At our downtown Boston site, trainees first participate in a 21-week, hands-on training phase where they gain technical, business, and interpersonal skills aligned with in-demand, middle-skill roles (those that require some training but not a four-year degree). Through close relationships with employers, we ensure curricula is aligned with industry demand. During their time at Year Up United, students receive an educational stipend, and we offer opportunities to acquire industry-recognized credentials, certifications, and college credits to support them in their career advancement. They also gain skills and competencies to enable their success in the workplace, such as business communication, time management, public speaking, digital literacy and engagement, networking, and more.

In the second half of the program, students apply their skills by participating in a work-based experience with one of more than 30 corporate partners in the Greater Boston area such as JPMorgan Chase and Income Research + Management for the Financial Operations track and Boston Medical Center, Mass General Brigham, and Harvard University for the Information Technology track. During their work placements, students apply the skills and knowledge acquired during their training and gain experience in a corporate environment. For the majority of the week, participants engage in a blend of remote and in-person days with their employer and participate in a virtual Year Up United class one afternoon. In these professional development workshops, we provide targeted coursework to ensure students’ success at their internships and to build career readiness, such as job search guidance, resume reviews, mock interviews, college fairs, and more. For our corporate partners, the work-based experience is beneficial as it provides them access to a diverse pool of candidates that are not always reached through traditional recruitment channels. By the end of their work placements, many students convert their role into a full-time job opportunity at their companies, and all earn marketable experience that bolsters their resumes, builds their networks, and increases their access to living-wage jobs.

Throughout the program, we provide wraparound support services to ensure students’ success and progression despite external challenges they may be facing. We recognize that many students are presented with responsibilities and barriers that could impede their participation and interfere with securing employment. In response, we provide resources to balance personal demands and the rigors of the program. This includes but is not limited to: a Student Services team of on-site social workers, available financial assistance as needs arise, mental health supports and referrals, and a network of community-based organizations and providers.

Our support continues post-graduation, with a dedicated Employment Placement team that assists with job searching and placement. All graduates will join the National Alumni Association, a community of more than 27,200 alumni nationally, and 4,200 locally in YUGB, who provide lifelong access to career and academic advising, networking, employment assistance, and more. We also offer ongoing support for alumni through YUPRO (Year Up United Professional Placement, PBC), our employment placement agency. By providing a comprehensive suite of supports both during and after our programs, Year Up United ensures graduates find meaningful employment with living wages and career growth pathways.

Application Link: https://www.yearup.org/get-started