

Why join a network?

Evidence shows that networked nonprofits are more likely to achieve their missions efficiently, effectively and sustainably than if they work alone.1 This network approach has been shown to be especially effective in programs working with marginalized young people in their local communities. In 2018, the Global Business Coalition set up a ‘Youth Skills Commission’ and published groundbreaking reports on the looming crisis of youth skills and employability. Since setting up our youth skills network in 2022, we have completed two rounds of our annual accelerator programs [under the previous name ‘Skills Friendly Cities’], investing in 28 nonprofits in 22 states. This has impacted over 200,000 young people. 1. Stanford Social Innovation Review

The highlight was having the amazing opportunity to connect with other professionals performing impactful work throughout different communities in the U.S. - and learning about solutions and best practices they're implementing to make their programs a success.

Niña Abonal, SoCal CAN

FAQ

What is the Youth Skills and Employment Accelerator?

The Youth Skills and Employment Accelerator helps nonprofits working with young people from underserved communities to connect with other organizations, businesses and funders to improve young people’s skills and employment prospects.

The accelerator runs throughout 2025, during which time successful participants will join a network of nationwide participants convening regularly for networking sessions and workshops; access corporate pro-bono support such as donations of tech, opportunities for volunteer skills placements, training and consulting services; and receive opportunities to pitch for funding as well as stipends to attend regional and national conferences to build your network

 

How do I apply?

To apply please complete the application form here. Only U.S.-based registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofits are eligible to apply for this Accelerator.

What is the deadine for applying?

Nonprofits can apply any time, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications are currently open for the 2025 Accelerator. To be considered for this cohort you must apply by November 15th 11:59PM ET


Learn more about the Youth Skills and Employment Accelerator

Learn more about the accelerator, the largest network of youth-serving organizations in the U.S. tackling the youth skills and employment crisis.

Ready to apply?

Supporter information
Project participant Ciara speaks to Ara Anoshiravani, Deloitte. Southern California College Access Network (SoCal CAN)

By participating, you'll directly contribute to ensure that by 2030, all young Americans will have the skills they need to get a job.

Supporter information

Learn about the network

Learn more about the network and how participants have benefitted

Learn about the network


Supported by:

Dell Technologies
Deloitte