● Year Up utilizes structured data collection tools to track intern progress and technical development. This includes weekly check-ins and formal performance evaluations where managers provide specific feedback on an intern’s growth, ensuring they are meeting the expectations of the role and the program. ● Beyond intern performance, the organization surveys employer partners to gather…
● The Career Services team at Year Up takes primary responsibility for securing and tracking professional outcomes for all graduating interns during the four-month window immediately following graduation. This team connects Year Up alumni with other organizations that offer additional support, such as the related organization Year Up Professional Resources (YUPRO). This collaboration provides individuals…
● It can take roughly 18 months to establish a relationship with a new employer. To account for organizational shifts during this window, Year Up takes a proactive approach to flexibility, initiating discussions on how the team can meet evolving needs and priorities. ● The team shows strong leadership by recognizing when a relationship needs…
● Time and internal capacity are frequent considerations for potential partners. While an organization may value the mission, it must identify the right staff members who can dedicate the necessary time to managing and developing a young person effectively. Year Up works with employers to ensure they have the internal support structure needed for a…
● To ensure all parties meet their programmatic responsibilities, employers sign a basic contract outlining their obligations once a Year Up participant is placed for an internship experience. ● Year Up’s Placement Success Managers host a dedicated orientation at the start of each engagement to establish clear expectations. Throughout the internship, these managers conduct regular…
● When evaluating suitability, Year Up examines hiring trends and open roles that align with the organization’s programming. The team also researches a company’s partners, mission, and core values to determine if there is a cultural fit and natural synergy between the two organizations. ● The organization prioritizes partners whose core values align closely with…
This content is based on interviews and/or email correspondence with Jennifer Mitchell in 2026. This content was approved by the organization in June 2026.
● Year Up maintains a regular presence at employer locations to ensure the success of both the manager and the intern. These visits include in-person check-ins, site-based meetings, and participation in partner-hosted events. By facilitating guest speaking engagements and joining site-specific intern activities, the organization provides tailored support that adapts to the unique culture and…
● The Year Up program is built on a skills-first model. Rather than focusing only on the internship itself, the organization engages with employers to see how it can meet their specific needs around talent by prioritizing technical and professional skills. ● Year Up engages with over 250 employers across a variety of areas, primarily…
● Year Up introduces employers to the broader workforce ecosystem by identifying the best-fit solutions for their specific hiring needs. For partners seeking talent beyond entry-level roles, the organization leverages a network of over 50,000 alumni and connects employers with its large network of partner organizations that provide an array of services, including placement agencies capable…
