How to Join the Year Up Program: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a young adult looking to launch a career in technology, finance, or business, the Year Up program could be your path to success. Year Up is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that provides young adults with hands-on training, professional development, and corporate internships—all designed to help bridge the opportunity divide.

Here’s how you can apply and what to expect from the process.

What Is Year Up?

Year Up1 is a free, one-year career training program for adults aged 18–29. The program focuses on developing marketable skills in fields like:

  • Information Technology
  • Software Development
  • Cybersecurity
  • Business Operations
  • Financial Services

Year Up partners with major companies like JPMorgan Chase, Google, Facebook, Bank of America, and others to provide internship opportunities and potential employment after program completion.

Who Can Apply?

To join the Year Up program, you must:

  • Be between 18 and 29 years old
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, DACA recipient, or have other eligible work authorization
  • Be motivated to learn and ready to commit to a full-time program
  • Have no bachelor’s degree (you can have some college credits, though)
  • Live near a Year Up campus or partner college

How to Join Year Up

1. Visit the Official Year Up Website

Start by visiting www.yearup.org. There, you can learn more about the program, read success stories, and begin your application.

2. Complete the Online Interest Form

Click “Apply Now” and fill out a basic interest form. This lets Year Up know you’re interested and helps them guide you through the process.

3. Submit a Full Application

You’ll be asked to provide:

  • Contact information
  • Education history
  • Short written responses or a video answering why you want to join
  • Optional: resume or references

Be honest and clear about your goals and why you want to grow professionally.

4. Attend an Information Session

After your application is reviewed, you’ll be invited to a group info session. Here, you’ll learn how the program works and what’s expected of you.

5. Participate in an Interview

If you move forward, you’ll have a one-on-one interview with a Year Up staff member. They’ll assess your readiness, motivation, and fit for the program.

6. Get Matched to a Site and Track

If accepted, you’ll be matched to a training location and a career “track” based on your interests and the local job market.

What Happens After You’re Accepted?

Training Phase (First 6 Months)

You’ll spend the first half of the program in the classroom, learning both technical skills and professional behavior (like communication, punctuality, and teamwork).

Internship Phase (Second 6 Months)

In the second half, you’ll intern at a partner company, gaining real-world experience and often getting paid.

Why Join Year Up?

  • Free training in high-demand fields
  • Monthly stipend to help with expenses
  • Professional mentors and networking opportunities
  • Internship placement at top companies
  • Job or college placement assistance after graduation

Many graduates go on to earn competitive salaries and build lasting careers.

Final Tips

  • Be honest, respectful, and committed throughout the process
  • Have reliable transportation and schedule availability—Year Up is full-time
  • Keep communication lines open. Respond to emails and calls promptly
  • Ask for help—Year Up’s staff wants you to succeed!

If you’re ready to take control of your future and launch a career with real growth potential, the Year Up program is an opportunity worth pursuing. Visit www.yearup.org to start your application today.

  1. Year up united ↩︎