Supporting Youth Success in Hungary, Romania, and Spain
Helping youth unlock potential and build brighter futures through education and opportunity.
In the European Union, youth unemployment is decreasing but 2.8 million young people under the age of 25 continue to be without jobs. United Ways in this region have played a key role in addressing this challenge by developing programs that promote workforce preparedness and future-ready skills.
In Hungary and Romania, the InnoMate program equips students with critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills through hands-on workshops led by certified educators. The program uses the InnoKit curriculum, developed by United Way Hungary and adapted by United Way Romania, enabling students to launch real-world initiatives that prepare them for higher education and employment.
At first, I doubted we could merge such different ideas — but we found common ground. Creating ‘IRREZISTIBIL’ lip balm brought our strengths together in a way I never expected. Winning first place proved what teamwork and belief can do.”
- Miriam, a student from Cluj-Napoca, Romania
United Way’s partners see the program as a vital bridge for youth transitioning into the workforce. “We are proud to support United Way’s InnoMate program,” says László Kalmár of Generali Foundation Hungary. “It is developing the employment and entrepreneurial skills of Hungarian high school students and significantly increasing their chances of employment and self-fulfillment.”
United Way Spain’s TECH4ALL” program offers hybrid workshops designed to bridge the digital divide — especially among girls — by reaching children and youth with limited access to technology. Students build STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) skills in a hands-on, team-based environment exploring robotics, programming, 3D printing, and emerging fields like cybersecurity, biometrics, and video game development. The program also connects participants with STEAM professionals, broadening their exposure to future career opportunities. “Learning about STEAM helped me think in a more logical way,” says one participant. “I have fun and unforgettable memories from these sessions.”
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how targeted, inclusive programs can empower the next generation and contribute meaningfully to reducing youth unemployment
More About Our Work
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