Year Up is a nonprofit organization that provides young adults with the skills, experience, and support they need to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education. The organization's mission is to close the opportunity divide by providing young adults with the skills and support they need to succeed in the workforce.
Year Up was founded in 2000 by Gerald Chertavian, a successful business executive who was inspired to create a program that would help young adults from underserved communities access the same opportunities that he had. Since its founding, Year Up has served over 25,000 young adults across the United States, helping them to build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the workforce and in higher education.
The organization's program is designed to be rigorous and intensive, with a focus on building technical skills, professional skills, and leadership skills. Participants in the program spend six months in a classroom setting, learning skills such as computer programming, data analysis, and customer service. They also participate in a professional internship for another six months, where they can put their newly acquired skills into practice in a real-world setting.
One of the key features of the Year Up program is its focus on building a strong support system for its participants. The organization provides participants with access to a network of mentors, career advisors, and other resources to help them succeed in their studies and in their professional careers. It also provides participants with financial support, including a stipend and assistance with housing and transportation costs.
The results of the Year Up program speak for themselves. Graduates of the program have an average starting salary of $40,000 per year, and more than 85% of graduates are employed or enrolled in higher education within four months of completing the program. In addition, more than 70% of Year Up graduates are promoted within a year of starting their first job, and many go on to pursue higher education and advanced careers.
In conclusion, Year Up is a powerful organization that is making a real difference in the lives of young adults from underserved communities. By providing them with the skills and support they need to succeed in the workforce, Year Up is helping to close the opportunity divide and create a more equitable society.
