On October 25, Year Up United hosted its first-ever network-wide graduation ceremony, uniting a supportive community of managers, colleagues, alumni, staff, family members, and friends in a single virtual event. This special occasion celebrated the accomplishments of the graduating class and highlighted Year Up United’s shared commitment to closing the opportunity gap in our society. Stanford has proudly welcomed a total of 192 Year Up United interns in the last six years, and was recognized with a Breakout Partnership Award at this ceremony for our collective efforts.
The ceremony featured inspiring speeches from Ellen McClain, CEO and President of Year Up United, along with graduates Daisy Gonzalez, Clancy Long, and Micah Boyd. Clancy Long shared his personal experience.
“Year Up United gave me what I had been missing: the structure, guidance, and support that I needed to succeed. They were there for me after my car accident, not only by telling me that I could continue, but by also showing me.”
Ellen McClain also delivered a powerful message, emphasizing the importance of accessibility to opportunities and the vital work Year Up United does to break down barriers to success.
“I know from my own life’s journey that access to opportunity is not guaranteed. There is an opportunity divide in this country, and it becomes much greater when entry-level jobs require a four-year college degree.”
Year Up United’s partnership with Stanford continues to grow, with two new units sponsoring interns in the latest cohort welcomed in July. The School of Engineering’s Bioengineering group and the School of Medicine’s Postdoc Affairs and Comparative Medicine groups have joined this important effort, further expanding opportunities for young professionals at Stanford.
This graduation ceremony not only celebrated individual achievements but also marked a significant milestone in Year Up United’s mission to empower young people and create a more equitable workforce.
Learn More
Year Up United is an integral part of the CIO Council strategic initiative, IDEAL IT, which ensures we help build a diverse and inclusive space for the future. Visit the Year Up Internship Program page to learn more. For more information on the Year Up United organization, visit yearup.org.
Learn more about Stanford's current cohort of Year Up United interns.
