The inspiring story of a pioneering program that is redefining urban young adults as economic assets, not deficits.

More than 5 million young adults in America have not progressed beyond a high school education and are now facing not only the usual hazards of a recession, but also an "Opportunity Divide" that strands motivated workers-particularly the young-outside the economic mainstream. In 2000 Gerald Chertavian, a visionary businessman, former Wall Street investment banker, and longtime mentor with the Big Brother program, created Year Up to address these challenges and help close this Opportunity Divide. A YEAR UP: How a Pioneering Program Teaches Young Adults Real Skills for Real Jobs-with Real Success by Gerald Chertavian is the inspiring story of this life-changing program and the determined and dedicated young adults it serves.