On Tuesday, Year Up will announce that president Ellen McClain will take over as chief executive on Dec. 1.

Okta is investing in the future of workforce development by allocating $1.6 million to organizations like Year Up, which provides tuition-free job training to bridge the opportunity divide. Okta's CEO Todd McKinnon emphasizes the importance of giving back and training individuals for the modern tech landscape, especially in cybersecurity, a sector facing significant demand. Additionally, Okta plans to provide educational grants to individuals transitioning to cybersecurity careers, recognizing the need for skilled professionals in an industry constantly evolving to address emerging threats.

Year Up has been instrumental in transforming the lives of individuals like Johnny Perez and Stephanie Cuevas-Perez. Perez, now an assistant vice president at Citizens in Providence, credits Year Up with providing him the opportunity to transition from juggling multiple part-time jobs to a successful career in banking.

Lisa Dyas, Site Director of Year Up Pittsburgh, discusses how Year Up facilitates connections between young adults and employers like BNY Mellon. BNY Mellon's partnership with Year Up aims to open doors to corporate careers for motivated individuals without college degrees, contributing to building a more diverse workforce in Pittsburgh.

Despite recent backlash, CEOs reconsidering ESG initiatives should note that 70% acknowledge their positive financial impact. Gerald Chertavian emphasizes that ESG investments benefit both businesses and society. Companies partnering with Grads of Life, like those in the OneTen coalition, demonstrate how ESG practices drive profitability and social impact. Chertavian urges CEOs to prioritize long-term corporate practices over short-term political concerns for sustained success.

Internships are pivotal for career advancement, offering invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities for college students and recent graduates.