Year Up

Year Up. Year Up is a national nonprofit organization founded in Boston with the mission of closing the Opportunity Divide by providing young adults with the skills, experience, and support needed to begin professional careers. The organization operates on a powerful model that combines hands-on technical and professional skills training with corporate internships. Its work is focused on empowering young adults from historically underserved communities, connecting them to careers in high-growth fields such as IT, Financial services, and Salesforce administration.

History

Year Up was founded in 2000 by Gerald Chertavian, a former financial sector professional whose volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America inspired him to address systemic inequities in career access. The first class of 22 students launched in Boston in 2001, operating in partnership with local businesses. The organization's early growth was supported by foundational grants from entities like the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation and the Robin Hood Foundation. A significant expansion phase began in the mid-2000s, with new sites opening in cities including New York City, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. This growth was catalyzed by a major investment from the Social Innovation Fund and recognition such as the prestigious MacArthur Foundation's Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. Year Up has since scaled its reach through both direct sites and innovative partnerships with community colleges across the United States.

Program model

The core Year Up program is an intensive, one-year model for young adults aged 18-26, typically requiring a high school diploma or GED. The first six months consist of rigorous classroom-based training, where students earn college credits and develop skills in tracks like IT support, Project management, and Data analytics. This training phase emphasizes both hard technical competencies and essential Soft skills such as professional communication and workplace etiquette. The second six months are dedicated to a full-time, credit-bearing internship at one of Year Up's hundreds of corporate partners, which include leading firms like JPMorgan Chase, Salesforce, and American Express. Throughout the year, students receive a stipend, extensive coaching from program managers, and access to a robust support network including Mental health services and alumni mentorship.

Impact and outcomes

Independent evaluations have consistently shown strong outcomes for Year Up participants. A randomized controlled trial conducted by MDRC found that participants' average annual earnings were 53% higher than the control group in the years following the program. Key impact metrics include high rates of internship completion, with approximately 90% of interns meeting or exceeding partner expectations, and a majority of graduates securing full-time employment or enrolling in further education within four months of completion. Many graduates secure roles at partner companies such as Bank of America and Google, while others continue their education at institutions like the University of Phoenix or local state university systems. The organization's work has also been highlighted in studies by the Economic Mobility Corporation and the Brookings Institution for its effectiveness in promoting upward Economic mobility.

Partnerships and funding

Year Up’s model is fundamentally reliant on deep partnerships with the corporate, philanthropic, and educational sectors. Its national corporate partners span the Fortune 500 and include technology giants like Microsoft and LinkedIn, financial institutions like Wells Fargo, and professional services firms like Deloitte. These partners provide internships, hire graduates, and contribute significant financial support. Philanthropic funding has come from a wide array of sources including the Ballmer Group, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and the Citi Foundation. Educational alliances are also critical, with the Year Up Professional Training Corps program embedded within campuses of the City University of New York and the Los Angeles Community College District, allowing students to simultaneously pursue an Associate degree.

Recognition and awards

Year Up and its founder have received numerous accolades for innovation and social impact. The organization was named one of the nation's top nonprofits by The NonProfit Times and has been featured on the Monitor Institute's list of pioneering social enterprises. Gerald Chertavian was recognized as an Ashoka Fellow for his social entrepreneurship. Year Up has also received awards from Fast Company for its innovative business model and from the Committee for Economic Development for its contributions to workforce development. Its effective practices have been presented before the United States Congress and cited by the World Economic Forum as a leading example of a skills-based hiring initiative.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Boston Category:Workforce development organizations in the United States Category:Educational organizations established in 2000