Social justice, with a catch. - Partnerships Manager Year Up United Employee Review

Interns are paid a sub-minimum wage “stipend” for full-time work. Less than 50% of interns are offered a job offer after internship, and their is a significant opportunity cost for young people doing the program. At times, it feels as if the organization is exploitative of its participants. Yes, it opens doors, but it does nothing to challenge the white supremacist culture within it exists, and it also forces young people to work extremely hard, for very little pay, hence the exploitation. Corporate partners buy internship seats for a premium, and very little of that money ends up trickling down to the interns that are doing the actual labor. Work life balance is difficult, “self care” is catchphrase that is rarely actually implemented. There is very little room for professional growth, and yet the organization expects all employees to chart out goals and a professional development plan (which is essentially making more work for employees, while not leading to any actual promotions). Year Up acts like a corporation in hierarchy, decision making and reviews, but provides very little opportunities for growth of pay and career advancement.