A Year Up: The Pioneering Program That Teaches Young Adults Real Skills for Real Jobs—with Real Success

Not a business book in any usual sense, Year Up founder and CEO Chertavian presents an intimate look, from inception to present, at both his unique program and its students. Year Up takes young adults from beyond the “opportunity divide” and, within a support group–like atmosphere, gives them the skills needed for real jobs. These include both technical skills and professional skills—such as how to talk, dress, and act in a business environment—as Year Up both prepares its students for and places them in jobs with notable companies like J.P. Morgan and UBS. Chertavian reveals the students’ struggles and successes via the story of one of the program’s classes, sharing their trials, struggles, and successes—starting from birth in many cases through to graduation. Among the class members are crack babies, homeless girls, and a former prisoner, all of whose stories will tug at your heart. Engaging, with a touch of humor, the book most importantly shows what dedicated people and businesses are doing to make a difference today. Agent: Flip Brophy, Sterling Lord Literistic. (July)