Empowering Youth to Tackle Real-World Challenges Using Project Management Skills
Project management is pivotal in addressing global challenges such as climate change and technological disruption, offering youth opportunities to lead with innovation and sustainability.
Written by Project Management Institute • 12 July 2024
Globally, we face numerous challenges, and together, we seek solutions. At the heart of these efforts are project management skills. The global economy will need 25 million new project managers by 2030, presenting a significant opportunity for young people.
Our job at PMI, and throughout the project management profession, is to empower these young professionals with the skills they need to thrive. Read on to discover how the PMI Educational Foundation (PMIEF) and its partner organizations are working with the young people who are rising to the challenge of creating a bright future for all.
The role of project management in STEM.
Naomi Nordeen of Pennsylvania, USA, discovered her passion for project management through F1 in Schools, a partner of the PMIEF. Operating in over 26,000 schools across 51 countries, F1 in Schools inspires and develops the next generation of innovators through a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) competition centered around designing, manufacturing, and racing miniature Formula 1 cars.
“After going to the F1 in Schools World Competition, I switched all of my applications to business and engineering, so I could be in between the teams as well as working with project management,” explains Naomi.
In Naomi’s first year of competition, her team advanced to Worlds in Singapore, but Naomi wasn’t satisfied with their performance. So, she dove into project management to enhance her skillset.
“I wanted to learn everything I can to really understand the topic,” says Naomi.
Now, Naomi is the team manager and project manager of her all-girl team, Redemption Racing. Naomi creates tasks, timelines, risk reports and keeps her team on track. She’s also responsible for budgeting.
“I do everything a project manager would do,” she explains.
Recognizing the gender gap in STEM, Naomi and fellow team members also act as mentors for younger girls interested in entering the program and even hosted a STEM Day for children to show that the field is attainable.
“I think it shows them there's so much more they can do,” says Naomi.
Outside of F1, Naomi says project management helps her manage her academic tasks.
“A lot of the project management skills I’ve learned have helped me manage my time and set me up to graduate as valedictorian of my class,” explains Naomi. “Project management helps you organize your life and teaches you how to be more effective and efficient.”
A lot of the project management skills I’ve learned have helped me manage my time and set me up to graduate as valedictorian of my class. Project management helps you organize your life and teaches you how to be more effective and efficient.
Naomi Nordeen
Pennsylvania, USA
The recent graduate also earned an internship working alongside a project manager at a local construction company where she flexes her project management skills. As she prepares to start college, Naomi will be studying interdisciplinary business with engineering studies.
“Project management skills have given me an advantage and I have a strong basis to build off of as I pursue my degree,” says Naomi.
Tackling sustainability through project management.
In Romania, another PMIEF partner, Junior Achievement (JA) Europe, provides knowledge and training to youth with an interest in sustainability, technology, and innovation. JA Europe works in 42 countries to prepare young people for success in today’s global economy.
Naming their team Milenyum Soft, Terecoasă Matei-Mihai, Tășchină Andreea-Alexandra, Trufaș Luca-Bogdan, and Vlase Dalia-Andreea, decided to focus their efforts on sustainability in the hospitality sector. The team created a scalable and secure software solution that streamlines operations, improves guest experiences, and reduces environmental impact through mobile-based room access and efficient inventory management.
“Project management skills were pivotal in organizing and directing our efforts towards effective solutions for climate change-related challenges,” explains the team.
Team members identified key project requirements and used Monday.com for task tracking. They also did budget monitoring, linking project milestones with financial forecasts, and held regular review meetings to monitor progress against the timeline and budget, adjust projections, and reallocate resources.
To manage challenges, the team employed agile methodologies, allowing them to adapt quickly and efficiently.
“These skills are transferable across various industries,” says team Milenyum Soft. “Whether one pursues a career in technology, healthcare, education, or any other field, the ability to manage projects efficiently is a valuable asset that enhances employability and career growth.”
Recently, the team attended Gen-E, the largest entrepreneurial festival in Europe, where they won the Online Award, 2024 Best Application of Project Management.
Using project management to break technological barriers.
Rajveer Singh Jolly of Cape Town, South Africa, wants to make technology accessible to everyone. He was able to make progress on his dream through participation in the African Leadership Academy, a PMIEF partner, that seeks to transform Africa by developing a powerful network of young leaders who are ready to accelerate the continent’s growth.
Rajveer founded Project Future, a social enterprise with initiatives including community outreach, seminars, and interactive lessons focused on empowering youth with the tools they need to succeed in our increasingly digital world, helping to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and everyday people.
“While we live in a time where technology surrounds us, many are left behind due to a lack of tools or understanding,” explains Rajveer. “Project Future aims to bridge the digital divide in South Africa.”
Rajveer leaned into his project management skills when organizing community workshops on topics such as utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) and demystifying cryptocurrency.
I believe the power of project management lies in its ability to organize ambitious ideas and plans. It ensures that desired outcomes are tangible, measurable, and sustainable.
Rajveer Singh Jolly
Cape Town, South Africa
“We engaged and motivated participants by setting clear goals, providing hands-on activities, and creating an interactive learning environment during the workshops,” explains Rajveer. “Project management techniques like regular feedback, milestone tracking, and adaptive planning helped maintain their interest and ensure active participation throughout the workshops.”
Like any project, coordinating these sessions brought challenges. But Rajveer says, “project management helped us address challenges by providing a structured approach to planning and coordinating with schools, ensuring effective communication, and smooth execution of the workshops.”
Rajveer’s takeaway on the power of project management: “These skills empower young people by enabling them to efficiently plan and execute initiatives that address community needs, driving positive social change and contributing to overall societal development.”
Project management skills for the next generation.
Joseph Bannerman, PMP, of Ghana, Africa, is a member of PMI’s NextGen Outreach Committee (NGOC), which inspires career long learning and development in students and aspiring project professionals through a welcoming introduction the project management community.
Each day, Joseph sees the value of project management skills firsthand. Working as Acting Deputy Director of Technical Services at the Youth Employment Agency of Ghana, Joseph helps provide young people with the skills they need to make them employable.
The two-year program, available for those 18 to 35 years old, provides participants with training, giving them the tools they need to upskill, covering apprenticeship costs, and providing a stipend. Once through the program, participants are matched with an employer. Project management skills, including power skills, are a part of the training.
“During the training they are provided with skills like communication, conflict resolution, stakeholder engagement, leadership skills, and how to take responsibility,” explains Joseph.
Project management skills are forever.
Joseph Bannerman
PMP, Member of PMI’s NextGen Outreach Committee (NGOC)
Ghana, Africa
Most importantly, having project management skills turns participants into problem solvers, which is exactly what Africa needs as project management-oriented employment in the region is expected to grow by 40%.
“Because of that they are able to serve their community,” says Joseph.
For young people interested in learning project management, Joseph encourages them to get involved, become certified, and share knowledge.
“Project management skills are forever,” says Joseph. “These skills are in every aspect of our lives. Having those skills behind you opens many doors.”