When Amanious Haile joined Year Up United in 2019, he did so with a dream of furthering his education and building a meaningful career. Settling into adulthood came with challenges; between working odd jobs to make ends meet and searching for a sense of purpose, Amanious often found himself wondering what came next. That’s when he heard about Year Up United through a close friend in Seattle, finding himself enticed by the IT pathway.
Amanious had big dreams to pursue, and he pushed himself to chase those dreams with unbridled ambition. Year Up United’s Student Services, a team dedicated to empower students through access to resources, helped him prepare for the program and assisted him with obtaining the equipment he needed to succeed. “I remember at first, I didn’t even have a laptop,” he said. “They were able to refer me to a place to buy one affordably while also being a safe space to talk about any other support I may have needed.”
During his time in the program, Amanious received crucial technical and professional training that helped him lay the groundwork for his future career. Although initially uncomfortable with the pressure of this new environment, Amanious carried with him a strong desire to overcome obstacles and learn new skills. He learned how to work through his discomfort, how to collaborate across teams, and even notes the importance of learning how to properly shake hands. “When giving a proper handshake, people can see that I’m confident and that I’m able to carry myself in this space.”
Guest speakers quickly became his favorite part of the program. “I got the chance to network and to ask questions,” Amanious recalled. These sessions provided him with the space to practice his networking skills and to gain insight on others’ careers before he jumped headfirst into a new one. Equipped with an array of new skills, Amanious was able to walk with confidence, stepping into an internship at BECU, Washington’s largest credit union, with a solid foundation to propel him forward.
During his internship at BECU, he was paired with a fellow Year Up United alum who showed him what it meant to lead with purpose. Having a mentor who had walked a similar path made a huge difference in Amanious’s career, as he credits much of his early success to this mentorship. “My mentor gave me a lot of advice on the company’s culture and taught me how to navigate the workspace. She still inspires me today.” Amanious’s internship at BECU became the catalyst for something extraordinary – launching his full-time role at the credit union as a Technical Project Manager.
Since completing the program in 2019, Amanious has earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree, milestones he proudly traces back to his Year Up United experience. He is also a first-generation PhD student, studying Business Administration with a concentration in Technology and AI Management. “I was so compelled by the program because I wanted to change my life. The skills I learned have been so valuable and have been the key to helping me land my current job. I’m able to confidently speak in meetings and can carry myself in new spaces with this confidence. I learned a lot through Year Up United.”
Now, Amanious focuses on giving back, both within his company and his community. He has found his long-awaited purpose at BECU, as he is able to help support underserved communities through thoughtfully nurtured partnerships, like the one that exists with Year Up United. He also joined the Year Up United Alumni Board for Puget Sound as a project coordinator to expand his ability to connect with community centers across the region. He continues to work to introduce young people in underserved communities to opportunities gained through Year Up United. “Being a part of this program means that you’re a part of the movement to close the Opportunity Divide,” Amanious emphasized. “Everyone deserves a chance.”
Year Up United helped Amanious find his ‘why’. The desire to pave his own path and find his purpose was the catalyst that led him to join the program, and it continues to lead him today. Initially uncomfortable in professional settings, Amanious conquered his fears and gained a multitude of skills in the process, leading him to pursue his doctorate and a meaningful career.