Ipswitch is partnering with Year Up to empower the next generation of IT leaders.
An innovative partnership
Ipswitch is committed to supporting our communities. Through a unique partnership that combines sponsorships, software donations, guest trainers, and mentors, Ipswitch and Year Up are working together to prepare more urban young adults for professional career in IT services.
Challenges facing urban youth
More than 70% of low-income, minority young adults leave high school without a path toward either a post-secondary degree or a livable-wage job, all but guaranteeing they will struggle to earn a family-supporting income in today’s economy. Without the proper guidance and opportunities, these young adults will continue to face enormous challenges in transitioning from high school to livable wage careers and higher education.
Meeting the challenges
Founded in 2000, Year Up believes that a well-designed training and support program can make an incredible difference in young people’s lives. Our 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. Our intensive one-year training and education program serves low-income high school graduates and GED recipients between the ages of 18-24 from urban neighborhoods. Year Up will serve more than 450 students in 2007 in sites in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C.
Year Up’s growth is a direct result of our students
- 100% student placement in apprenticeships
- 90+% positive apprenticeship feedback
- 83% retention of students
- 87% of students placed in professional positions
- Wages average $15 an hour
- 97% of students who apply are accepted to college
- 44% currently attending college while working
- 60+ apprenticeship partners, funding more than 45% of operating costs
An innovative approach
Year Up’s high expectation, high support program combines marketable job skills, stipends, apprenticeships, college credit, a behavior management system and several levels of support to place these young adults on a viable path to economic self-sufficiency. During the first six months, students attend classes at Year Up, learning technical skills that allow them to succeed in entry-level IT positions without a college degree. During the second six months, Year Up students gain experience in paid apprenticeships at leading companies such as State Street Corporation, Fidelity Investments and Partners HealthCare.
Year Up balances high expectations with a high level of support to build confidence and help students confront issues that could derail their achievements. Year Up provides students with staff advisors, mentors, and tutors. Each student earns an educational stipend during the program. A signed contract and feedback system guides professional behavior and ensures student accountability. Students also earn up to 18 college credits while at Year Up. During the apprenticeship and after graduation, Year Up provides support relative to job placement, career development and higher education. Graduates build a strong, professional network as members of Year Up’s Alumni Association.
Over the next few years, Year Up will create a network of sites, serving more than 550 urban young adults annually by 2008. Ultimately, Year Up’s goal is to create and implement a replication model that will allow us to effectively serve tens of thousands of urban young adults across the country.
