Citi Foundation backs Puerto Rico youth jobs program
The Citi Foundation has selected One Stop Career Center of Puerto Rico as one of 50 organizations worldwide to receive a $500,000 grant through its Global Innovation Challenge 2025.
The initiative will support local efforts to create employment opportunities and strengthen job readiness for low-income youth.
With the funding, One Stop Career Center will expand its integrated employability services throughout Puerto Rico, covering housing, education, employment, health care and legal assistance. The programs are designed to offer young people comprehensive support as they enter and build careers in the workforce.
“At Citi, we are deeply committed to the country’s progress and the future of its youth,” said Antonieta Pérez, general manager of Citi Puerto Rico.
“We’re proud to support One Stop Career Center of Puerto Rico. Its comprehensive approach to employability services is critical to providing young people with the tools to build a prosperous future. We are convinced that this partnership will generate a lasting and positive impact,” she said.
The Global Innovation Challenge 2025 distributed $25 million among 50 organizations to develop and scale innovative solutions that promote youth employability. Each participant will also join a global learning community to exchange knowledge and best practices.
According to the foundation, the funding supports programs addressing the growing gap between workforce skills and market needs, with emphasis on digital literacy, vocational training, work-based learning, entrepreneurship and mentoring.
The initiative also aims to help young people adapt to rapidly evolving economies and technologies such as artificial intelligence. The selected programs will be carried out over two years, combining training, collaboration and innovation to prepare the next generation for long-term economic resilience.
