Digital Divide Data clears the path to sustainable livelihoods for underserved youth by giving them jobs and tools to forge their futures. In Cambodia, Kenya, and Laos, DDD has run its business process outsourcing (BPO) services with talent from communities where opportunities are scarce—an approach to social change that came to be known as “impact sourcing.” Inspired by a trip to Angkor Wat, co-founder Jeremy Hockenstein wrangled friends and peers to build an impact sourcing business that began with typists and scanners and, 25 years later, employs young people to support advanced technology for clients worldwide.

The journey for new recruits begins with assessment. In the past, just a simple typing test, now more sophisticated. Once they pass, they train in technical and soft skills like English language, communication, collaboration, and setting goals. With more skills training, youth get a shot at advancement—at becoming leaders. The draw for many is the work-study program, splitting a day shift between DDD client work and scholarship-funded study toward a degree.

Along the way, DDD has “tried a lot of stuff,” learned from its failures, and landed astounding business opportunities with a risk-taking, big-thinking, passionate stride. Whatever its moves, DDD has kept its sights on the core mission of changing lives. That stance is core to DDD’s DNA, shared by leaders and youth associates alike. “It's one opportunity that I've never taken for granted,” said Kenya alum Sheryl Apondi. “It gave me the drive.”

The social-impact mission gives doubly. First, it offers jobs and skills that lead to self-sufficiency and ripple effects for families. Second, youth and alumni start their own good things. Alumni pay it forward by mentoring others, recruiting them to DDD, launching their own social impact projects where they live. “We didn't expect the number of DDD alumni in Cambodia, Laos, and Kenya to focus on giving back this way once they achieved success in their careers,” Hockenstein said.

“I always joke with the guys that there's never a dull moment with DDD,” said board member Kay Lot. He’s seen failed ventures, COVID, and more than one comeback during his tenure. Market forces, the speed of technological change, and the nonstop search for business partnerships keep mounting. “Over the years, we keep finding ways of being agile, of being flexible and being able to navigate any situation presented to us.” Twenty-five years later, DDD is still moving forward.

From interviews with stakeholders on three continents, Solutions Insights Lab distilled key insights from DDD’s audacious journey. Patterns and surprises surfaced, revealing solutions and their limitations and bringing into focus what’s possible. The insights are connected. For example, an insight about how alumni experience career trajectories may also relate to how DDD has tweaked its business model and how its associates take up significant space in regional technology industries.