Since 2006, Education for Employment (EFE) has trained and secured jobs for over 3,300 youth across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. EFE has also provided employability and entrepreneurship training to an additional 7,000 young people. In 2012 alone, over 3,800 youth—50% of whom were young women—graduated from EFE’s programs. By 2013, the organization was set to reach 10,000 graduates with the help of over 1,200 partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, and civil society organizations.

EFE’s success stems from its innovative network model, which establishes locally-run affiliates connected to global resources and expertise through supporting organizations in Europe and the United States. Starting in Palestine and Jordan, the EFE network now includes affiliates in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Yemen, and a sister foundation in Europe. Over 1,000 companies across MENA, ranging from multinational corporations to small enterprises, now employ EFE graduates.

EFE has gained recognition as a leader in youth unemployment solutions, with its Founder Ron Bruder and CEO Jamie McAuliffe named Global Social Entrepreneurs of the Year by the Schwab Foundation at the 2012 World Economic Forum. EFE’s impactful work has been acknowledged at international venues, including the Clinton Global Initiative and the United Nations, while also being featured in TIME’s 100 Most Influential List.