The workforce development nonprofit Year Up Greater Atlanta announced its partnership with Atlanta Technical College to meet market demand for skilled entry-level talent.

The first class of 40 students will begin taking Year Up classes and ATC classes in Information Technology in August 2017 dually enrolled in both programs.

Year Up is actively recruiting young adults, ages 18 to 24 with high school diplomas or GEDs, to start in the fall semester at ATC. Admissions information is available at http://www.yearup.org.

The program offers students full college credits and a six-month internship at a top local company looking for mid-level talent. Ninety percent of Year Up Greater Atlanta’s graduates are employed or attending college full-time within four months of completing the yearlong program, with average starting salaries of $36,000/year.

“We are extremely excited for the opportunity to partner with Atlanta Technical College. This strategic partnership will allow us to mutually scale our programs and reach more deserving young adults. My aspiration is to grow our YUGA program to reach 1,000 young adults annually in Atlanta. ATC’s new president, Dr. Victoria Seals, is a true advocate and champion of the Year Up program and understands the barriers that often limit so many young adults from achieving success in their lives,” said Kim Williams, Executive Director of Greater Atlanta. “Together, ATC and Year Up will provide pathways to higher education and professional careers as we empower students to transform their lives and reach their full potential.”

Dozens of companies in the area — including Cox Enterprises, General Electric, Rollins, Career Builder, Kaiser Permanente, Worldpay, and Equifax and many more— recognize Year Up graduates as a fabulous source of skilled, motivated talent for roles in Information Technology, Programming, Customer Service, Desktop Support, Web Development, Project Management, Business Analytics, Cyber Security and Sales Support.

“Atlanta Technical College has been transforming lives through workforce development for fifty years now,” said Dr. Victoria Seals, president of Atlanta Technical College. “This dynamic partnership with Year Up fits our mission and addresses the industry needs in our region. Alongside Year Up, we will provide additional support for the young adults in Metro Atlanta as they advance their educational and career pursuits. It is a win-win for everyone.”