SayPro, in partnership with the United States Peace Corps, supports the creation of Youth Innovation Labs to empower young minds in rural and urban communities. These labs are equipped with resources such as computers, internet, 3D printers, and creative materials that inspire innovation and experimentation. SayPro designs the labs as collaborative spaces where young people learn coding, design thinking, robotics, and problem-solving. Peace Corps volunteers play a vital role by mentoring youth, facilitating workshops, and connecting them with global networks of innovators. The initiative cultivates a mindset of creativity and curiosity, ensuring youth have access to tools and environments that foster not only technological skills but also social entrepreneurship and community-based problem-solving.
The Youth Innovation Labs host regular training programs in digital skills, app development, and entrepreneurship tailored to local contexts. SayPro ensures the curriculum is accessible, practical, and inclusive of marginalized youth, including young women and persons with disabilities. Peace Corps volunteers help facilitate sessions, design project-based learning models, and support students in turning their ideas into viable ventures or solutions. Youth teams collaborate to address real-world issues such as climate change, water scarcity, and healthcare access. The labs act as incubators of social innovation, encouraging participants to think critically, act ethically, and design with empathy.
To build local ownership, SayPro partners with schools, libraries, and community centers, embedding the labs within existing infrastructure. Community mentors and educators are trained to lead sessions and provide ongoing support. Peace Corps volunteers help set up advisory boards made up of youth leaders, local entrepreneurs, and teachers. These labs become trusted hubs where innovation and leadership intersect, and where local challenges are transformed into opportunities through youth-led action. Over time, they spark a ripple effect, with graduates launching startups, founding community projects, or mentoring the next generation of change-makers.
Sustainability is ensured through partnerships with private sector tech companies, grants, and local government support. SayPro helps youth teams access seed funding and compete in innovation challenges nationally and globally. Peace Corps volunteers document stories of impact and help scale successful models to other regions. This initiative doesn’t just aim to teach—it aims to empower. Through the Youth Innovation Labs, SayPro and the Peace Corps are unlocking untapped potential and creating a future where youth lead the way in solving the world’s toughest problems.