Youth Development Educator

Ready to help the next generation become confident leaders? Costa Rican schools and communities are looking for you! Young people in Costa Rica represent nearly one-third of the population, making them one of the country’s greatest assets for the future. More than a third of children under the age of 12 live below the poverty line though, and girls ages 12–19 face disproportionate responsibilities at home than boys the same age.

This limits their opportunities for healthy development and place additional pressure on schools that are navigating issues, such as violence, drugs, mental health concerns, and resource deficiencies. Recognizing education’s critical role in national development, the Ministry of Public Education is interested in strengthening life skills education, encouraging youth leadership, and expanding prevention-focused programs.

As a Youth Development Educator, you will collaborate with school staff to equip youth with essential life skills. Working alongside teachers and counselors, you will create opportunities for youth to become positive community leaders through service, recreation, arts, and cultural activities. Over time, this work strengthens families, schools, and community networks, contributing to safer, more supportive environments and advancing Costa Rica’s development goals.