Bridges to Employment (Puentes)

Through this activity, USAID partners with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labor, vocational centers, civil society organizations and the private sector to increase and improve employment opportunities for at-risk youth living in high-crime municipalities, prioritized by the Government of El Salvador. This activity contributes to the line of action Education and Workforce Development under the Prosperity pillar of the U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America. Activities will assess labor market demand to determine potential career paths for at-risk youth, strengthen the capacity of workforce development service providers, improve youth workforce readiness, develop and deliver on-the-job training programs, support youth entrepreneurship initiatives, support inclusion of young women, LGBTI youth, youth with disabilities and at-risk youth in the workforce, and reduce economic incentives for youth to engage in illicit activities.