Nuestra Comunidad: Program paves the way for employment success
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At just 21 years old, Karen Mujica is in the process of becoming a first-time homeowner and has a stable job that she enjoys. Not a bad situation especially considering the near constant barrage of negativity her generation hears about their affect on the state of the economy and the workforce.
Her success is thanks in large part to Mujica’s involvement with ‘Year Up,’ a professional development and training program targeted at urban youth in various cities across the country, including Atlanta, Chicago and New York, to name a few.
Through its innovative mix of skill development, college credits and corporate partnerships, the program’s mission is to prepare participants from 18 to 24 for success in higher education and professional careers, specifically in the field of information technology. The course is free of charge and participants are even provided a stipend for food and other expenses over the course of one year.
“[Participants] are trained in everything having to do with computers: how to take a computer apart, repair it, repair operating systems,” explained Norma Márquez, career development manager for ‘Year Up.”
The program also focuses on training young people in the nuances of personal and professional development.
“They taught me how to dress well, introduce myself, good manners for eating during an important appointment, how to speak and write professionally,” said Adrián Martínez.
The 25 year- old ‘Year Up’ graduate decided to enroll in the program after witnessing first-hand the success his sister, an alumna of the course, was having. The very idea of working for a company was an exciting prospect for Martínez, whose only prior work experience was in construction and factories.
Today, the young father is employed by gasoline and convenience store chain Race Trac, working on the corporation’s operating systems.
“It’s the best paying job I’ve ever had,” said Martínez, who recently purchased a car and can now afford to rent a home.
For Mujica, who scored an internship with Kaiser Permanente that resulted in a full time job offer, this program also opened the doors to allow her to attend Atlanta Metropolitan College. There, the young woman of Mexican origin obtained a certification in computer science.
“This program helped me to have more confidence in myself, to communicate better and to find opportunities. It lifted my spirits because I didn’t believe there were opportunities out there,” she said.
Mujica plans on going back to college.
