Las Claras Graduate Program: Promoting Autonomy and Employability for Young Mothers

Voces Vitales, Panama

Voces Vitales’ Las Claras Graduate and Employability Program launched this cycle with strong momentum, supporting 51 adolescent mothers who graduated from the Las Claras Center as they work toward entering the workforce. Through self-assessments, mental health screenings, and motivation surveys, the team identified the main barriers they face—especially the burden of unpaid domestic and caregiving work.

These actions strengthened participants’ confidence and sense of belonging within the network. Over 70% actively participated in workshops on motivation, life skills, and self-management, while 63 one-on-one sessions provided personalized support to update résumés, practice interviews, and set clear professional goals.

The program also facilitated job interviews and company visits, with transportation support, taking concrete steps toward participants’ integration into the formal labor market. Thanks to this push, 12 participants are now employed.

In addition, meetings with supervisors at partner companies and individualized follow-up ensured that employed participants can adapt, stay, and grow in their roles.

Participants report feeling more confident, motivated, and autonomous—showing early progress in reducing gender gaps and building real pathways toward economic independence.