Last updated on September 26, 2019
Have you heard about the Year Up program located at El Centro College? Or maybe you have heard about it but aren’t sure what it is all about? Well, we have the information you need if you are interested in joining the Year Up program.
What Is Year Up?
Year Up is a one-year program that provides training to young adults between the ages of 18-24. It provides hands-on skills development, college credit and internship opportunities that will help you reach your dreams through education and professional careers. Year Up enables you to move from minimum wage to a career in one year. Sounds pretty neat, right? Keep reading!
How Does Year Up Work?
If you’re accepted into the program, you will select one of two tracks: technology or business. These tracks are designed to prepare you for an internship and the corporate world. You will begin the first six months taking classes at El Centro College where you will learn and develop technical and professional skills in the classroom. Be sure to soak in everything you learn because you will then have the opportunity to use those skills during a six-month internship at one of Year Up’s corporate partners. This may sound overwhelming and a lot to take in but don’t worry, throughout this process and even after graduation, you will have ongoing support from staff advisors, mentors and tutors.
What Are My Options For Internship?
Year Up is always networking and adding new partners. It will depend on when you finish your classroom work and what is available for internship. Some of the business internship opportunities include:
- Bank of America
- AT&T
- JP Morgan Chase & Co.
- New York Life
Who Can Apply?
You can apply for Year Up if you meet the following requirements:
- You are between 18-24 years old.
- A high school graduate or have your GED.
- Have not received a bachelor’s degree.
- Must be available Monday-Friday to complete the one-year program.
What Are Students Saying About Year Up?
What does it take to succeed in the Year Up program?
Johnathan Thai: “To succeed within the Year Up program, you need a lot of grit and time management skills. Grit— in the sense that you need to be able to stay on top of your classes as the program gets a little bit rigorous and you need to make sure that you are fully committed. Time management to be able to organize your time and prioritize what classes you really need to focus on.”
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be in Year Up?
Justina Perez: “For students to give Year Up a try and see for themselves. To gain experience and see if that’s what they want, for most, Year Up is a program that students will want to try out. Be sure to ask questions and talk to your mentor so that you utilize all of the resources available to you.”
What Are Some Skills That I Will Learn in Year Up?
In Year Up, you will learn a variety of skills from technical to communication skills. Some of the skills you will learn include:
- Data analytics
- System administration and support
- Fund Accounting
- Web development
- Time management
- Career networking
- Introduction to business
How Do I Get Started?
You can get started in Year Up by completing these four steps! Classes start in January and August and applications are considered on a rolling basis until the class is filled.
Step One:
If you are ready to get started, fill out an interest form online or at our office.
Step Two:
Be sure to attend an information session. This gives you the opportunity to tour the site, ask questions and connect with current students.
Step Three:
If you have attended an information session, then be sure to fill out an application.
Step Four:
Finally, if you are approved, the Year Up staff will invite you to come in for an interview. Be sure to arrive on time and dress to impress. If you are accepted into the program, you will receive a phone call or email.
Still have questions…
If you have any questions about the admissions process, please don’t hesitate to contact an admissions representative at 469-754-3421.