Youth Empowerment Program

Activities and Programs 

Civic Engagement Programs for Children

The Gerhart Center Civic Engagement Camps offer intensive, focused, and short-term learning experiences for children aged 6 to 12. Designed to promote a sense of social responsibility, these camps encourage young participants to understand the importance of civic engagement and the impact they can make in their communities. Through interactive activities, hands-on projects, and collaborative learning, children will explore topics such as leadership, community service, and responsible citizenship. These camps align with the Center’s mission to foster knowledge, promote civic leadership, and build capacity for effective social responsibility, preparing the next generation to become thoughtful, active citizens.
 

Engaged Generation Bootcamp

The Engaged Generation Summer Bootcamp, launched in 2019 as part of the "Summer at AUC Program," is a transformative two-week experience aimed at equipping AUC students with the knowledge and skills to promote civic engagement and social responsibility. Through a combination of community-based initiatives, experiential learning workshops, and group activities, students are prepared to mentor and share their knowledge with children aged 6-12. This approach empowers students to actively influence their communities while fostering a sense of giving and responsibility in the younger generation. The bootcamp expands students' academic knowledge, enhances their social and cultural understanding, and builds leadership skills to drive positive societal change. By blending intellectual development with hands-on experiences, the program supports the Gerhart Center’s mission to cultivate responsible business practices, civic leadership, and capacity building, helping students become proactive, socially-conscious leaders committed to making a difference in their communities and beyond. Watch here
 

University-based Civic Engagement Programs

Our University-based Civic Engagement Programs are dedicated to developing the next generation of civic leaders, fostering community-engaged learning environments across the Arab region. By partnering with universities on the AUC campus, as well as Egyptian public and private institutions, and broader Arab higher education networks, we aim to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to drive social change. These programs strengthen the Center’s role as a hub for civic leadership, collaboration, and social responsibility, creating opportunities for students to engage with real-world issues and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
 

Civic Engagement Programs for Fresh Graduates

Our Civic Engagement Programs for Fresh Graduates are designed to help recent graduates’ transition into active, responsible citizens and leaders. These programs offer practical training and real-world experience in areas such as community development, advocacy, and social entrepreneurship. By engaging with local communities and tackling pressing societal issues, participants gain valuable skills in leadership, problem-solving, and civic responsibility. The program encourages fresh graduates to apply their academic knowledge to meaningful projects, empowering them to drive social change and make a positive impact in their communities. Whether through hands-on projects, mentorship, or networking opportunities, this program helps new graduates become active contributors to the public good.

Civic Engagement Programs for Middle-Aged 

Social Entrepreneurship/ Employability Programs

Our Social Entrepreneurship & Employability Programs aim to foster the growth of creative and social enterprises that address both local and global challenges while contributing to inclusive economic growth. By promoting the social enterprise movement and supporting the creative economy, we create opportunities for capacity building, incubation, and scaling of creative ventures. This program connects aspiring social entrepreneurs with valuable resources, mentorship, and a vibrant community, empowering them to turn innovative ideas into impactful solutions for a healthier, more sustainable world. 

Key Areas of Impact:

1. Empowering Underprivileged Youth:
   • Our core mission is to support underprivileged youth by providing them with the knowledge, skills, and resources to launch income-generating projects that meet community needs. This approach creates sustainable economic opportunities and fosters long-term, positive change.
2. Bottom-Up Approach:
   • What sets us apart at the Gerhart Center (GC) is our bottom-up approach. We begin by conducting thorough community needs assessments, ensuring that our interventions are relevant, effective, and aligned with local priorities. By engaging communities in identifying their own challenges and co-creating solutions, we ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of each project.
3. Alumni Engagement:
   • Our unique strength lies in our alumni network. We develop customized curricula and invest in training our program alumni, who then mentor and support new participants. This fosters leadership and builds a cycle of growth where experienced entrepreneurs guide the next generation of social innovators.
4. Comprehensive Mentorship & Support:
   • Throughout the program, youth receive mentorship, hands-on guidance, and funding to bring their ideas to life. Additionally, participants benefit from networking opportunities with peers, experts, partners, and potential donors. This comprehensive support system is designed to ensure the successful growth and scaling of social enterprises.
5. Successful Projects and Expanding Impact:
   • We are proud to implement projects in communities beyond Cairo, such as Dakahlia and Ras Gharib. In Dakahlia, for example, we launched an incubation center that empowers women to start sewing businesses, directly addressing local needs and creating economic opportunities for women. In Ras Gharib, we trained over 121 participants, leading to the successful establishment of 10 new startups.
   • We are also conducting a Training of Trainers (ToT) program for our alumni, enabling them to train more youth to start their own projects. Additionally, we are now offering social entrepreneurship training for children, planting the seeds for future leaders in the field.

Through these initiatives, we create lasting, meaningful change by equipping communities with the tools and support needed to thrive and address their unique challenges through innovative social enterprises.