Year Up

Year Up began with 21 weeks of technical skills training in areas such as information technology and financial operations. The program also included training in professional skills and classes in business writing and communication. Young adults could earn college credit for their coursework. Year Up participants were then placed in a six-month internship with companies in the region. Participants received a weekly stipend during both phases. Finally, participants were supported by program advisors, who helped students navigate Year Up ad with whom they met weekly for feedback; social workers, who connected them to other services; internship supervisors at their internship sites; and career mentors from outside of the program. Year Up also offered job search or college application assistance. As of 2020, Year Up continues to offer similar services to eligible participants.

Eligible Year Up applicants were low-income young adults aged 18 to 24. Year Up was evaluated in Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; New York City, NY; Providence, RI; San Francisco Bay Area, CA; and Seattle, WA; and Washington, DC. Year Up was part of the Pathways for Advancing Careers and Education study which also evaluated the following career pathways programs: Bridge to Employment in the Healthcare Industry, Carreras en Salud, Health Careers for All, Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training, Pathways to Healthcare, Patient Care Pathway Program, Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement, and Workforce Training Academy Connect.