Since 2006, Year Up has been in the D.C. area, helping high school graduates and GED recipients find internships that will give them a chance to expand their skills in a real world environment.

Year Up’s mission is to “close the Opportunity Divide by providing urban young adults with the skills, experience, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through professional careers and higher education.”

The one year program serves students between the ages of 18 and 24.  During the first six months, students focus on one of two categories: “Desktop Support / IT Help Desk” or “Investment Operations.”  They also spend time working on communication, leadership and teamwork.  During the second six months, students have internships at a wide variety of organizations, ranging from media companies to consulting firms to healthcare organizations.  Students receive a stipend and are eligible to receive college credit, too.

So far, the program has been a success.  Nationwide, a majority of Year Up students receive offers of employment from the companies they intern with and they earn, on average, $15/hour.

If you’d like to get involved with Year Up, there are event and mentoring opportunities available throughout the year!  Just log on to their website: www.YearUp.org.