Abstract
USAID has supported through various programs the Government of Jordan's objectives to bridge the gap between market demand on employment and the quality of output of the educational and vocational training systems in the country. Within this framework, in 1999, USAID provided a grant in the value of $4.9 million to Save the Children Foundation to implement the Economic Opportunities for Jordanian Youth Program, which is known by INJAZ. INJAZ, which became a non-for-profit organization in 2001, aimed at building partnerships between local business leaders and educators to increase the capacity of youth to successfully enter the economy. In addition to this initial support, USAID supported phase II (2004-2009) with a grant in the value of US$5.8 million, and most recently phase III (2009-2014) with US$10 million to support expanding the program's activities and initiatives to reach more students around the country. Phase III, INJAZ III, aims at raising awareness of Jordanian youth of their personal and professional capabilities to enable them to enter the job market as qualified employees and business owners. This third phase also aims to help equip the Jordanian educational and youth development system to: (1) better answer the needs of youth employment; (2) increase the involvement of the Jordanian private sector, and the society in general, in the development of youth and the enhancement of quality of education; and (4) link the Jordanian youth to the job market and provide them with better employment opportunities. The review of the program focused on three main aspects: (1) achievements against expected outcomes; (2) INJAZ III training curricula, approaches, and level of stakeholder satisfaction; and (3) sustainability of the program. The review concluded that INJAZ continues to provide an important addition to enhancing Jordanian youth capabilities, interpersonal skills, and entrepreneurship, among other skills. It was clear that INJAZ programs increase the students' passion for success and provide them with practical experience and relevant knowledge that enables students in entering and better understanding the job market. Most of the students who attended INJAZ training courses and programs expressed a high degree of satisfaction and their willingness to re-enroll in INJAZ programs. (Excerpt, modified)