Boston

In Boston, public and private partner to empower underserved young adults to reach their full potential and to succeed in college and career through meaningful work-based learning opportunities.

ACHIEVING TOMORROW IN BOSTON

The Boston job market is full of promise and opportunity. Year Up, a one-year workforce development program, partners with employers to close the opportunity divide by connecting underserved youth with the work-based learning experiences that exist in their own community, and by helping equip them with the skills and real-world experience they need to succeed in today’s economy.

Opening Doors to Opportunity

Work-based academic and experiential learning opportunities offered through Year Up Greater Boston have given people like Noah the opportunity to earn an average starting salary of $38,000 a year, nearly double the minimum wage salary in Boston. Noah not only found a great employer in BNY Mellon, but gained access to a clear path and purpose for his career and further education.

Within four months of completion of the Year Up program, 90 percent of graduates are employed or enrolled at postsecondary education institutions.

Diversifying Boston’s Workforce Pipeline

Year Up Greater Boston is an organization helping provide students with a hand up, not a hand out.

Companies report that having a diverse set of people with a diverse set of skills allows them to do better work while also leveling the playing field. By providing underserved young adults with the skills and experiences necessary to excel in today’s economy, the city of Boston and companies like Wayfair are working to close the opportunity gap and diversify their talent pipeline.

Making Career Goals a Reality

A core tenet of the Year Up program is “lift while you climb.” As you move up in the world, bring everyone else up with you.

Jasmine, a graduate of Year Up, is now working there to support other students as they participate in the program to help them recognize their potential, feel valued and appreciated, and ultimately succeed.

In college, I was on my own and I had to create my own path. Whereas Year Up had that path provided and I just had to walk along it. I had no idea why I went to college, I just thought I had to do it. After Year Up and getting a job, going back to school I know exactly what my end game is going to be. I know what class I want to take, I know what degree I want to try to obtain, as opposed to just kind of having everything at my disposal, but not knowing where to go.

Noah Jaynes, Year Up Alumni, Reconciliation Specialist at BNY Mellon

More Voices

Andrea J. Campbell

Boston City Council President

Year Up and the students that come from these communities and accomplish things through Year Up demonstrate that their wins and accomplishing their dreams isn't just for them, it's for our community.

Bob Dame

Executive Director, Year Up Boston

The college degree isn't necessarily the right test of whether somebody can come in and be successful. It's really the skills that they bring, with the attitude that they bring.

Jasmine Walthall

Year Up Alumni, Internships Service Specialist at Year Up

That’s one of the great things about Year Up, it allows you to be who you want to be.

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