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Student FAQs
Application process
Year Up has a rolling admissions process. We encourage you to apply early because spaces can fill up quickly. We begin a new cohort every six months, so if you don't make it into the current class, we encourage you to apply for the next. Visit the location page for the location nearest you to view class start dates.
The first step is to attend an info session, so that you can learn more about the program. You can sign up online and attend either in-person or online. Next, you'll complete the application (which we'll send you), attend an interview, and complete an academic assessment. If you're applying to one of our college-based locations, you will need to apply to the college and complete the FAFSA. Don't worry. If that sounds intimidating, our admissions team can help. They will provide more details as you progress.
To reapply to Year Up, contact your local Year Up Admissions Office. Reapplication varies by campus.
If you know of any friends or family members that would benefit from the Year Up experience, you can either visit or send the young adult to the referral page and fill out the referral form. A Year Up staff member will then follow up with them shortly!
Benefits
Although Year Up does not guarantee a full-time job after graduation, we do have a dedicated team that is committed to helping you get a job after graduation. With that support, 90% of our graduates are employed or pursuing postsecondary education within 4-months of graduation.
100% of qualified students are placed in internships. To be qualified, you must be in good standing and demonstrate career readiness. We set very clear expectations and coach you every step of the way to ensure you always know where you stand.
Salaries vary, but a recent study found that our participants earn 53% more, on average, than their peers who don’t join Year Up. Our recruitment teams can share the average hourly wage in your region. Of course, salary isn’t a guarantee. It’s up to you to secure a job upon graduation.
Come to an information session and meet real students and staff who can talk to you about how Year Up enables career change. Or research us online - check out our social media channels, our features in top newspapers and publications, or take a look at our research and evaluation page. The federal government has funded studies to ensure we're delivering on our promise to help young adults like you start life-changing careers. And if all else fails, maybe Barack Obama will convince you.
When you graduate Year Up, you join a network of 18,000+ Alumni. The Alumni Relations Team, YUPRO, and National Alumni Board are committed to developing resources and networking opportunities for alumni across the country. We provide resources such as access to a no-cost Associate's Degree program, career coaching, and access to an alumni assistance program available 24/7. Learn more on the alumni website.
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Corporate Partner FAQs
Jump to: Student FAQs Volunteer and Donor FAQs
Year Up is more than a workforce development organization, it's a strategic partner that provides leading companies with a competitive advantage. One key differentiator is our professional skills training. Professional success often depends upon soft skills that are difficult to teach and often ignored. Year Up has honed its soft skills training to deliver confident, accountable, professional young adults who exceed corporate expectations. The Opportunity Talent we work with bring diversity of thought, perspective, and experience to companies, which in turn, fuels innovation. Finally, we work closely with companies to ensure our training will meet their hiring needs. These unique elements come together to create a new kind of professional training program, and our outcomes prove it.
You can partner with us by hosting Year Up interns or hiring Year Up graduates. Together, we implement our successful internship program, so that your company can gain access to a pipeline of entry-level talent who you can train and work with before deciding whether to extend an offer. You may also hire a Year Up graduate for your immediate recruitment needs.
Our curriculum is driven by market demand and corporate partner hiring needs. We routinely evaluate and enhance our training solutions to ensure we're training in areas where we have seen the most market demand and that our program is equipping young adults with the skills necessary for entry and succession across a variety of in-demand career pathways. Year Up is a collaborative talent acquisition partner. As we engage further with your organization and develop a deeper understanding of your entry to mid-level talent needs, we will continue to rigorously evaluate our training offerings, leverage your feedback, and partner with you to ensure we're meeting your short and long-term hiring needs and helping you plan for growth.
Corporate partners make a financial investment in Year Up, on a per intern basis, commensurate with entry-level talent costs. There is no fee associated if your company decides to hire your interns at the conclusion of their internships. Contact us for more information.
