Youth For Technology Foundation

What Youth For Technology Foundation does

Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF) is a 501c3 international nonprofit founded in 2000 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, with operational headquarters in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. YTF designs and delivers technology-focused education, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship programs for marginalized youth and women, primarily in sub-Saharan Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda) with additional operations in Colombia (Soacha Digital Village) and the United States. Its flagship offering, the YTF Academy, bundles five sub-programs — TechKids (ages 8-12), TechTeens (13-19), TechCommunities (20-25), TechEnhancements (civil servants), and 3DAfrica — covering digital literacy, STEM, life skills, and entrepreneurship. Specialized programs include 3D Africa (additive manufacturing and design thinking), Mobile Financial Services for Women (training women as branchless banking agents), Women Entrepreneurs and Mobile Value Added Services, Agric-P.O.W.E.R. (agricultural information platform for rural women farmers), PeaceOpoly (youth civic accountability initiative), and GirlsRock! (after-school tech and health camp for displaced girls in Colombia). Partner programs include Africa Code Week (SAP), Code Clubs (Raspberry Pi Foundation), Girls4Tech (MasterCard), Girls in ICT Day (Cisco), and She Will Connect (Intel).

The organization operates a hybrid delivery model combining directly-operated Digital Village community centers, in-school and after-school program partnerships with educational institutions and ministries, library partnerships (e.g., Anambra State Library Board), and a social franchise replication model. YTF's technology stack is centered on 3D printing hardware and CAD software (Fusion360, SolidWorks, MakerBot, Stratasys, 3DSystems), mobile financial platforms (FirstMonie with First Bank Nigeria and Visa), SMS-based business tips delivery, and the Flipcause donation processing platform. Cumulative reported impact includes 1.6 million women and youth trained, 315,000 YTF Academy graduates, 12,100 businesses created or expanded, and outcome metrics of 96% transition to higher education, 75% STEM career participation uplift, and 3.5x average salary increase among employed graduates.

YTF is funded through a mix of individual donations (100% field-directed via matching programs), foundation grants (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation via Beyond Access/IREX, Ford Foundation, Cherie Blair Foundation, Engineering Information Foundation, Fundación Esperanza Pertusa), corporate partnerships (MasterCard, Intel, Cisco, SAP, HP Foundation, GE, Microsoft, Autodesk Foundation, Visa, First Bank Nigeria, Softchoice), pro bono consulting and technical support (Autodesk Foundation), and in-kind technology donations. Leadership is concentrated around founder and President/CEO Njideka Harry, CTO Telema Harry, and a Board of Trustees drawn from Microsoft, Wikimedia Foundation, Lastminute.com, McGill University, Northwestern University, and other institutions. The organization reports a combined workforce of approximately 245 (75 employees, 150 field workers, 20 consultants) and operates with stated ambitions to scale to 8 countries, 8,400 communities, and 4 million lives impacted.

Name

Youth For Technology Foundation

Legal name

Youth for Technology Foundation

Website

https://youthfortechnology.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Youth for Technology Foundation is a 501c3 international nonprofit that delivers technology education, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship training to underserved youth and women across Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Colombia, and the United States via Digital Village community centers, school partnerships, and programs like YTF Academy and 3D Africa.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Education and Workforce Training

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Computer Training (61142), Computer Training (611420), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Web Development (HTML/CSS/JavaScript, Front-End/Back-End) (EDAMACAC), Foundational Computer & Device Literacy (EDAAAIAA), Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth) (EDAAAOAD), Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD)

Keywords

• Nonprofit education programs
• Digital literacy training
• STEM youth empowerment
• Women entrepreneurship training
• Community technology centers

Headquarters

HQ city

Louisville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute to YTF's programs. 100% of individual donations go directly to the field through matching programs, annual campaigns and employee engagement.
2. Corporate Partnerships: Corporations partner with YTF for matching programs, annual campaigns, employee engagement and other fundraising initiatives tailored to the business' market and brand.
3. Foundation Grants: YTF receives grants from foundations such as Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, and others to implement specific programs.
4. Pro Bono Consulting and Technical Support: Companies like Autodesk Foundation provide pro bono consulting services and technical support to help YTF develop and optimize their technology programs.
5. In-Kind Donations: Technology equipment and software donations from corporate partners support YTF's programs and learning centers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF) is a 501c3 nonprofit that delivers free technology education and entrepreneurship training programs to underserved youth and women in developing communities, primarily in Africa and Colombia. Its flagship YTF Academy program covers digital literacy, technology skills, life skills, and entrepreneurship across five sub-programs (TechKids, TechTeens, TechCommunities, TechEnhancements, and 3DAfrica). Programs are delivered through Digital Village community centers, school and library partnerships, and after-school programs, with funding from individual donations, corporate partnerships, and foundation grants.

