Pathways to Progress: An Introduction to the World of Work

By Ed Skyler, Executive Vice President for Global Public Affairs, Citi and Chairman of the Citi Foundation March 31, 2014 10:08 AM

Here in the United States, job creation efforts continue to struggle for traction, and the youth unemployment rate - at its highest level since World War II - remains a significant concern. Too often, young men and women are facing barriers to finding entry-level positions, preventing them from accessing critical launch-pads into the professional world.

We believe early-career workplace experience, civic engagement, and the development of an entrepreneurial mindset are each integral to helping the next generation build stronger futures for themselves, their families and their communities. That belief forms the foundation for Pathways to Progress, an ambitious three-year, $50 million initiative that builds upon the Citi Foundation's ongoing efforts to empower young Americans and connect them with opportunities to succeed.

Pathways to Progress, which represents the single largest commitment in the Citi Foundation's 20-year history, will provide career training to 100,000 low-income youth ages 16 to 24, with a focus on ten of the largest U.S. cities where we have a presence. By helping young people start small businesses, develop an entrepreneurial mindset that employers seek, and secure summer jobs, the initiative aims to put them on a career path that improves their opportunities to advance professionally and economically.

Citi has a long tradition of enabling urban progress and strengthening communities in cities where we operate. We are building upon this track record through the Pathways to Progress campaign by partnering with civic leaders - including U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, U.S. Senator Cory Booker, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez, District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, and Boston Mayor Martin Walsh - to drive momentum as we implement the initiative.

Cities are increasingly becoming important testing grounds for innovative socio-economic programming and solutions. And high youth unemployment is an issue that mayors and urban leaders are concerned with not only because of its social implications, but also because of the future economic challenges it presents.

In addition, we are working hand-in-hand with non-profit partners like Points of Light, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship, and Cities for Financial Empowerment to reach deep into communities, share important lessons, and maximize the initiative's impact. Collaboration like this is essential as we seek new ways to connect young Americans with opportunities to create rewarding and meaningful livelihoods.

For more information on Pathways to Progress, please visit the Citi Foundation website.