The Haves.  The have-nots.  What a great divide, even here in the USA.  And what is all the more disheartening is that while we may navigate and enjoy the perks of the world of the haves, the have– nots-a disproportionate amount of whom look like us–  haven’t a clue about the trips, meals, education and sense of fulfillment we experience.  Only one out of two African-American students graduates from high school on time, if at all.  And we all know what that means: most of our people aren’t making it to college, seriously hampering their chances of BupGrading their life circumstances.  Year Up targets 18-24 year old at-risk urban youth with an interest in technology and a high school diploma or GED.  After one year of intense training in technical as well as professional and communication skills, the first six months of which are spent in a Year Up learning site where students earn college credit, and completing a mandatory apprenticeship, 65% of students are accepted into college, and 87% are placed in professional positions.  Year Up participants are given a professional mentor, a bi-weekly stipend for fulfilling obligations, and most importantly, the power to dream.   Year Up currently operates in Atlanta, Boston, Providence, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, DC.  Visit Year Up to donate, or sign up to volunteer.