Aiming to Support the Self-Reliance of Youth with Borderline Intelligence...
Youth Foundation and Related Organizations Recruiting in Seoul, Gwangju, and Busan
The Youth Foundation (hereinafter referred to as "the Foundation") is recruiting participants for the "Potential Growth Campus" program, which aims to support the self-reliance of young people with borderline intelligence through the enhancement of their job competencies.
The Potential Growth Campus is a job competency enhancement and work experience program designed to help young people with borderline intelligence apply their abilities to suitable jobs and enter society in a stable manner. The program offers an integrated curriculum, structured in stages from basic skills to practical job training and work experience, specifically for young people who have faced difficulties participating in conventional employment programs due to slower learning speeds or challenges in social adaptation.
This year, the Foundation plans to run the program for approximately 450 young people with borderline intelligence. To ensure smooth operation of the program, the Foundation will establish a collaborative system among the private sector, government, and legislative bodies, and provide differentiated programs tailored to each region.
For this program, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Gyeonggi Province, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and Busan Metropolitan City are participating from the government side. Public sector collaborators include the Gyeonggi Future Generation Foundation, Chonnam National University-Industry Cooperation Foundation, Gwangju Youth Work Experience Dream Project Group, and Busan Metropolitan City Social Service Center. From the private sector, the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry and JobKorea are cooperating.
A Foundation representative stated, "We expect that the Potential Growth Campus program will provide an opportunity to develop the potential growth capabilities of each individual youth."
The Potential Growth Campus focuses not on the intelligence quotient of young people with borderline intelligence, but rather on their potential for growth, supporting youths to develop at their own pace. The program goes beyond simple vocational education, emphasizing a systematic process for young people to recognize their own potential and acquire practical job competencies that can be applied in the workplace.
The "2025 Potential Growth Campus (Seoul)" currently recruiting participants is part of the ESG Support Future Work Experience Project, hosted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and organized by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and jointly operated by the Youth Foundation and JobKorea. The Seoul program is particularly focused on general office administration and service-related jobs, allowing participants to explore suitable job roles and gain practical work experience.
The first cohort of the 2025 Potential Growth Campus (Seoul) will accept applications until midnight on May 21. Any unemployed young person with borderline intelligence who is a Korean national, aged 15 or older and under 34, may apply according to the instructions on the application information page.
Participants will receive not only stipends but also the following benefits: ▲ issuance of a certificate of completion (for at least 80% attendance), ▲ priority access to Youth Foundation programs (such as mentoring) and community participation benefits, ▲ one-on-one career consulting and counseling with a career director, and ▲ practical work experience at safe workplaces.
Meanwhile, the Youth Foundation is also promoting the Potential Growth Campus program in Gwangju Metropolitan City, Busan Metropolitan City, and Gyeonggi Province, in collaboration with local governments and regional public institutions.
Each regional campus will differentiate its program content based on the characteristics of local industries and the preferred job roles of local youth, and will actively link with community resources. Through this, participating youth are expected to settle more smoothly in their local communities and gain opportunities for economic independence. The program consists of two stages: basic skills training and job training, and one-on-one consulting and coaching may be provided as needed. Among those who successfully complete the job training, some will be selected for practical work experience based on a comprehensive assessment of their aptitude, interests, and the capabilities of the work experience providers.
For more information about the regional Potential Growth Campus programs and to apply, please visit the Youth Foundation information page or contact the relevant regional operating organizations.
Park Juhee, Secretary General of the Youth Foundation, said, "I recall that a young person who participated in last year's pilot project said that work experience gave them the confidence to overcome their fears and move forward. We will actively support more young people to discover their potential and step into society through the Potential Growth Campus."
Any youth wishing to participate in the program can find detailed information and apply through the Youth Foundation Potential Growth Campus project information website.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