Yes, YUPRO (Year Up Professional Resources) is a talent placement and professional development organization that exclusively places Year Up alumni with a range of job experience. YUPRO assesses their experience and strengths, and uses professional coaching to ensure their success. Their metrics far surpass the industry average, with 95% customer satisfaction, and with 70% of our contractors receiving extensions or conversions to permanent employees. Learn more here.
No, there is no minimum number of interns required, but corporate partners interested in starting with a pilot program have found great success when hosting 3-5 interns to start.
On average, 45% of interns are converted-to-hire by their internship host company directly following internship. This does not include Year Up alumni who are hired by a partner company for which they did not intern. 90% of our graduates are employed and/or enrolled in postsecondary education within four months of completing the program.
Yes, Year Up engages with several MSPs across a variety of partners. We are happy to review our process for engaging with MSPs and discuss how to effectively engage with your company and any MSP that is currently in place.
New cohorts of interns start throughout the year, with exact dates varying by location. For more information on the location(s) nearest to you, visit our locations page or contact us.
Donor and Volunteer FAQs
Jump to: Student FAQs Corporate Partner FAQs
Please contact Investor Relations at donate@yearup.org or call 857-702-0204, and they will connect you to the local representative in your market.
Yes, whether hosted by Year Up or by your organization, Year Up welcomes opportunities to work with corporate and other large groups of volunteers. Mock interviews, resume reviews, elevator pitch competitions, and networking opportunities are typical opportunities for groups, and we can collaborate with your organization on an opportunity that serves your group and our young adults. Email volunteer@yearup.org to get involved.
If you would like to include Year Up in your will or trust, you can use FreeWill’s secure, online tool to create your legal will and legacy gift for free. If you would prefer to work with an attorney, you can also save on legal costs by using FreeWill to document your wishes first. If you have further questions about planning a gift in your estate plan, please contact our Investor Relations team at (857) 702-0204 or donate@yearup.org. We are happy to assist with any of your planning needs.
Yes, our mentorship program is designed for busy professionals. We ask mentors to communicate with their mentees weekly and meet in-person once per month. But it is OK to meet virtually as well. (Note: Our mentorship program is currently paused due to the pandemic.)
Many employers will match charitable gifts made by their employees. We suggest contacting your employer’s HR department to see if they match gifts and acquire the required information/paperwork.
If you are looking to volunteer locally, Year Up offers volunteer opportunities across a range of commitment levels. As a mentor or tutor, you can work one-on-one with a student or intern on a weekly, ongoing basis (Note: Our mentorship program is currently paused due to the pandemic). We also offer one-off opportunities to be a guest speaker or to help our students hone their professional skills through events such as mock interviews, resume reviews, networking receptions, and more. Email volunteer@yearup.org to learn more.
We look for exemplary professionals with inspirational or informative stories, who can speak to a range of professional development topics and experiences. You can email volunteer@yearup.org to express interest.
When making a donation at www.yearup.org/donate simply select, "Donate Monthly."
Yes, please contact Investor Relations at donate@yearup.org or call 857-702-0204.
Year Up has a rolling admissions process. We encourage you to apply early because spaces can fill up quickly. We begin a new cohort every six months, so if you don't make it into the current class, we encourage you to apply for the next. Visit the location page for the location nearest you to view class start dates.
The first step is to attend an info session, so that you can learn more about the program. You can sign up online and attend either in-person or online. Next, you'll complete the application (which we'll send you), attend an interview, and complete an academic assessment. If you're applying to one of our college-based locations, you will need to apply to the college and complete the FAFSA. Don't worry. If that sounds intimidating, our admissions team can help. They will provide more details as you progress.
To reapply to Year Up, contact your local Year Up Admissions Office. Reapplication varies by campus.
If you know of any friends or family members that would benefit from the Year Up experience, you can either visit or send the young adult to the referral page and fill out the referral form. A Year Up staff member will then follow up with them shortly!
