There’s a massive opportunity gap in our country. Here’s how you can help.

I recently had the great pleasure of getting involved personally as well as professionally with Year Up – a fantastic program that I encourage everyone in my network to investigate because they make a real social impact. Year Up enables underprivileged young adults to move from minimum wage to meaningful careers in just one year by matching them with companies that need their talent. The first six months are focused on skills training and then Year Up matches the young adult with a six-month internship. Millions of young adults in the US have talent and motivation, but lack opportunity. At the same time, companies have opportunities available, but lack the talent they need to succeed. Year Up’s quest to close the opportunity gap is an important and noble mission.

Some incredible companies are involved with Year Up, and I’m proud to say that Rosetta Stone is one of them. We are helping their students improve their language learning skills through our Catalyst software, and we’re participating in their internship placement program.

On a personal note, I was fortunate to be matched with a talented young mentee named Anthony Le.  Anthony has the type of fire that you do not typically see in a 19-year old. Anthony wasn't born with a lot of privilege but he is taking all of his drive and passion and using that as momentum to get to where he wants to go in his life. He recently landed an internship at Aquent, which is one of the largest marketing and creative staffing firms in the United States. He is also busy working with a team that is competing in robotics tournaments. Sheesh, I wish I had that kind of drive when I was 19.

I have mentored and helped many young entrepreneurs over the years but I must say that working with Anthony and Year Up has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. Most of the tech entrepreneurs with whom I’ve worked started with many advantages and have no concept of the challenges people like Anthony have had to overcome in order to succeed. It’s been one of the greatest honors of my life to be part of Anthony’s journey

Anthony would like to be a CEO someday and sees himself being an entrepreneur or a division manager of a technology firm. He is seeking to make meaningful connections with other successful people.

I would greatly appreciate it if you would reach out to Anthony on LinkedIn and connect with him. Many of us will probably end up working for him anyway, so you might as well connect with him. Thanks for your consideration and don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to know more about Year Up or Anthony.