Product overview

Youth for Technology Foundation (YTF) offers a portfolio of technology education and training programs designed for underserved youth and women, primarily in Africa and underserved communities globally. The core offerings include YTF Academy (the flagship umbrella program with five sub-programs: TechKids, TechTeens, TechCommunities, TechEnhancements, and 3DAfrica), 3D Africa (focused on additive manufacturing and design thinking), and specialized programs for women entrepreneurs (Mobile Financial Services for Women, Women Entrepreneurs and Mobile Value Added Services, Agric-P.O.W.E.R.). Additional programs address digital literacy (She Will Connect, Project LLP), civic engagement (PeaceOpoly), and gender equity in technology (Girls4Tech, Girls in ICT Day, GirlsRock!). Partner programs include Africa Code Week, Code Clubs (in partnership with Raspberry Pi Foundation), and Skills for Success. YTF also operates the Soacha Digital Village in Colombia and conducts coding initiatives using Scratch programming.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• 3D Africa: Program transforming user-economies into producer economies through 3D printing technology, teaching youth, girls, and women entrepreneurs new skills.
• YTF Academy
• GirlsRock!
• Agric-P.O.W.E.R.
• PeaceOpoly
• Mobile Financial Services for Women (MFSW)
• She Will Connect

Products and services

• YTF Academy Flagship umbrella digital literacy and technology training program offering courses in digital literacy, technology, life skills, education, and entrepreneurship for youth and women ages 8-25, leading to higher education, sustainable employment, and poverty reduction. Includes five sub-programs: TechKids (ages 8-12), TechTeens (ages 13-19), TechCommunities (ages 20-25), TechEnhancements (for civil servants), and 3DAfrica.
• 3D Africa Educational program focused on 3D printing technology, design thinking, and prototyping that teaches youth, girls, and women entrepreneurs to use additive manufacturing and sell products in global online marketplaces, shifting Africa from 'Aid to Africa' to 'Made in Africa'.
• 3D Printing Academy for Girls Specialized academy that teaches 3D printing technology to girls, aiming to spark STEM careers and provide early exposure to additive manufacturing.
• Agric-P.O.W.E.R. (Agricultural Platform Offering Women Empowerment Resources) Scalable platform that closes the critical information gap facing rural women farmers by delivering agricultural information through trusted channels using technology and mobile strategies, combined with financial skills, business training, and access to regional markets.
• Mobile Financial Services for Women (MFSW) Program that trains existing women entrepreneurs in rural and remote locations to become branchless mobile banking agents, enabling them and other women in their community to gain access to basic financial services such as savings, bank accounts, and credit.
• Women Entrepreneurs and Mobile Value Added Services Program providing financial inclusion, business capabilities, and entrepreneurship training combined with mobile business strategies, including classroom learning, industry tours, networking events, and daily SMS business tips to help women entrepreneurs increase income and create new revenue sources.
• PeaceOpoly Demand-driven accountability initiative designed to improve governance and transparency by empowering youth and women to play a role in their nation's democracy, providing civic engagement training and crowdsourcing software development opportunities for youth ages 15-24.
• Girls4Tech MasterCard's signature education program designed for young girls with the goal of inspiring them to build skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. YTF implements this program in partnership with MasterCard.
• Africa Code Week Continental initiative hosted in partnership with SAP that provides coding workshops across African countries. YTF serves as a network partner, hosting training in Kenya and Nigeria using Scratch programming language to teach youth coding skills.
• Code Clubs Positive peer-learning communities for youth to learn coding and STEM-related skills, operated in partnership with Raspberry Pi Foundation and targeting students ages 8 to 13 years old.
• Girls in ICT Day International initiative held annually to encourage and inspire girls to pursue careers in Information and Communications Technology. YTF partners with Cisco to deliver events featuring 3D printing technology and presentations by female experts in STEM.
• GirlsRock! After-school technology and health education camp for internally-displaced girls in Soacha, Colombia. Located within YTF's Soacha Digital Village, it integrates technology skills with education on health, personal safety, and reproductive rights for girls ages 12-20.
• Project LLP (Learning and Libraries Project) Digital literacy, technology, and entrepreneurship skills training implemented in partnership with Beyond Access/IREX and funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, delivered through Nigerian state libraries to youth, teachers, librarians, and community members.
• She Will Connect Digital literacy training and networking skills program that aims to reduce the Internet gender gap through digital literacy training, an online peer network, and gender-relevant content, implemented in partnership with Intel across Nigeria's secondary schools, universities, teacher training institutes, and polytechnics.
• 3D Printing: Freedom from Human Trafficking for African Girls Program combining 3D printing education with efforts to prevent human trafficking among African girls.
• Skills for Success Skills development program for youth focused on preparing participants for workforce opportunities.
• Skills for Their Future Program aimed at providing youth with skills for their future careers and employment.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99% average daily attendance in school for YTF Academy graduates
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Autodesk FoundationcoreTechnology or Integration · 15 February 2021Autodesk Foundation's Pro Bono Consulting program connects skilled Autodesk employee volunteers with nonprofits. YTF worked with three Autodesk employees (Andrew Ward, Melanie Thilo, Dylan Smith) to modify a Gas Leakage Monitoring Device prototype. The engagement helped YTF save 73% on production costs and improved design for manufacturing using Fusion360.
• Raspberry Pi FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Partner for Coding Clubs, teaching coding and STEM skills to youth ages 8-13 in Nigeria using Scratch programming language.
• HP FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Partnership to boost 3D printing education. HP Foundation and YTF announced new partnership to provide technology and entrepreneurship training, teaching individuals how to use 3D printing and create entrepreneurial opportunities.
• TheirworldcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Partnership announced at World Economic Forum to establish new Code Clubs for Kenyan girls. Code Clubs are designed as a low-cost, sustainable, and scalable program.
• SAPcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015SAP is the sponsor of Africa Code Week, and YTF serves as a network partner. Africa Code Week hosts coding workshops across 17 countries, with YTF hosting training in Kenya and Nigeria.
• CiscocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Partner for Girls in ICT Day events. YTF held two International Girls in ICT Day events for 450 girls in Nigeria, showcasing 3D printing technology and discussing engaging girls in STEM.
• IntelcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Partner for She Will Connect program. YTF provided digital literacy skills education for over 12,023 Nigerian girls and women in 2015 in partnership with Intel.
• First Bank NigeriacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015Partner for Mobile Financial Services for Women program. YTF trained women to become mobile banking agents, enabling them to provide financial services in their communities.
• VisaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015Partner for Mobile Financial Services for Women program supporting mobile banking agent training.
• Ashoka Innovators for the PubliccoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Partner for Agric-P.O.W.E.R. program. Ashoka's support helped YTF assist 315 women farmers in Uganda generate enough income to keep their children in school.
• Beyond Access/IREXcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015YTF partnered with Beyond Access (program of IREX) funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to launch Project LLP: Learning and Libraries Project in Nigeria, providing digital literacy training for 513 youth, teachers, librarians, and community members.
• United States Institute of PeacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Partner for PeaceOpoly program. YTF PeaceOpoly program manager was recognized as a USIP Generation Fellow for 2015.
• SoftchoiceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Partner for GirlsRock! program in Colombia, supporting technology and health education for displaced girls in Soacha.
• WeTech (Women Enhancing Technology)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2015Partner for 3D Africa program, supporting efforts to bring 3D printing and innovation to youth in Nigeria and Kenya.
• GE (General Electric)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014YTF launched 3D Africa in tandem with the first GE Garages innovation lab in Africa. GE has also provided logo placement and support for the program.
• MasterCardcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012MasterCard partners with YTF for women entrepreneurship programs. The partnership was extended to continue efforts improving financial literacy, technology and skills-enhancement training for women in Nigeria, celebrated on Women's Entrepreneurship Day.
• Cherie Blair Foundation for WomencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Partner for Women Entrepreneurs and Mobile Value Added Services program. The foundation conducted research evaluating the business impact on women entrepreneurs, including the report 'Evaluating Business Women—a Mobile Value Added Service for Women Entrepreneurs.'

