Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud (IDJ) has opened doors to opportunity for Puerto Rico’s youth.
Puerto Rico is facing a generational crisis, with 58% of children living below the poverty threshold and many families struggling to achieve economic stability. Amid these challenges, the Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud stands as a beacon of hope, driven by a clear mission: to ensure every child and youth in Puerto Rico has access to opportunities that enable them to reach their full potential. Through evidence-based advocacy, strategic collaborations, and innovative policies, the IDJ is working tirelessly to dismantle systemic barriers and create pathways to prosperity for families across the island.The Fight Against Poverty
The Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud is unique in Puerto Rico, serving as the sole 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to using research and public policy to improve the financial stability of families with children. With their flagship initiative, A Road to Good Jobs, the institute outlines a bold plan to address the root causes of child poverty. By proposing a partnership between government, private sectors, and the people, the IDJ emphasizes the transformative power of good jobs to uplift families.
“A good job is the foundation for economic mobility,” the IDJ asserts, noting its role in providing resources for education, savings, and community growth.
However, systemic obstacles—such as limited childcare access, low wages, and unpredictable schedules—hamper families’ progress. According to the IDJ’s publication, 2022 Socioeconomic Survey of Families with Children in Puerto Rico, these barriers disproportionately impact women, who often head low-income households.
By addressing these issues, the IDJ believes Puerto Rico can achieve a brighter economic future. Their data-driven approach underscores that “what we propose is feasible, and the data confirms it.”
A Multi-Pronged Approach
The IDJ’s comprehensive agenda includes 15 policy recommendations designed to break cycles of poverty and foster economic mobility. Key initiatives include:
- Expanding early childhood education and after-school programs.
- Strengthening workforce training and post-secondary education programs.
- Promoting family-friendly workplace policies, including predictable scheduling.
- Enhancing tax credits and social assistance programs to ensure economic security.
The organization also emphasizes literacy instruction from kindergarten through third grade as a crucial component of long-term socioeconomic mobility. “Without early literacy, academic deficiencies worsen, and the likelihood of high school graduation decreases,” the IDJ warns.
Measuring Progress
The IDJ’s Puerto Rico Child and Youth Well-Being Index serves as a vital tool to track progress. This index evaluates 27 indicators across five dimensions: family, education, health, and safety—highlighting critical areas in need of improvement. For example, 72% of families report after-school care as a barrier to employment, and 75% struggle with access to childcare. These data points not only reveal the urgent challenges families face but also validate the IDJ’s proposed solutions.
Looking Ahead: Take Part in the Journey to Progress
The work of the Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud offers a clear roadmap to reducing child poverty and securing a prosperous future for Puerto Rico. Their efforts remind us that economic growth begins with investing in families and empowering children to thrive.
Now is the time to act. Join the IDJ in their mission to create a Puerto Rico where no child lives in poverty. Support their initiatives by donating, advocating, or partnering to drive meaningful change. Turn possibility into progress.
Visit NuestraAgendaPR.org to learn more and act.
“If we do it right, Puerto Rico’s economic future will be bright.”-Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud
Join the movement to reduce child poverty and strengthen Puerto Rico’s future. Visit the Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud at NuestraAgendaPR.org to explore their impactful initiatives. Follow them on social media for updates and success stories and make a difference by donating today. Your support fuels meaningful change for families and children across Puerto Rico.
CONTACT
Instituto del Desarrollo de la Juventud
Telephone: 787-728-3939
Email: info@juventudpr.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IDJ.PR
Website: https://www.juventudpr.org/