Lasting Change Starts Here
We believe talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. We're on a mission to change that.
Our Leadership
Learn more about the people leading the way in reshaping the world of work.
Driving Differentiated Impact
Year Up United was founded on a commitment to expanding access and opportunity. We envision a world where everyone has equal opportunity to achieve their full potential, and we know it will take multiple approaches and solutions to realize this vision. For nearly 25 years, we have catalyzed change in the talent and business landscape, delivering comprehensive solutions that drive material impact on lives, businesses, and communities.
Introducing Year Up United
"The journey that guided our relaunch was one of discovery and deep understanding. Discovery of the ever-evolving dynamics in the business environment and world of work; and a deep understanding of the solutions needed to cultivate the workforce of the future, and meet communities and businesses where they are to drive lasting societal change.
Through this process, we learned that we must remain steadfast in our mission. In a world that’s undergoing significant transformation driven by digital disruption and innovation, ongoing fluctuations in the economic environment, and evolving expectations of business, our mission to end the Opportunity Divide—the divide that exists between business hiring needs and untapped talent—has never been more important." - Ellen McClain
Guiding Principles
Everything we do at Year Up United is guided by and grounded in these standards.
Empathy
We strive to listen, learn, and understand those involved with and impacted by Year Up United’s mission.
Support
Our partners, students, and graduates always know they can count on us for whatever they need.
Accountability
Accountability begins with honesty, and Year Up United strives to be transparent and communicative across our teams, partners, and networks.
Diversity
Year Up United has always worked to create more inclusive workspaces, and it started with our commitment to supporting diverse talent from day one.
Ambition
Year Up United meets our motivated partners where they are by not just finding opportunity, but creating new avenues for it.
Enthusiasm
We aim to make every step of our students’ journeys a confident one, so they can feel excited for what’s to come.
Reimagining Futures
At Year Up United, we are empowering young people by connecting them to real opportunities, welcoming them into a world that values their skills over their pedigree. But we don't stop there, Year Up United students and alumni have access to differentiated support through every step of their career journeys and a community of more than 30,000 like-minded professionals who effect change across the country through their continued success.
Opportunity for Everyone
Year Up United was founded on the belief that opportunity belongs to everyone, not just a select few. This means challenging systems and changing mindsets, promoting inclusion and belonging, and ensuring access to economic opportunity for all young adults, no matter their background, income, or zip code.
Because what distinguishes one human being's potential from another is not ability, but access.
Our Impact
$53,000
Average starting salary of Year Up United graduates
47,500+
Participants served to date
80%
Graduates employed and/or enrolled in postsecondary education within 4 months of program completion
20+
Markets served across the US
92%
Alumni satisfaction rate
Our Awards Recognition
Charity Navigator has rated Year Up United a four-star charity over 15 times, placing us in the top 1% of tracked organizations.
Year Up United earned a 2024 Platinum Seal of Transparency with Candid, the highest level, which demonstrates our commitment to transparency.
Our Leadership
Ellen McClain
CEO & President, Year Up United
Ellen McClain is Chief Executive Officer and President of Year Up United, a national workforce development organization committed to ensuring equitable access to economic opportunity, education, and justice for all young adults.
Catherine Ang
National Director of Enrollment
Year Up United
Gerald Chertavian
Founder & Advisor
Year Up United
Gary Flowers
CIO, Transformation & Technology Services
Year Up United
Elisha Gilliam
Managing Director, Scalable Solutions
Year Up United
Mimi Jennings
Chief People Officer
Year Up United
Susan Murray
Chief Revenue Officer
Year Up United
Elyse Rosenblum
Principal & Founder
Grads of Life
Michelle Sims
CEO
YUPRO Placement
Ronda Harris Thompson
Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer
Year Up United
Eric Westphal
Chief Operating Officer
Year Up United
Chrystal Stokes Williams
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
Year Up United
Roberto Zeledon
Chief Marketing Officer
Year Up United
For more on our current Board of Directors and other Advisory Board Members, please view our Year Up United Leadership Lists.
Make a Difference
By supporting Year Up United, you’re helping to transform the futures of talented young adults across the country. From donations to volunteers, we’re working together to make a tangible impact on each and every young adult’s life.