Scale indicators18 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Room to Read: International nonprofit delivering literacy and girls' education programming across Africa and Asia, with comparable outcome measurement (transition to secondary school, attendance) and similar corporate/foundation funding model.
• Generation (formerly McKinsey Social Initiative): Global nonprofit providing employment-focused skills training with documented salary-uplift outcomes (analogous to YTF's 3.5x salary increase); operates employer-partnered training programs targeting underserved youth in developing economies.
• Black Girls CODE: Nonprofit providing technology education to girls of color with similar Girls-in-ICT/STEM mission; comparable program model (workshops, hackathons, after-school programs) and tech-corporate partner ecosystem.
• Technovation: Nonprofit running technology entrepreneurship curricula for girls globally; directly comparable mobile-app/tech-skills program model and corporate partner ecosystem (including Salesforce, Google, Uber).
• Girls Who Code: Nonprofit closing the gender gap in technology through after-school clubs, summer programs, and college-loops; directly comparable girls-in-STEM mission, club-based delivery model, and tech-corporate funding base.

Broad incumbents

• Junior Achievement (JA Worldwide): Large established global nonprofit delivering entrepreneurship, work-readiness, and financial literacy programs to youth through school partnerships — same horizontal mission, broader geographic and demographic reach.
• Ashoka: Global network supporting social entrepreneurs including a partnership with YTF on Agric-P.O.W.E.R.; comparable in social-franchise ethos and changemaker-development orientation but operates as an enabler of other social enterprises.
• Code.org: Largest US-based nonprofit promoting computer science education; comparable K-12 STEM and coding focus but US-centric reach rather than developing-economy focus.

Regional players

• Tony Elumelu Foundation: Africa-focused philanthropy supporting youth entrepreneurship with seed funding and training; comparable Africa-headquartered nonprofit model serving similar demographics with entrepreneurship-and-skills programming.
• African Leadership University (ALU): Africa-based higher-education institution training young African leaders with STEM and entrepreneurship focus; comparable mission of developing African talent for global workforce but operates as a degree-granting institution.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/YouthForTech
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/youthfortechnology/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/YouthForTechnologyFoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/youth-for-technology-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/youthfortechnology

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Youth For Technology Foundation