Product Overview
The inspiring story of a pioneering program that is redefining urban young adults as economic assets, not deficits
During Gerald Chertavians many years as a Big Brother, the former technology entrepreneur realized that our nations Opportunity Divide strands millions of young, disadvantaged, yet motivated workers at the bottom of the job ladder. In 2000, Chertavian dedicated his life to closing that divide and Year Up was born.
Year Up is an intensive program that offers low income young adults training, mentorship, internships, and ultimately real jobsoften with Fortune 500 companies. 85 percent of program graduates are employed or in full-time college within four months of graduation. Today, Year Up serves more than 1,300 students in nine cities across the nation.
Following a Year Up class from admissions through graduation, A Year Up lets students sharein their own wordsthe challenges, failures, and personal successes theyve experienced during their program year. This deeply moving and inspirational story also explains Chertavians philosophy and the programs genesis, offering a road map for real change in our country and a beacon for young adults who want the opportunity to enter the economic mainstream.
