UNTAPPED POTENTIAL PROJECT

UNTAPPED POTENTIAL PROJECT

Untapped Potential Project (UP2) is an institutional investor and endowment/foundation based in Glencoe, South Africa, focused on designing and launching high-performing trade programs within existing private schools. The firm targets low-income students of color, aiming to bridge the gap between student skills and employer needs by creating career-focused education pathways. Its strategy involves partnering with trade unions and industry leaders to teach in-demand building, construction, and technology skills to high school students. UP2 ensures that graduates are prepared for post-secondary success and are proficient in at least one employable technical skill. The organization's approach relies on deep community engagement, mobilizing families, educators, employers, and policymakers to support vocational education. By leveraging school partnerships, UP2 provides expert-level skills training, access to trade facilities, and real-world work experiences. Graduates who meet designated performance and proficiency standards are offered apprenticeship enrollment by partnering unions. Overall, UP2 seeks to build community wealth and open high-paying careers in the skilled trades for underserved populations.