Year Up

[Chertavian] demonstrates that with hard work and the right supports ... young adults can overcome even the toughest of circumstances.--Geoffrey Canada president and CEO Harlem Children's Zone <p/>There are many good jobs in America--and many urban young adults eager to take them--if they can bridge the Opportunity Divide that strands many motivated workers at the bottom of the job ladder. <p/>In 2000 Gerald Chertavian a successful technology entrepreneur and banker dedicated his life and business expertise to founding Year Up an intensive one-year program that provides otherwise stranded young adults with training mentorship internships and ultimately real jobs. Following a single Year Up class from admission through graduation A Year Up lets students share - in their own words- the challenges failures and personal successes they experience during the program. It is the inspiring story of a pioneering program that is bridging the Opportunity Divide with results that can fuel our economy and revive the American ideal of equal opportunity for all.