Year Up – National Capital Region
partner Highlights
Year Up – National Capital Region provides young adults with full-time training in technical and professional skills culminating in six-month customized internships with corporate and government partners in the Region.
DATES & AMOUNT OF partner
2009 – 2014 | $4,500,000
partner OPPORTUNITY
Young adults with a high school diploma or GED who are neither employed nor enrolled in higher education are nearly 15% of all 18- to 24-year-olds nationally, which is illustrative of an ever-deepening national opportunity divide. This is Year Up’s target population.
This successful direct service program in the National Capital Region has the credibility to influence policies and practices, including government and corporate hiring practices, and increase the site’s impact on thousands of young adults.
Since its founding, Year Up – National Capital Region has been committed to scaling the program to achieve measurable impact in the Region. Its specific aspirations were to:
- Serve 240 more students per year
- Influence federal, state, and local governments on young adult education and employment
- Create a partnership model with community colleges to forge a pathway for low-income youth to enter college
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
VPP has helped Year Up strengthen its model, reach and influence in the region and nationwide. With VPP’s financial and strategic support, Year Up made and expanded important inroads with key local stakeholders, including the federal government. It is also developing strategies to expand, all while strengthening its current and graduated participants.
Human Capital: Northern Virginia Community College President and VPP board member Dr. Robert Templin helped Year Up develop strategies to integrate into community college systems nationwide, boosting its scale at a significant cost savings.
Capitalization/Revenue: Secured a $157,000 grant from the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board and the U.S. Department of Education to subsidize 50% of the transportation costs for program participants.
Policy Influence: Shaped the national agenda by providing the Obama Administration with strategies for improving outcomes for youth who are neither enrolled in school nor have jobs. Student leadership, alumni and national business leaders have hosted annual meetings with key policymakers on Capitol Hill to discuss investing in the nation’s workforce. Year Up also holds critical leadership influence in national coalitions such as Opportunity Nation and America Forward.
Innovative Partnership: Developed relationships within the General Services Administration to eventually provide job opportunities for students at five federal agencies.
SEE MORE HIGHLIGHTS IN THE CASE STUDY
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