Although Year Up does not guarantee a full-time job after graduation, we do have a dedicated team that is committed to helping you get a job after graduation. With that support, 90% of our graduates are employed or pursuing postsecondary education within 4-months of graduation.
100% of qualified students are placed in internships. To be qualified, you must be in good standing and demonstrate career readiness. We set very clear expectations and coach you every step of the way to ensure you always know where you stand.
Salaries vary, but a recent study found that our participants earn 53% more, on average, than their peers who don’t join Year Up. Our recruitment teams can share the average hourly wage in your region. Of course, salary isn’t a guarantee. It’s up to you to secure a job upon graduation.
Come to an information session and meet real students and staff who can talk to you about how Year Up enables career change. Or research us online - check out our social media channels, our features in top newspapers and publications, or take a look at our research and evaluation page. The federal government has funded studies to ensure we're delivering on our promise to help young adults like you start life-changing careers. And if all else fails, maybe Barack Obama will convince you.
When you graduate Year Up, you join a network of 18,000+ Alumni. The Alumni Relations Team, YUPRO, and National Alumni Board are committed to developing resources and networking opportunities for alumni across the country. We provide resources such as access to a no-cost Associate's Degree program, career coaching, and access to an alumni assistance program available 24/7. Learn more on the alumni website.
Yes, in most cases you are still eligible for Year Up if you have a college degree from an international university. However, all students must have U.S. work authorization and be within commuting distance of a Year Up location. Because international college degrees often don't provide the same advantage as U.S. college degrees, we will evaluate your application on a case-by-case basis.
Year Up offers either college credits or college credit recommendations, depending on the campus. If you enroll at a Year Up location housed at a college, you will receive college credit directly through the college. If you enroll at a stand-alone Year Up campus, you’ll receive credit recommendations recognized at over 2000 higher education institutions nationwide.
At many of our locations, you will be dually enrolled with our college partner, receiving up to 31 college credits from your college and Year Up courses. At Year Up locations that are not based at a college partner, you will be eligible for college credit recommendations that are recognized at over 2000 higher education institutions nationwide. While you can take additional classes, we don't recommend it. Past students have found it difficult to balance.
Year Up is offered at no cost to you. As a non-profit we're not in this to make money. We're in it for you. In fact we offer you an educational stipend to help offset your basic expenses. In locations where we partner with colleges, you will still be responsible for college tuition and fees, but we work with you to receive grants and funding that can cover college costs.
Yes, many students work part time jobs during evenings or weekends while attending Year Up. It can be challenging to balance, but it's possible. While the stipend won't replace a full-time job, it will help offset some of your basic expenses. If you are worried about your income, our student services staff has experience discussing part time jobs for students and can help you develop a plan that will enable your success at Year Up and ensure you can cover your expenses.
Yes, you will receive regular stipend payments during the year-long program, and the stipend increases during your internship. The stipend won't replace a full-time job, but it can help offset some of your basic expenses.
The stipend varies by campus and increases during the internship phase of the program. It is generally distributed every two weeks, via either check or direct deposit.
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Although we do not have a rides to work program, our Student Services team works with students who may need financial support for transportation.
Year Up is proud to offer a safe space to all. We embrace diversity of all kinds and actively work to support diversity in the classroom and the workforce. If you require accommodation (for example, based on religion or ability), we will work to support you in whatever way we can.
Our internship partners require some kind of work authorization, which is why it is a Year Up requirement. If you're a U.S. citizen, you can automatically work in the U.S. If you're not a U.S. citizen, we welcome various forms of work authorization, including DACA status. We strongly support DACA and have dedicated resources if you have DACA status.
Minimum age limit: Year Up's internship requirements for students require you to be 18 years old before the first day of your internship. This is because there are different employment laws for adults and children. You may apply and enroll in the program at age 17, as long as your 18th birthday occurs prior to the start of internship. Maximum age limit: For a limited time, we have extended our age range from 24 to 26. You must not be over the age of 26 when you are accepted into the program. You may turn 27 over the course of the year-long program, as long as you are no older than 26 at the time of acceptance.
