EmpowerME, in collaboration with the Starbucks Foundation and Alshaya Group, launched a $6 million initiative last year to empower 250,000 young people across nine countries in MENA and Türkiye. Since its launch, the program has equipped over 86,000 youth with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship—fueling a dynamic regional movement committed to unlocking potential and fostering inclusive economic growth.
The program combines immersive learning and mentorship with locally led trainings by youth ambassadors—meeting young people where they are, whether in schools, community centers, or Starbucks stores. Implementation is led by INJAZ Al Arab/JA MENA in Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and by Habitat Association in Türkiye, Jordan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan.
EmpowerME’s integrated model blends hands-on programs, scalable webinars, ambassador networks, and psychosocial support—creating inclusive pathways to opportunity across the region.
“By opening our stores as learning spaces and connecting youth to mentors who believe in their potential, we’re seeing practical skills turn into confidence and real pathways to work,” said Mohammad Mahmoud Al Najjar, Senior Vice President of Starbucks at Alshaya Group. “We’re grateful to our partners at INJAZ Al Arab/JAMENA and Habitat Association, and to our Starbucks partners who volunteered their time and expertise.”
Looking ahead, INJAZ will expand EmpowerME into Morocco, Bahrain, and Qatar — growing its footprint from five to eight markets — and enhance hybrid delivery and mentor matching so volunteers align even more closely with student needs. Habitat will scale the ambassador‑led network in Jordan toward a 3,500+ youth target by year‑end, complete all 12 psychosocial support workshops, and continue store‑based learning in Türkiye and Jordan to keep access high during school breaks. Together, the partners will deepen inclusion and strengthen green and digital skills, keeping EmpowerME on track to equip 250,000 youth with future‑ready capabilities over three years.
