MISSION AND WORK

“People-Readiness” is a well-documented, “high-risk” challenge facing our nation’s critical infrastructure sectors.

At iyai+, we focus on developing “Community-Builders” – helping youth discover their potential as future leaders, skilled professionals and mangers, innovators, entrepreneurs, community advocates, and changemakers.

By motivating and inspiring them to actively participate in shaping and strengthening their communities from the ground up -- building awareness and interest in critical infrastructure careers that impact daily life.

And, connecting classroom learning with mentoring and hands-on learning opportunities that engages them in “real-world” problem-solving within their local communities.

Iyai+-programming is cross-sectoral and partnerships-based by design. Our increasingly interdependent world requires re-thinking the “career-readiness” education skills, experiences, and exposures necessary for the 21st century. Including transferable and portable skills (“good” jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities) that can expand gateways to opportunity. And, most importantly, increase their personal readiness and earning potential, build their leadership potential and abilities – and help to instill the importance of public service and active civic engagement.

Our YOUTH VOICE -- “virtual Innovation Challenge Competition” and “Critical Conversations” program elements are designed to provide a meaningful opportunity for youth to share their considerable knowledge – “learned and lived” experiences – fresh insights and perspectives on challenges and opportunities within their local communities that also have national and global significance.

Finally, we expose our youth participants to important lifetime “values” and “success” skills – the iyai “+”.