432-Youth Employment Support Fund-English Chance Program

Support Young Students with Equal Opportunities

In Turkiye, 1 in 4 of recent university graduates do not have a paid job. Graduates of the second-tier universities, mainly located in Anatolian cities, are overlooked during the recruitment process and are more likely to remain unemployed for longer periods- an average of 15 months.

Many of these graduates are the first generation in their families to attend a university; they often have lower socio-economic means and rely on scholarships to pursue their education. Throughout their academic journey, they confront limitations, such as lack of preparatory courses for university exams, internships & student jobs, networking opportunities, references, and essential professional skills. Post-graduation, these challenges persist as they have trouble finding part-time and full-time jobs or vocational trainings. Eventually, after a long period of unemployment, they are often compelled to accept less qualified positions; working in low-paying jobs, sometimes without any social security; or return to their hometowns without employment prospects.

For 10 years, Esas Sosyal, through its First Chance and English Chance Programs, has diligently worked to promote equal opportunities for youth, believing at our core that everyone deserves a ‘chance’ at succeeding in life. With nearly 100 partners in nonprofit and private sectors, Esas Sosyal implements sustainable solution models addressing inequalities in school-to-work transition for new graduates from second-tier universities in Turkiye.

To date, with an ecosystem of more than 4,000, Esas Sosyal has collectively empowered 1,400 young individuals towards gaining work experience, core life and professional skills, all of which lead them to full time employment.

We invite you to join us in the journey of supporting youth, through “English Chance” Program.

In Turkiye, proficiency in English is a must-have skill, sending a strong signal of qualification to potential employers. However, 42% of university graduates has no or very limited command of English.

English Chance Program tackles this issue by offering high potential, competitively selected 3rd and 4th grade students studying in lesser known, “second tier” universities with a comprehensive one-year English competency program. Through this 12-month program, participants enhance their employability by:
Enhancing English language proficieny with Berlitz courses
Developing essential skills for initial stages in their professional career
Expand professional networks through exclusive events
Access various online resources to support career development

Now, many of the Alumni are employed at both Turkish and international companies, pursuing master’s programs abroad and look to the future with hope and excitement rather than fear and uncertainty.

Together, we can leverage our impact in providing equal opportunities for youth employment.

You can support a student’s one-year English education for $540, paving the way for transformative change in their story. Your contributions will directly go to program’s implementation partner.

Please join us to create an impact together in youth employment in Türkiye!