The Walk for Opportunity and
the Year Up Movement
On Thursday, May 13, 2010, Year Up held its first annual Walk for Opportunity across all six of its sites: Atlanta, Boston, National Capital Region, New York, Providence, and San Francisco Bay Area. Thousands across the country walked to raise awareness of the Opportunity Divide, and the ability of young adults, social sector organizations, businesses, higher education and government to work together to galvanize the US economic recovery by tapping into the talent of America's motivated, talented, urban young adults.
The Walk for Opportunity is a historic step in Year Up’s journey for social and economic justice, a journey rooted in an unwillingness to accept the Opportunity Divide and an unshakable belief that to galvanize the US economic recovery by tapping into the talent of America's motivated, talented, urban young adults.
We are honored to have you join us on that journey.
Year Up—A Decade of Success
Year Up, a non-profit organization now operating in six cities across the country, has been helping young adults support US economic success for a decade. The organization’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.
A one-year intensive training and education program, Year Up provides both high school graduates and GED recipients, ages 18-24, with a combination of hands-on skill development and corporate internship opportunities. The model is working. Over 130 corporate partners in six cities have helped 2,726 students bridge the Opportunity Divide. 87% of graduates are placed within full- or part-time jobs within four months of graduation, and earn an average wage of $15 per hour.
The Opportunity Divide and
the Future of America
According to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the United States is facing a possible shortage of 14 million workers with 21st century skills 10 years from now. At the same time, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, there are 4.4 million young adults in the United States who are “disconnected” – neither in school nor working. 15% of 18-24 year olds in this country face an Opportunity Divide, a gulf borne of lack of access to resources and support that prevents talented young adults from making the most of their potential. New approaches, connecting social entrepreneurs, the private sector and government can ensure disconnected youth have the support they need to fuel the United States’ future.