Enter Jovem
Since 2003, USAID, through the Enter Jovem Program, has been providing job training and placement opportunities for disadvantaged youth ages 16-24 in Northeast Brazil. The program is implemented by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and the Brazilian NGO Instituto Empreender (Enterprise Institute). The program provides youth with training in market-driven areas, with an emphasis in information and communication technology (ICT); and basic English Language learning in order to increase youth's access to the formal job market in its 350-hour training courses.

The program incorporates dynamic classroom instruction, on-the-job training, life skills development, mentoring, and formal sector employment opportunities. The training includes workshops on résumé writing and job application preparation, interview skills, and job search techniques, as well as workshops on ethics, civic values, and codes of conduct in the workplace.

The basic English Language training component is focused on pronunciation and communication, particularly on communication for work-related situations. The specific objectives are grouped into two categories: attitudinal and linguistic. The attitudinal aspect seeks to break the resistance to learning English, while the linguistic builds the structure for communicating effectively.

Enter Jovem's Program Goal
In-country capacity to sustain and replicate the youth employment methodology increased

Enter Jovem Specific Objectives

1. Establish and strengthen employability, technology and Basic English Language nuclei;
2. Increase teacher's proficiency of English language and capacity to replicate the Enter Jovem methodology;
3. Increase cultural exchange opportunities; and
4. Disseminate Enter Jovem's job placement strategy.

So far, Enter Jovem has trained over 12,000 youth and placed 40% of those into the job market.