Since December 2022, the YES: Youth Empowerment for Security program — implemented by Centum Foundation and supported by YES Foundation, the CSR arm of YES Bank — has trained over 1,800 youth across four states, including more than 500 women.
The program focuses on equipping young individuals from marginalised backgrounds with industry-relevant skills, workplace etiquette, soft skills, and recognised certifications.
As seen in the NDTV segment, the initiative’s approach goes beyond classroom training. Flexible schedules, community-based trainers, and a combination of theoretical and practical learning have helped build confidence, competence, and career readiness. This holistic model has resulted in 1,250+ successful job placements to date, enabling youth to contribute financially to their households — often as first-generation earners.
For participants like Payel Baswan from Assam — daughter of a housekeeper and a daily wage worker — and Junu, who had to discontinue her education due to financial constraints, the program has opened new doors and inspired resilience.
Employer testimonials in the NDTV feature speak volumes — praising the dedication, discipline, and skill levels of the candidates hired through the program. In evolving rural job landscapes, career aspirations have also shifted, with youth increasingly pursuing opportunities in fields like hospitality and services, and seeking sustainable employment closer to home.
At its core, the YES program aims to uplift not just individuals, but entire households and communities. As we continue to scale, our focus remains the same: bridging opportunity gaps, enabling employability, and fostering dignity through work — one empowered young person at a time.
