Fab Youth Philly gives teens first-time job experiences otherwise in short supply

After-school boxing programs such as Tyger Style Boxing give students at risk of encountering gun violence an outlet where they can work toward a goal and learn about leadership, integrity, sportsmanship, and determination. Tyger Style serves about 25 students, and attendees say the program has helped improve their confidence and shift their attitudes.

The After School Activities Partnership (ASAP) in Philadelphia offers free and low-cost afterschool and summer activities to students in low-income areas that otherwise do not have access to extracurriculars. ASAP has served over 5,000 kids with over 351 different programs, which include drama, chess, Scrabble, and debate.

Minnesota's Office of Cannabis Management entered into compact agreements with tribal nations in 2025, allowing tribes to operate cannabis dispensaries beyond reservation boundaries. Seven tribally owned off-reservation dispensaries are now open, with more planned. These dispensaries are serving as significant job sources as Waabigwan Mashkiki, White Earth Nation's cannabis company, has created 200 jobs alone in one of the state's poorest counties. Other states including Virginia and Wisconsin are now looking to Minnesota's framework as a model for their own tribal cannabis policies.

The Boys' Club of New York addresses the mental health crisis among at-risk boys by providing structured programming, peer mentorship from alumni staff, and a culture of belonging across three clubhouses and roughly 2,500 members.

The Aspirations Incubator supports rural Maine communities in creating youth mentoring programs using the Trekkers approach. The incubator gives organizations $600,000 over six years, plus extensive training in fostering belonging and developing leadership. Rather than replicating a one-size-fits-all program, each community develops an authentic program suited to local needs. A study tracking the first cohort of students from 7th grade through high school graduation showed they attended school more often, performed better academically, and enrolled in college at higher rates.

Point-of-sale-based agency banking helps make digital finance more accessible and inclusive, allowing small businesses to act as banking agents, offering services like cash withdrawals and bill payments through fintech platforms. This integration has been particularly impactful in regions without bank branches. The integration of fintech throughout Nigeria has not only led to more autonomy in personal finance but has also created significant employment opportunities.

The You Belong Foster Youth Initiative is a partnership between LA County's Department of Children and Family Services and the local YMCA that provides free YMCA membership and wraparound services to foster youth ages 12-26 across 28 facilities. Launched in May 2025, the program offers various activities, including access to health and wellness classes, sports, and case management services, including mentoring and licensed clinical social workers.

The Delta Garage helps high school students from low-income families get introduced to trade education by teaching them how to work on motorcycles. Participants meet every Sunday during the school year to learn the skills and language of mechanical trades, which they can use when applying to future employers.

The Bay Area Urban Debate League serves students in low-income communities by providing debate opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t be able to access or afford. Teaching debate and participating in tournaments teach students valuable life skills like argumentation, critical thinking, research and logic. In 2023, the Bay Area Urban Debate League served 300 middle and high school students.

The GIRL-H program provides skill training and business assistance to youth from marginalized communities. Participants receive education and training in an area of their choosing and once they complete the training, they receive start-up capital to help them start their own businesses. The program has helped over 6,000 youth learn a new skill and start an entrepreneurial venture.