IMPORTANT: For a limited time, we are opening Year Up applications to students who have received a bachelor's degree. Yes, many of our students have some college but no degree. As long as you do not have a bachelor's degree, you qualify for Year Up and may find that it's a great opportunity to improve upon your college education.
We accept international students with either international or U.S. high school diplomas or GEDs. However, all students must have U.S. work authorization and be within commuting distance of a Year Up location.
IMPORTANT: For a limited time, we have extended our age range to serve older participants. Please see your specific location for age requirements in your city. We typically work with 18-24 year olds because that age range provides a pivotal time to support young adults through successful transitions from school into the economic mainstream, and toward long-term success. Our partners also require interns to be 18 or older. Investment in this age group has been limited. With few viable alternatives to the traditional college-to-career pathway, we're proving that young adults can succeed via a more direct path to a career. Through our partner, Grads of Life you can search for other workforce training providers in your area.
We require a basic academic assessment to see where you're starting. If we know where you are, we can better support you. We expect you to try your best, but it also isn't something you should worry about. It's ok if you didn't get "good" grades in high school. There are many types of assessment in education. With this assessment, we just want to understand your needs better.
Yes, you may apply to Year Up while still in high school or GED classes as long as you will receive your diploma or GED before Year Up orientation.
Yes, we review financial aid on a case-by-case basis. Be sure to bring this up with a member of our admissions team, and they can advise.
Misdeamenor or juvenile records have no impact on your application to Year Up, but do need to be disclosed to the companies where students are placed for their internship. We work closely, in partnership with our corporate partners, to support young adults with a criminal record as best we can.
Year Up does not practice pregnancy discrimination. Pregnancy will not factor into any adverse decision. For more information, contact Charmaine Peart-HoSang (cpeart@yearup.org)
While Year Up has shifted to a hybrid program model, you must be able to regularly attend in-person days. Find the Year Up location nearest you.
Please note: while we have shifted to a hybrid program model, combining in-person and virtual learning opportunities for students, to be eligible for Year Up you must be within commuting distance to the physical location you are applying for the duration of the program.
Year Up is a one-year commitment, Monday - Friday. Hours vary slightly based on location, but roughly mirror traditional business hours. Attend an info session to learn the exact hours at the location nearest you.
Yes, many of our students have children or family members they support. Our Student Services team can provide resources and help you plan for your family support needs so that you can be successful at Year Up.
Year Up does not provide housing, but our Student Services team can provide resources, connect you to housing opportunities, and help you find a solution, on a case-by-case basis. We work with other community organizations when needed, to ensure this isn't a barrier to your success.
Yes, Year Up upholds a business attire dress code, which we define in detail during orientation. If you don't have professional clothing, don't worry. We can recommend sources for affordable professional clothing and we have clothing closets with high quality, donated professional clothing available at no cost to you.
Year Up sets high expectations for attendance. We expect you to arrive on time, each day, with the exception of pre-determined holidays. We know things come up, so we offer a small number of personal days for those times. Late arrivals or additional absence beyond those allowed will have an impact on your performance in program, which we discuss, in detail, during orientation, so that you know exactly what to expect.
Our training offerings, career tracks, and internships vary by locations, and may change each cycle, depending on the needs of our corporate partners. Visit the location page of the location nearest you, to see what options are available for the current recruitment cycle.
You’ll share your top specialty choices when you apply. Everyone learns the same basic skills to start. Then, based on your interest, the observations of your instructors and advisors, and available internship opportunities, we’ll place you into a specialty that will be the best fit.Visit the location page of the location nearest you, to see what options are available for the current recruitment cycle.
No, you cannot change specialties once you have been assigned. But we work very hard to ensure your specialty will be the right fit for you.
