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Impact League

AGES 13-24

Fifth Third Bank Skills for Success Challenge

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Your challenge is to develop platforms or initiatives that teach essential industry skills, enabling youth to participate fully in the economy.  

SDG 4: Quality Education

SDG 4 aims to ensure that every person, regardless of their background, has access to quality education. This includes not just primary and secondary education, but also opportunities for higher education and vocational training. Education empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and fuels sustainable development. By prioritizing education, we can equip future generations with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous world.

This might involve creating a new approach to training teens in tech or trades, helping youth entrepreneurs launch and learn, or providing students with real-world experience through mentorships or community-run businesses. Your idea should help more young people confidently step into their futures—and strengthen the economy while they do it. 

Challenge Overview

Why It Matters:

Millions of young people enter the job market every year, often without the tools, connections, or training they need. 

Skills gaps are increasing, especially in areas like digital tech, green jobs, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. 

Early access to real-world learning boosts confidence, future earnings, and community impact. 

Community-based solutions ensure young people aren’t left behind because of where they live or the resources they lack. 

What To Think About:

When creating your idea, ask yourself: 

  • Who are the young people who need the most support to prepare for their future careers? 
  • What kinds of industries are growing in your region or need fresh ideas? 
  • Can your idea offer hands-on experience, mentorship, or financial tools? 
  • How might your solution be accessible for people without internet, transportation, or formal education? 
  • Could this idea work in schools, after-school clubs, or local nonprofits? 

 

How to Get Started:

Research the community needs  What financial or job-readiness challenges do young people in underserved areas face? What tools, support, or resources are currently available, and what’s missing? 
Brainstorm ideas  Think about what would make learning about money or job skills fun, easy, and meaningful for youth. Could your solution feel more like a game, a community, or a real-life experience? 
Design your solution  Create a product, service, or program that’s simple, engaging, and easy to access. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box—what would you want to use if you were in their shoes? 
Plan for impact  How will you measure success? Can you track who it’s helping, or how much someone learns or earns? How will you make sure the solution actually reaches those who need it most? 

This challenge is about more than job skills; it’s about building bridges to opportunity. Businesses like Fifth Third Bank believe in economic empowerment and helping communities thrive by investing in youth potential. Your idea could be the spark that helps young people gain the knowledge, confidence, and experience they need to shape their futures.  

Real World Examples

SkillPoint Alliance
(USA)

This nonprofit provides no-cost, accelerated training in high-demand skilled trades, like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and manufacturing, for underserved and low-income youth. Participants earn industry-recognized certifications and safety credentials, becoming workforce-ready quickly and equitably. 

Aboriginal Pastoral Academy
(Northwest Australia)

Empowering Indigenous youth with hands-on training in cattle industry work, this program offers structured progression from entry-level station work to leadership roles. Youth gain technical skills and cultural connections while building meaningful employment pathways. 

YouthBuild Global
(Worldwide)

Through a network of over 320 local programs, YouthBuild provides youth (16–24 years old, often out of school or work) with construction training, education, leadership development, and counseling. Participants build housing for their communities while earning credentials and soft skills that launch them into stable careers and civic leadership. 
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"At Fifth Third, we believe empowering young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed is an investment in the future of our communities. Through our partnership with NFTE and the Skills for Success Challenge, we are helping students develop an entrepreneurial mindset, strengthen critical workplace skills, and explore innovative solutions to real-world challenges. We are proud to support programs that inspire the next generation of leaders and changemakers."

Tracie Wichman / Senior Director, Corporate Responsibility Business Strategy & Execution

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