The Starbucks YUTE Work project piloted in 2018-19 featured collaboration between private sector, civil society and community leaders, to equip underserved youth with a viable alternative to
involvement in crime and violence.
The result was a life-changing combination of positive social interventions for 60 unattached young men and women in Kingston and Montego Bay.
The MYF, Starbucks Foundation and Starbucks Jamaica, partners in the successful pilot project, have launched the second phase of this initiative as Starbucks YUTE Work II, with the Sandals Foundation added to the collaboration.
The project began in February 2025, and will provide 30 young Jamaicans, ages 16-29 years old in Kingston and St. James, with critical tools for personal development, productive careers and self empowerment. In collaboration with the HEART NSTA Trust and other vocational training partners, the project will also serve to train and orient participants as potential employees for Jamaica’s hospitality services industry.
The 8-month Starbucks YUTE Work II project features two cohorts of 15 youth each, receiving Life and Employability Training; Mentoring, Vocational Skills Training and paid Internship Placements for two months, at relevant hotels, restaurants and other organisations in the hospitality/service industry.