Year Up is more than a workforce development organization, it's a strategic partner that provides leading companies with a competitive advantage. One key differentiator is our professional skills training. Professional success often depends upon soft skills that are difficult to teach and often ignored. Year Up has honed its soft skills training to deliver confident, accountable, professional young adults who exceed corporate expectations. The Opportunity Talent we work with bring diversity of thought, perspective, and experience to companies, which in turn, fuels innovation. Finally, we work closely with companies to ensure our training will meet their hiring needs. These unique elements come together to create a new kind of professional training program, and our outcomes prove it.
You can partner with us by hosting Year Up interns or hiring Year Up graduates. Together, we implement our successful internship program, so that your company can gain access to a pipeline of entry-level talent who you can train and work with before deciding whether to extend an offer. You may also hire a Year Up graduate for your immediate recruitment needs.
Our curriculum is driven by market demand and corporate partner hiring needs. We routinely evaluate and enhance our training solutions to ensure we're training in areas where we have seen the most market demand and that our program is equipping young adults with the skills necessary for entry and succession across a variety of in-demand career pathways. Year Up is a collaborative talent acquisition partner. As we engage further with your organization and develop a deeper understanding of your entry to mid-level talent needs, we will continue to rigorously evaluate our training offerings, leverage your feedback, and partner with you to ensure we're meeting your short and long-term hiring needs and helping you plan for growth.
Corporate partners make a financial investment in Year Up, on a per intern basis, commensurate with entry-level talent costs. There is no fee associated if your company decides to hire your interns at the conclusion of their internships. Contact us for more information.
Yes, YUPRO (Year Up Professional Resources) is a talent placement and professional development organization that exclusively places Year Up alumni with a range of job experience. YUPRO assesses their experience and strengths, and uses professional coaching to ensure their success. Their metrics far surpass the industry average, with 95% customer satisfaction, and with 70% of our contractors receiving extensions or conversions to permanent employees. Learn more here.
No, there is no minimum number of interns required, but corporate partners interested in starting with a pilot program have found great success when hosting 3-5 interns to start.
On average, 45% of interns are converted-to-hire by their internship host company directly following internship. This does not include Year Up alumni who are hired by a partner company for which they did not intern. 90% of our graduates are employed and/or enrolled in postsecondary education within four months of completing the program.
Yes, Year Up engages with several MSPs across a variety of partners. We are happy to review our process for engaging with MSPs and discuss how to effectively engage with your company and any MSP that is currently in place.
New cohorts of interns start throughout the year, with exact dates varying by location. For more information on the location(s) nearest to you, visit our locations page or contact us.
Year Up offers ongoing support to alumni after they complete the program. Year Up's alumni strategy prioritizes career advancement and education, and we have formed strong national strategic partnerships to offer a wide array of resources and opportunities to alumni. These include higher education, certifications, and skill building opportunities; career guidance and support through networking and professional development opportunities; financial planning and decision-making resources; and additional support services to help navigate work-life balance solutions, remote working environments, wellness, and more. Additionally, Year Up offers ongoing support to alumni who are interested in starting Affinity groups at their companies.
Please contact Investor Relations at donate@yearup.org or call 857-702-0204, and they will connect you to the local representative in your market.
Yes, whether hosted by Year Up or by your organization, Year Up welcomes opportunities to work with corporate and other large groups of volunteers. Mock interviews, resume reviews, elevator pitch competitions, and networking opportunities are typical opportunities for groups, and we can collaborate with your organization on an opportunity that serves your group and our young adults. Email volunteer@yearup.org to get involved.
If you would like to include Year Up in your will or trust, you can use FreeWill’s secure, online tool to create your legal will and legacy gift for free. If you would prefer to work with an attorney, you can also save on legal costs by using FreeWill to document your wishes first. If you have further questions about planning a gift in your estate plan, please contact our Investor Relations team at (857) 702-0204 or donate@yearup.org. We are happy to assist with any of your planning needs.
