Crocs joins forces with UNICEF to launch global youth skills initiative STEP UP TO GREATNESS

The program aims to reach more than 3 million young people worldwide through skills training and confidence-building opportunities.

Crocs has announced STEP UP TO GREATNESS, a community impact platform designed to equip young people with skills to build confidence and access new opportunities.

The company will partner with UNICEF’s UPSHIFT program to expand its reach globally, aiming to support more than 3 million young people.

The initiative focuses on developing what Crocs calls STEP UP SKILLS — creativity, communication, innovation, collaboration, and adaptability— skills that are increasingly needed in a digital and rapidly changing economy. By leveraging partnerships, Crocs plans to provide training, raise awareness, and create pathways for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Deanna Bratter, chief sustainability officer at Crocs, says the program aligns with the company’s mission to positively impact communities. “I am incredibly proud to introduce STEP UP TO GREATNESS and support young people with the STEP UP SKILLS they need for the future like creativity, communication, innovation, collaboration and adaptability, all of which are also fundamental to Crocs, Inc.,” Bratter says.

“We believe in partnering with organizations with impactful missions such as UNICEF's UPSHIFT initiative and are thrilled to help them equip young people to develop meaningful solutions for themselves and their communities to thrive. By leveraging our partnerships and activating our brands where they add the most value, we can increase our impact and make a real difference for the next generation.”

UNICEF partnership to scale global impact

UNICEF’s UPSHIFT program, a social innovation accelerator, supports adolescents and young adults aged 10 to 24 by fostering problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and community action. Over the past decade, UPSHIFT has engaged 5.2 million young people across 56 countries, delivering 145 million hours of learning and skill development.

Thomas Davin, global director at UNICEF’s Office of Innovation, says the partnership will expand access to critical training. “Over the last decade, UPSHIFT's 5.2 million graduates have collectively completed 145 million learning hours across 56 countries, gaining professional and transferable skills to take charge of their today and tomorrow as problem-solving global citizens,” Davin says. “Partnering with Crocs, Inc. will help scale this impact around the world in a collective commitment based on a shared purpose to unlock the potential of youth.”