The Uzbekistan Youth Work Readiness and Entrepreneurship Activity aims to equip youth in grades 8–11 with necessary skills for entering the workforce or starting their own businesses over a five-year period from 2021 to 2026. With almost 40% of Uzbekistan's population under 18 and a high youth unemployment rate of 17.5%, the program focuses on improving school-based economics and entrepreneurship education, along with after-school programs that enhance soft skills and work readiness. The initiative seeks to bridge the gap between education and market needs by reforming curricula to emphasize practical, experience-based learning, and by engaging the private sector in education processes. It also targets female youth, addressing their unique challenges, such as family support and mobility constraints, to encourage their participation in entrepreneurship. Additionally, the project aligns with the Government of Uzbekistan and USAID's objectives to support youth development through improved education quality and institutional capacity. Through these multifaceted strategies, the Activity intends to foster economic self-reliance among Uzbek youth, supporting a transition to a more diversified economy, while also promoting gender equality in entrepreneurship.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)/Uzbekistan issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the "Youth Work Readiness and Entrepreneurship Activity." This five-year initiative aims to enhance the employability of Uzbek youth in grades 8-11 by improving work-readiness, soft skills, and entrepreneurial competencies through curriculum enhancement and innovative teaching in schools and afterschool programs. Key objectives include the improvement of school-based economics and entrepreneurship programs, afterschool skill development programs, and a supportive environment for youth engagement. USAID seeks feedback on best development practices, potential additional objectives that could align with Uzbekistan's Ministry of Public Education, and private sector contributions to youth development. The RFI also requests insights on successful activities from other organizations and strategies for integrating marginalized youth into workforce initiatives. Responses should be submitted electronically, limited to four pages, without constituting a formal proposal. The document emphasizes that participating in this RFI does not obligate USAID to issue a funding opportunity or solicitation. The purpose of gathering this information is primarily for planning and design purposes, maintaining confidentiality throughout the process.