Accelerating Work Achievement and Readiness for Employment (AWARE3) Progress Report July 2021 to September 2021

Morgan Foundation, Education Development Center (EDC), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project aims to prepare Indonesian youth for full engagement in the emerging digital economy by strengthening local education systems and private sector engagement. The project focuses on building local government capacity in 25 Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) in Jakarta to establish and grow partnerships between schools and the private sector. Proposed AWARE3 components include an evidence-based soft skills training program and associated training package for teachers, virtual work-based learning, and youth work-based learning opportunities in five high-demand industries identified by the Jakarta Education Agency (JEA). During the fourth quarter of the project, EDC accomplished several important steps to ensure effective implementation of the project in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The team completed remaining Cohort 1 activities, including all virtual internships and finalizing student portfolios. EDC also carried out a student engagement assessment that captured students' perceptions of the virtual learning experience through AWARE3. The project has made significant progress in improving SMK and private sector capacity to cooperate and align training to industry standards. The team has also advanced strategic planning discussions with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (MOECRT). The AWARE3 model has been socialized to relevant government agencies, and awareness of the model has increased among key stakeholders and partners. EDC has also worked to revise and adapt the WRN modules for Cohort 2 classes. The team has finalized the list of SMKs to participate in Cohort 2, obtained a list of proposed classes from SMKs, and confirmed school facilitators, coaches, and school coordinators to participate in the training process. However, the implementation of Cohort 2 has been delayed due to EDC's non-registered status, which requires completion of a JEA/EDC Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to initiate the implementation process. The project has also identified potential opportunities for further expanding the AWARE3 model, including involving private SMKs in Jakarta and geographical expansion to selected Centers of Excellence in East Java. JEA has requested EDC support to help SMKs in Jakarta develop strategic planning efforts on soft skills training implementation.