Just yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the annual Year Up Graduation for the class of 2018. It was so inspiring to see these young people kick off their careers. Just to think that one year ago they had no skills, and no hope of landing decent paying job in the technology field. Most come from very poor backgrounds with little or no exposure to corporate America. Many of these graduates have since landed jobs at prominent companies such as Ebay, and Facebook, Wells Fargo, Symantec and many many others.
I was fortunate to have had the privilege to mentoring Glenn De Luna, one of many 2018 YearUp graduates who has been at interning at Ebay for the past 6 months. Before graduation day he was offered a contract position at Ebay which could lead to a permanent position. Previously he worked minimum wage jobs in fast foods and retail. Now he works at Ebay as a Data Analyst earning a lot more money than he could have hoped for.
Of of the student speakers was a refugee from Somalia. The you lady told her story of how she escaped the war in Somalia, after her mother died while giving birth. She and her father found safety in America. Initially they moved for homeless shelter to homeless shelter. However, successfully escaping death in a war torn Somalia kept her optimistic. After all what could be more challenging than escaping death. Most of the audience had tears in their eyes as her declared "I am not a victim, I am a success". She is now employed at a major corporation in Silicon Valley thanks to the guidance, coaching and training she received at YearUp.
I have seen hundreds of young people who previously had no access to the job market graduate from the YearUp program with gainful employment. They have overcome obstacles such as discrimination, extreme poverty, and broken homes, and having had no access to corporate America. Some have even
lost their closest love ones. Yet they push on and have become an inspiration to others. They succeed, moving on to gainful employment. They give back to their families, their communities, and their friends. They have crossed the digital divide. So can you!
Don't talk about it. Be about it!!
If you or someone you know needs an opportunity. Point them to the YearUp https://www.yearup.org for more information.
Keep it moving Steemians!
Peace!!
Kevin