In Puget Sound, there are 15,000 young adults on the wrong side of the Opportunity Divide, simply because of the zip code in which they were born. Our mission is to close this Opportunity Divide with an intensive one-year program that provides high school graduates and GED recipients between the ages of 18-24 with hands-on skill development, corporate internship opportunities, and college credits. Our graduates are on a clear path to pursue post-secondary education and economic self-sufficiency.
Millions of young adults in this country are facing social and economic injustice. Despite talent and motivation, they lack access to higher education and careers that provide them with a living wage. At the same time, our economy needs help. U.S. businesses are calling for more and better-trained talent to compete on the global stage, but there will not be enough skilled workers to meet that demand. These are troubling realities, but they represent a tremendous national opportunity.
Providing under served young adults with the skills, knowledge and experience today's businesses demand ensures those young adults will begin successful careers and earn a living wage. In return, employers gain access to a wider pipeline of well-trained talent than ever before -the talent they need to compete across the globe. This is not charity, nor a handout. This is good sense. Economic justice for young adults equals economic prosperity for U.S. businesses, and the nation at large.
Year Up's program works. Year Up graduates have access to higher quality jobs and earn up to 30% more than other young adults. * 100% placement of qualified Year Up students into internships * 95% of Year Up interns meet or exceed their internship manager's expectations * 84% of graduates are employed or attending college full-time within four months of completing the program. * Employed Year Up graduates earn an average of $15 per hour - the equivalent of $30,000 per year
