U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL)

Strengthening higher education systems for inclusive economic growth and development in the Philippines

The U.S.-Philippines Partnership for Skills, Innovation, and Lifelong Learning (UPSKILL) is a five-year (2023–2028) initiative intended to develop human capital and drive sustainable, inclusive growth by strengthening higher education institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines. Improving student access to quality, flexible lifelong learning through these HEIs can lead to well-paying employment and entrepreneurial outcomes for millions of Filipinos in the years to come.  

UPSKILL amplifies the progress achieved through the USAID-funded Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for Development (STRIDE) program, implemented by RTI from 2013–2022, through which USAID supported collaborative research between industry and academia, as well as between Philippine and U.S. universities.  

Objective of UPSKILL 

Strengthen Philippine higher education and innovation systems that supports broad-based and inclusive growth. 

UPSKILL’s Approach 

Through regional alliances involving HEIs, private sector partners, government agencies, and with support from U.S. universities, UPSKILL will accelerate job creation, innovation, and economic growth. UPSKILL will co-develop a knowledge hub to serve evolving Philippine higher education capacity needs and strengthen local partners’ abilities to implement existing and emerging policies and frameworks.  

UPSKILL Activities 

• Train HEI faculty and staff, improve curriculum, and strengthen and increase community extension activities.  
• Strengthen university workforce development programs, including by increasing industry engagement, and improve labor market information systems.  
• Enhance the capacity of HEIs for planning, policy development, and management so that HEI graduates will have the relevant qualifications and the skills necessary to be lifelong learners. 
• Co-develop an entity that will provide institutional transformation opportunities for all 2,000+ HEIs in the Philippines.