Here’s the translation into American English:
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The ‘Youth Challenge’ program of the United Way Foundation Spain is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2025, solidifying its role as a key initiative in the fight against school dropout. Since its launch in 2015, over 2,300 young people have participated in this program, accumulating a total of 16,000 volunteer hours, significantly impacting the lives of thousands of high school students.
Over the past decade, ‘Youth Challenge’ has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting inequality and promoting the comprehensive development of youth. In collaboration with YMCA, its strategic partner, the program has expanded its reach and built a strong and productive alliance in support of Spanish youth. This cooperation extends beyond ‘Youth Challenge’; both organizations have developed other joint projects, further strengthening their bond.
The program has transformed the lives of thousands of students, of whom 80% report not receiving enough guidance on choosing their studies after finishing high school. Through personalized mentoring, career fairs, facility visits, and talks with professionals, ‘Youth Challenge’ provides essential tools that enable young people to make informed decisions about their future. Additionally, it aims to improve academic performance and facilitate participants’ entry into the job market, as well as contributing to their overall development.
In a context where Spain has one of the highest dropout and youth unemployment rates in Europe, the program offers an effective response. Marta Lorenzo Paredes, director of YMCA Madrid, recalls that this project began in 2015 after a conversation with United Way France, before the foundation was established in Spain. Furthermore, support from companies such as Airbus, John Deere, Lilly, and Cellnex has been crucial, both financially and in terms of active volunteer participation.
The program’s success lies in the collaboration between companies, institutes like IES Menéndez Pelayo, YMCA, and United Way Spain. The latter promotes the United Method of collective impact, designing solutions with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria and co-creating tailored programs in partnership with other social organizations.
The results of the program are encouraging. According to recent data, 91.4% of students view the self-awareness and motivation workshops positively, and 94.8% highlight the quality of guidance and support provided by educators. These numbers reflect a high level of satisfaction among participants and underscore the positive impact of the program on their development.
Testimonials like that of Sara, a 16-year-old who was part of the program, emphasize the importance of the dynamic and reflective activities offered. Pedro Fueyo, general secretary of YMCA Spain, stresses that the program addresses one of the main causes of early school dropout: the lack of perspective on future employment. For her part, Marina Fuentes, general director of United Way Spain, highlights the historic collaboration between YMCA and United Way, which goes back over a century in the United States.
In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ‘Youth Challenge’ focuses on quality education and reducing inequalities. Through strategic partnerships and corporate volunteering, the program continues to inspire and empower young people, providing them with the tools necessary to build a promising future.
Source: MiMub in Spanish
