I have experienced so many great and exciting things over the last six weeks, and this being my first blog post, it was difficult to choose one topic to write about. I have been working with the nonprofit Year Up, whose mission is to fill jobs that require higher training by utilizing an untapped source of talent- underprivileged young adults from around the area. These young adults go through six months of learning and development at Year Up’s Belltown office, where they earn Bellevue College credit and develop their professional skills, before embarking on internships at companies like Microsoft, Google, Facebook, and many others. One of my favorite parts of working at Year Up has been getting to meet the students, who are all around my age. They always have great suggestions on things to do in the city, places to visit, etc., as well as a great sense of humor and an extremely positive attitude about the program and their challenging coursework. Last Tuesday, I had the opportunity to go to a Year Up event at Microsoft, where Gerald Chertavian, Year Up’s founder, described the organization not as a “free lunch” for students, but a place where they have the chance to work hard to jumpstart the development of their careers. This is not a charity. Year Up presents disadvantaged students with opportunity, and they have a chance at success if they work hard, develop a passion for their classwork, and show a willingness to advance their careers.
Last Wednesday I saw students from Year Up Puget Sound’s 6th class graduate and walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. I could only imagine how proud they are of all they have accomplished in just one short year, and how proud their friends and family are of them. Many of the students have incredible jobs lined up for them, and are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to develop and advance in their careers. As the closing graduation speaker noted, “this is only the start, the beginning”.
Hopefully this post has given you a sense of Year Up, the work it does, and the role it plays in closing the opportunity gap that exists in this city. I have learned so much in my little time here. I hope to focus my next blog post on my role on the development team, and my personal growth while working with this valuable organization.
Barbara Blachut
Duke Student '15
Barbara Blachut
Duke Student '15