Non-Profit Seeks To Lead Disconnected Adults Into IT Careers
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A national non-profit focused on closing the opportunity divide has set up a branch in Chicago.
WBBM Newsradio's Keith Johnson has more on the organization called, Year Up.
The non-profit was founded in Boston in 2000. Its Chicago branch on West Jackson Boulevard, is less than two years old.
Shawn Bowen, who works at the national level, says the firm is interested in "a young person's ambition and aspirations," getting disconnected young adults into the mainstream economy.
"Our outreach and missions efforts are focused on identifying young adults, ages 18 to 24, who have a high school diploma or a GED, and who are motivated to pursue a career pathway -- in Chicago, we're focused on IT – in a career in IT," Bowen said.
Year Up has a long association with technology giant Microsoft, and has been chosen to participate in Microsoft's Youth Spark Investment. The new initiative is intended to create opportunities for more than 75 million young people across the U.S. and Canada over the next three years.
For more information, check out YearUp.org.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio's Keith Johnson reports
