The program, which begins October 19, focuses on banking and customer success skills. It arrives as the state grapples with a workforce landscape where 12,500 fewer residents are employed compared to last year, despite recent job gains. The nonprofit’s model offers a direct alternative to traditional postsecondary paths, combining classroom instruction with real-world experience. Recent data highlights the efficacy of this approach: 2026 Providence graduates are earning an average of $25.04 per hour, while 76% of those from the 2025 cohort secured employment or continued their education.
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Year Up United Opens New Career Pathways for Rhode Island Youth
As Rhode Island’s labor force participation shrinks and the local job market undergoes a period of volatility, Year Up United is launching a new tuition-free Customer Experience program in Providence. The initiative aims to bridge the gap for young adults lacking bachelor’s degrees by providing professional training and corporate internships.
A cornerstone of the program is its two-decade partnership with Citizens. The bank has hosted more than 400 interns since 2005, providing a pipeline for participants to transition into permanent roles. Vannda Prak, a former student who now serves as a Business Insights Analyst at Citizens, credits the program with fostering the professional confidence and industry connections necessary to navigate the shifting economy. With applications currently open, the organization is positioning itself as a vital link between untapped local talent and employers seeking to build sustainable, career-ready workforces.
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