Original Source Date: October 1, 2022
Impact Highlights
| Annual ROI | Time Horizon | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 15.0% | 10.0 years | 1 - Very Strong |
| Activities | Outcomes | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Opportunity, Schools | College graduation, Educational attainment rate, Income, Labor Force, Unemployment |
| Geography | Demographics |
|---|---|
| United States | Age 20-24 |
Article Details
In today’s economy, a college degree is often seen as the ticket to career success. But for many economically disadvantaged young adults, traditional academic paths aren’t accessible or aligned with the fast-paced needs of employers. Enter Year Up—a workforce development program that’s rewriting the rules by combining job training, corporate internships, and career coaching to help underserved youth secure well-paying careers.
What Is the Year Up Program?
Year Up is a one-year intensive program targeting young adults aged 18–24 who have a high school diploma or GED but are disconnected from stable education and employment pathways. The program combines six months of classroom training in IT, finance, business operations, or software development with six months of hands-on corporate internships. Support services, stipends, and professional mentorship are key elements of the design.
The model is simple but powerful: close the “opportunity divide” by preparing young adults for careers that offer upward mobility, while meeting the talent needs of major employers like JPMorgan Chase, Facebook, and Bank of America.
Proven Results from Independent Evaluations
A randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted by MDRC and the Economic Mobility Corporation found that Year Up:
Increased annual earnings by 30–40% compared to a control group
Generated $7,000 to $8,000 more in income per year for participants after the program
Delivered these benefits within two years of completion
ROI Calculation: A Smart Economic Investment
The program costs approximately $28,000 per participant, including training, stipends, and placement support. With an average net gain of $7,000/year in post-program income, participants begin to recoup the investment in just 4 years.
Using a 10-year horizon and assuming consistent earnings gains:
Total benefit = $7,000 × 10 = $70,000
Cost = $28,000
ROI = ($70,000 / $28,000 – 1) / 10 = 15% annualized ROI
This conservative estimate excludes additional societal returns such as reduced reliance on public assistance, increased tax contributions, and improved family stability.
Why It Matters
Year Up fills a critical gap in the workforce system: providing intensive training and a direct onramp to meaningful employment for young adults who are often left behind. Participants not only gain technical skills, but also develop soft skills, professionalism, and confidence that support long-term career growth.
Key Drivers of Impact
Strong employer partnerships (250+ corporate partners)
Focus on in-demand sectors like IT and finance
Wraparound supports: mentors, social workers, and stipends
Real-world internships, often leading to full-time offers
Program Snapshot
Demographics Served: Economically disadvantaged young adults (18–24), primarily BIPOC, with a high school diploma/GED but no four-year degree.
Geographies Focused: Operates in over 30 cities nationwide, including Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Atlanta.
Type of Activity: Workforce training, career placement, and professional development
Statistical Indicators to Track:
Employment rate post-program
Annual income change
Internship-to-employment conversion rate
Program completion rates
Long-term earnings trajectory vs. control group
With compelling evidence and high economic returns, Year Up is one of the most effective youth workforce programs in the U.S. It’s not just job training—it’s a launchpad for long-term success.
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