Starbucks Foundation and Alshaya Group Empower MENA Youth with New Partnership
February 27, 2025
Today, the Starbucks Foundation and Alshaya Group announced their commitment to transform the lives of 250,000 youth across MENA and Türkiye. Through education, skills training, and economic opportunities, this initiative will empower the next generation and further JA’s mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Investments like these fuel the future of work, empowering youth to lead, innovate, and create lasting change. Together, we’re building a world where young people have the tools to thrive.
How US$6 Million will Transform the Lives of 250,000 Young People in MENA & Türkiye
In classrooms, coffeehouses, and community spaces around the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and Türkiye, a new generation is preparing for the future—searching for jobs, preparing for interviews, and taking the first steps towards their dream careers. But with youth unemployment soaring, opportunities can feel out of reach for many young people today.
That’s why The Starbucks Foundation and Alshaya Group are investing US$6 million into equipping 250,000 young people across MENA and Türkiye with the skills they need to thrive.
As the largest initiative of its kind in the Middle East and Türkiye, the new three-year ‘EmpowerME’ program will be transformational for young people across the region. Created in partnership with non-profits INJAZ Al-Arab/JA MENA—part of JA (Junior Achievement) Worldwide—and Habitat Association, EmpowerME will operate across 12 markets, reaching thousands of young people in communities where there are Starbucks stores.
From how to manage their finances once that first pay cheque arrives, to how to communicate like a true leader, EmpowerME is about helping young people to open doors to a better future. The program pays particular attention to uplifting youth around specific needs, such as young women, refugees, and those from underprivileged backgrounds.