USAID Opportunity 2.0 is a youth-focused program that aims to provide better education, employability, and livelihood opportunities for out-of-school youth (OSY) in the Philippines. Launched in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd), TESDA, local governments, and private sector partners, the program builds on earlier efforts to strengthen the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and skills development pathways. By equipping OSY with life skills, technical training, and linkages to employment or entrepreneurship, Opportunity 2.0 supports inclusive economic growth and social development.
The program is rooted in U.S. government efforts to support sustainable development and youth empowerment, with legal backing from mutual agreements between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Philippine education and development agencies. Applicants can typically access the program through local DepEd ALS offices, partner TESDA centers, or USAID-supported youth development hubs. In a country where more than 3 million young people between the ages of 16 to 24 are considered out-of-school youth (OSY) because they are not currently enrolled in formal education, lack stable employment, and often haven’t completed a college degree, restarting their journey toward a better future can feel difficult — but not impossible, with the help of USAID Opportunity 2.0. This program helps Filipino OSYs get back on track, and regardless if these OSYs aim to pursue higher education, gain technical-vocational training, or simply start their own businesses, it addresses key barriers to education and employment among Filipino youth, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction and national resilience.
Program Overview
Opportunity 2.0 is a PHP 1.9 billion (USD $37.5 million) program that started in 2020 and will run through 2025. The goal is simple yet powerful: to improve the education, employment, and livelihood opportunities for out-of-school youth in the Philippines.
Opportunity 2.0 supports young Filipinos aged 15–24 in 15 selected cities, offering second-chance education, job-readiness training, entrepreneurship development, and linkages with employers and local institutions.
What Does the Program Offer?
The Opportunity 2.0 program provides various pathways for development depending on a young person’s goals. Whether you want to continue your education, get job-ready skills, or start your own business, there’s support available.
1. Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Higher Education
USAID works with the Department of Education (DepEd) to offer second-chance education through the Alternative Learning System (ALS). ALS offers flexible classes for students who want to complete their basic education. Enrollments are accepted daily at ALS centers.
If you want to go to college after ALS, Opportunity 2.0 offers college readiness courses and partnerships with higher education institutions (HEIs) to help make that transition smoother.
2. TESDA Training for Jobs
Opportunity 2.0 connects OSYs with job-ready training through TESDA and other technical-vocational institutions. These trainings are matched to real workforce needs, giving young people the tools to find employment quickly after completing the course.
3. Support for Starting a Business
If entrepreneurship is your goal, Opportunity 2.0 can help you get started. Through collaboration with TESDA, DTI, private sector partners, and accredited institutions, the program provides business development training and startup support for OSYs who want to launch or grow small businesses.
Grants for Local Partners
Opportunity 2.0 also provides grants to youth-serving organizations, higher education institutions, and training service providers. These grants help local partners create or expand programs that better meet the needs of OSYs in their communities.
Since 2020, USAID has awarded 88 grants worth up to PHP 118 million to 68 different institutions. This support helps strengthen local capacity to guide OSYs toward productive futures.
What Kind of Support Will You Receive?
Once accepted, OSYs will benefit from:
- Free training and educational sessions
- Work immersion opportunities with private companies
- Access to career counseling
- Guidance for college applications or TESDA certifications
- Entrepreneurship training and business planning
- Community support through Youth Development Alliances (YDAs)
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to Filipino out-of-school youth who meet the following criteria:
- Aged 15 to 24 years old
- Not currently enrolled in school
- Have not finished a bachelor’s degree
- Residing in one of the 15 USAID partner cities:
- Angeles City
- Valenzuela City
- Quezon City
- Pasig City
- Legazpi City
- Cebu City
- Iloilo City
- Tagbilaran City
- Davao City
- General Santos City
- Cotabato City
- Cagayan De Oro City
- Iligan City
- Isabela City
- Zamboanga City
Required Documents
Some of the documents you at least need to prepare include:
- Birth certificate or valid ID
- Barangay clearance or certificate of residency
- Form 137 or school records (if available)
- 1×1 or 2×2 photo
- Application form (to be provided by the program office)
Note: Depending on the city and the program applying for, you may be asked to provide additional documentary requirements.
How to Apply for Opportunity 2.0
To apply, you will need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you are qualified for the program before anything else. To qualify, you will need to satisfy the eligibility criteria listed above.
Step 2: Reach Out
You can visit or contact your nearest ALS center, TESDA training institution, or local government youth office in your city. They will connect you with local Opportunity 2.0 program officers or partner organizations.
Step 3: Prepare the Requirements
While specific requirements may vary by city or training partner, you will need to at least have the general documents listed above.
Step 4: Attend Orientation and Screening
Applicants may be asked to attend a short orientation to understand the available training, education, or business programs. Screening interviews may also be part of the process to assess your goals and match you with the right pathway.
Research, Tools, and Resources from Opportunity 2.0
Opportunity 2.0 has also developed numerous resources, including:
- Modules for second-chance education
- Job market assessments for emerging sectors like green and blue economy
- Tracer studies to track ALS outcomes
- HERO Guide – a tool that helps youth prepare for higher education or training
- Youth leader summits and learning sessions
These tools are freely accessible to organizations, teachers, and policy makers who want to improve their youth development strategies.
Program Progress and Impact (As of 2025)
USAID Opportunity 2.0 has:
- Reached over 180,000 out-of-school youth with education and skills training
- Supported 74,000 youth to improve employment or pursue higher education
- Trained more than 2,000 teachers and instructors
- Built partnerships with 2,200 employers and institutions
These results highlight how large-scale collaboration between government, business, and education sectors can help youth thrive.
Video: USAID Opportunity 2.0 Pathways Orientation for the Youth
The USAID Opportunity 2.0 Program is more than just training and education—it’s a second shot at success for thousands of Filipino out-of-school youth. With pathways to higher learning, decent jobs, and small business support, this initiative helps young Filipinos move forward with confidence. If you’re an OSY or know someone who is, don’t miss this chance, watch this explainer video to learn more:
For additional information, updates, and application details, you may also reach out to local offices in your area or try the following suggestions:
- Visit your nearest TESDA, DepEd ALS, or local government office
- Follow USAID Philippines, DepEd, or TESDA social media accounts
- Watch out for city-specific announcements and enrollment drives
You may also reach out via USAID Philippines’ official website or follow social media announcements from DepEd, TESDA, or local government units for updates on enrollment opportunities.