Amazing students, awesome co-Workers, but lacks diversity in senior leadership - Outreach Specialist Year Up United Employee Review

3.0
Jan 6, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

This is the most interesting and strangest places I've ever worked at. The students will inspire you to work harder, because they are eager to achieve their life goals. Some of the brightest, hard-working, and intelligent young adults I've had the pleasure of serving. Built strong lasting relationships with students and alums. The CEO is a man of true conviction, and integrity.

Cons

Year Up has the potential to be one of the most life-changing organizations for young adults in America. However, during my two years there; eight men of color left or got fired from the company. Not to mention, other employees who jumped ship due to low-pay, office politics, and "color-blind" racism. This isn't a good look when the students can easily point-out how staff don't hold themselves to the same standards that they hold the students too. In addition, personally dealing with being accused of sexism, and "color blind" prejudice it made it a challenging place. The students realized that their true allies were leaving the organization en masse. It appears that this organization had no problem with letting people of color build up the organization, but made it less diverse once it had been truly established.

Explore other reviews about Year Up United

5.0
May 31, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Flexibility, team culture, colleague dedication, meaningful work

Cons

Sudden benefit elimination (professional development funds, sabbatical, student loan support, etc.), sudden change in hybrid-work policy,

1
5.0
Jan 21, 2017
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

- Competitive compensation - Excellent organizational leadership, passion, and culture - Programs really make a difference in the students' lives

Cons

Any new site comes with some growing pains and so we are still figuring some things out as we go. Could use a little more direction or "best practices" from other sites or leadership. But again, these things come with any new sites!

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