Talent is Universal.

Opportunity Should Be, Too.

We are a global initiative dedicated to unlocking the potential of bright, underserved youth by providing pathways to higher education and meaningful careers.

Students engaged in classroom coaching
Laptop presentation to young scholar
Empower Young student scholar
Our Vision:

A world where every young person has the chance to achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. We believe that talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.

Our Mission:

To empower underserved youth with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to break the cycle of poverty and become leaders in their communities.

Our Global and Local Commitment:

Empower Young Foundation Inc. is a global organization built upon the proven and successful model of the Swadha Foundation in India. In addition to scaling this impactful model for worldwide initiatives, we are proud to partner with and support Swadha's incredible work on the ground. As a key partner, we act as a vital channel for resources and funding to expand their reach and deepen their impact, ensuring that more young people in India have the chance to build a brighter future.

Who We Are: A Global Movement for Youth Empowerment

Selection committee interviewing scholarship applicants

Our Story

Empower Young Foundation Inc. was born from a simple, powerful idea: that a single opportunity can change a life, a family, and a community for generations. We saw the incredible success of the Swadha Foundation in India, which has been transforming the lives of rural youth since its inception. Inspired by their impactful model, we decided to take this proven approach to the global stage.

Mentor providing guidance to female scholar and guardian

Our Philosophy

We believe in the power of education to break the cycle of poverty. We focus on identifying high-potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the drive and determination to succeed but lack the resources. By providing them with comprehensive support, from financial aid to mentorship, we empower them to not only complete their education but also to become leaders and changemakers.

Empower Young cohort of scholars and mentors

Our Team

We are a diverse team of passionate individuals from around the world, united by a common belief in the power of youth. Our team includes experienced educators, business leaders, and social entrepreneurs, all dedicated to creating a more equitable world.

Our Three-Pillar Approach to Empowerment

Our holistic approach, modeled after the successful work of the Swadha Foundation, is designed to nurture talent and unlock opportunities for the next generation of leaders. It is built on three key pillars:

ASCEND: From Potential to Pursuit

We identify promising young individuals from marginalized communities through a rigorous and unbiased selection process. We then provide them with the financial and academic support necessary to access higher education, removing the barriers that stand in their way and helping them ascend to new heights.

ACCELERATE: From Education to Expertise

We go beyond traditional education by offering personalized mentorship from industry professionals, skill-building workshops, and leadership development programs. This helps our scholars accelerate their personal and professional growth, preparing them for the demands of the global workforce.

ACHIEVE: From Graduation to Gainful Employment

We connect our graduates with meaningful employment opportunities, empowering them to achieve financial independence and become catalysts for change within their own families and communities. We measure our success by the success of those we serve.

Creating a Legacy of Change, One Life at a Time

Scholars participating in interactive workshop

The Ripple Effect of Empowerment

Our impact extends far beyond the individual. When one young person is empowered through education, the positive effects ripple outwards, transforming families, communities, and future generations. The graduates of our programs often become the highest earners in their families, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and creating a virtuous cycle of empowerment.

Economic Transformation

Graduates secure meaningful corporate and entrepreneurial opportunities, multiplying household income and breaking generational economic hardship.

Breaking a Generational Cycle

We have helped hundreds of first-generation learners from rural and underserved communities pursue higher education, breaking the cycle of intergenerational illiteracy and poverty.

Empowering Young Women

We are proud that many of our female scholars have become the primary breadwinners in their families, challenging traditional gender roles and inspiring other young women in their communities.

Anand Bhagwat, President

Anand Bhagwat

Managing Director at a premier financial institution • President of Empower Young Foundation

With decades of leadership experience in the financial sector, Anand has applied his expertise to strengthen community initiatives and advance opportunities for those in need. He has been actively involved with numerous charitable organizations, focusing on empowering underprivileged girls, mentoring youth, and volunteering his time for diverse causes. His commitment to service and integrity drives Empower Young Foundation's mission, ensuring that every program is designed to unlock the potential of bright, underserved youth.

“

I find the Swadha mentoring experience a very profitable one for me. The students have taught me how to be full of hope and resilient in the face of extreme adversity. Every time our students succeed, it’s a triumph for hope and a never say die attitude.

Monica Chaudhari

CEO Adir, Greater Philadelphia • Swadha Mentor (3+ years)

Join Us in Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

You have the power to change a life. Your support can provide a young person with the opportunity to pursue their dreams and create a better future for themselves and their community.

Sponsor a Scholar

Your donation can provide a promising young student with the financial support they need to attend college for an entire year.

Sponsor a Scholar

Mentor a Young Leader

Share your knowledge and professional experience by becoming a dedicated mentor. Your guidance will shape their personal and professional journey.

Apply as Mentor

Partner with Us

We welcome partnerships with corporations, foundations, and institutions that share our vision of a more equitable and educated world.

Partner With Us

Volunteer Your Time

We are always looking for passionate individuals to join our team of volunteers. Whether you can help with fundraising, event planning, or administrative tasks, your time and talent are invaluable to our mission.