Yes, our mentorship program is designed for busy professionals. We ask mentors to communicate with their mentees weekly and meet in-person once per month. But it is OK to meet virtually as well. (Note: Our mentorship program is currently paused due to the pandemic.)
Many employers will match charitable gifts made by their employees. We suggest contacting your employer’s HR department to see if they match gifts and acquire the required information/paperwork.
If you are looking to volunteer locally, Year Up offers volunteer opportunities across a range of commitment levels. As a mentor or tutor, you can work one-on-one with a student or intern on a weekly, ongoing basis (Note: Our mentorship program is currently paused due to the pandemic). We also offer one-off opportunities to be a guest speaker or to help our students hone their professional skills through events such as mock interviews, resume reviews, networking receptions, and more. Email volunteer@yearup.org to learn more.
We look for exemplary professionals with inspirational or informative stories, who can speak to a range of professional development topics and experiences. You can email volunteer@yearup.org to express interest.
When making a donation at www.yearup.org/donate simply select, "Donate Monthly."
Yes, please contact Investor Relations at donate@yearup.org or call 857-702-0204.
To make a donation to Year Up electronically, you may complete the online donation form, If you would prefer to make a donation by mail, please send a check made out to Year Up to the following address: Year Up National Office Investor Relations 45 Milk St., 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02109 Contact donate@yearup.org or (857) 702-0204 with any questions
Yes, Year Up gratefully accepts gifts in-kind such as business professional attire and accessories, technology equipment, business or school supplies, professional services, and other items that support the Year Up program. Federal law provides that clothing and goods must be in ‘good used condition or better’ for tax deductions. All qualifying contributions to Year Up are tax-deductible, and Year Up will provide a receipt for your tax records. To inquire about making an in-kind donation or to obtain a receipt, please contact donate@yearup.org or (857) 702-0204.
Year Up is committed to respecting the privacy of its financial and in-kind donors, whether the donation is made online, by mail, or any other method. We will not sell, share or trade our donors’ names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations unless a donor has given us specific permission to do so. Credit card transactions on the Year Up website are processed by Classy. Classy uses industry-accepted encryption for the transmission of credit card information, which keeps visitor information secure, accurate, current, and complete. The transactions are governed by CLASSY’S PRIVACY POLICY. If you invest in Year Up through Classy, you will receive future communications from Year Up. You may opt-out of future mailings by selecting “unsubscribe” at the bottom of each message. Year Up may communicate with you by sending electronic quarterly newsletters or other email notices. Some of these services are provided by Marketo and are governed by MARKETO’S PRIVACY POLICY. Some of these services may also be provided by Constant Contact and are governed by CONSTANT CONTACT’S PRIVACY POLICY. Year Up will only send these messages to you if you have expressed an interest in the organization. If you received a message in error, or no longer wish to receive communications from Year Up, you may opt-out of future mailings by selecting “unsubscribe” at the bottom of each message.
Year Up is an approved charitable organization through Facebook, and receives 100% of donations made via the Facebook donation button. Individuals may create fundraisers through their personal Facebook account and raise money for Year Up. To do this, Create a Fundraiser from Year Up’s Facebook page.
Yes, Year Up accepts tribute gifts and donors may dedicate their gift to a specific individual or group. When giving through the online donation form, you may check the optional specification ‘I want to dedicate my gift’ and type in the individual, family, or group that you would like to recognize. To contact someone directly about making a tribute gift, email donate@yearup.org or call (857) 702-0204 to speak with a member of our Investor Relations Team.
Create your legal will and legacy gift at no cost, using Freewill's online will-writing service. Year Up is happy to further assist with any of your planning needs, including will or trust inclusion and eligible IRA contributions. Please contact our Investor Relations Team at donate@yearup.org or (857) 702-0204 for more information.
Giving back to Year Up is an important part of being an Alum. We encourage alumni to connect with their local sites to find volunteer opportunities such as mentoring, tutoring, being a panelist and guest speaking.