Year Up is a well-known training program for those seeking to launch a career in the tech industry and beyond. It’s a popular, free option, but it may not suit everyone:
- Year Up’s hybrid learning format requires students to live near a physical location.
- Most programs require a full-year, Monday-to-Friday commitment, which isn’t feasible for those needing more flexibility.
- The programs only accept candidates aged 29 and under without a bachelor’s degree.
- Some participants report challenges securing internships, including last-minute changes and limited placements.
Fortunately, there are plenty of other programs like Year Up. Several are free, fully remote, and take less time to complete. In this guide, we explore reputable alternatives that may better fit your needs and goals.
8 Best Alternatives to Year Up
Programs Like Year Up Worth Exploring
Whether you’re seeking a faster path to job readiness or a more flexible schedule, these 8 career training options could be just what you need.
We’ll compare them based on:
- Learning tracks offered
- Learning format (remote, in-person, hybrid)
- Cost
- Support services (like job search assistance, networking)
- Admission requirements
- Job placement success rates
- Reputation
Climb Hire: Free, comprehensive tech training programs that lead to lucrative tech jobs within a year
Climb Hire is a non-profit organization that helps low-income working adults break into the tech industry. We put ourselves as the first Year Up alternative on the list because we offer something special.
1. Learning Tracks Offered
Climb Hire provides focused learning tracks that will fully prepare you to land a tech job in under a year:
- IT Support: A 6-month training program that fully prepares you with the knowledge and skills to earn CompTIA A+ certification, essential for entry-level IT support positions.
- Google & Meta Ads Certification: A 4-month training program that teaches the foundations of paid search marketing, an in-demand field within digital marketing.
2. Learning Format
Climb Hire’s programs are fully remote, allowing you to participate from anywhere in the US.
You’ll learn in a group setting, which enables a collaborative learning environment. This helps build a supportive network among students. You’ll engage in live online classes led by a field expert, participate in group discussions, and work on projects with peers.
77% of Climb Hire students say that the community they build is one of Climb Hire’s most valuable components.
The curriculum is structured to provide a balanced education, no matter which learning track you choose.
Technical training includes interactive, assisted work and real-world projects that simulate industry conditions, helping you build practical experience and develop a strong portfolio. This ensures that you’re not just learning theory but also acquiring real-world skills that are directly applicable to your future job.
In addition to technical skills, Climb Hire also incorporates soft skills training. You’ll receive guidance on resume and cover letter writing, effective communication, and job interview techniques. This comprehensive approach prepares you not just with technical knowledge but also with the professional skills needed to excel in the job market.
3. Cost
Climb Hire’s programs are free for students enrolling in 2024, thanks to generous donor support. We also cover the cost of CompTIA A+ certification, which would normally set you back over $500.
4. Additional Support Services
Climb Hire is committed to your success with personalized career support after completing a career track. You’ll have one-on-one sessions with a Career Development Advisor for resume reviews, interview preparation, and tailored job search strategies.
You’ll also gain access to a professional network and a vibrant alumni community, providing connections and insights to accelerate your job search.
5. Admission Requirements
- Applicants must be 24 to 40 years old and earn less than $30k per year (so if you’re too old for Year Up, Climb Hire may still be a good fit).
- You’ll need access to Wi-Fi and a computer to join classes.
- No prior tech experience or college degree is required—just a high school diploma (or equivalent) and a commitment to learn.
- Classes are designed to fit working schedules, but you should be prepared to fully engage in a remote, group-based learning environment for 4 to 6 months.
6. Job Placement Success Rates
Over 80% of Climb Hire alumni secure jobs within 6 months of completing the program, with average starting salaries of around $50k.
7. Reputation
Climb Hire is a non-profit organization focused on providing accessible career training rather than generating profit. This commitment to mission over profit reflects a genuine dedication to student success and community support. Here’s what some of our alumni have to say:
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- “Before Climb Hire, I was working as a delivery driver for Amazon. Last July, I got engaged and decided it was time for me to look for a better job for a better future for my spouse and me. At the beginning of the program, I had doubts because I was afraid no one was going to hire someone without a college degree, but Climb Hire changed my mind about that. They taught me how to properly create a resume, LinkedIn profile, and helped me prepare for interviews. I had no idea how to do any of these things before. Climb Hire changed my life and showed me that by working hard and applying all the tools they gave me, I can land a job. I started applying for jobs three weeks before the cohort ended and just one week after I finished the cohort, I got a job offer as a project coordinator at APTIM.”
– Alfaro Salazar, Climb Hire graduate - “Through their immersive program, I gained hands-on experience, honed my Salesforce Admin skills, and achieved my goal of becoming certified. But it didn’t stop there! Climb Hire exposed me to a world of opportunities beyond certification. They arranged informational interviews with industry leaders, which is how I had the privilege of connecting with a Salesforce consultant and entrepreneur [who] went above and beyond, providing invaluable insights and mentorship.”
– Yoddit McLean, Climb Hire graduate - “Joining Climb Hire’s CX training program was one of the best career decisions I have made. I gained valuable sales and customer experience training. I learned how to write a better resume and to interview confidently. It is an uplifting community and you feel welcomed and supported. There are a lot of opportunities for growth and mentoring.”
– Anonymous, Climb Hire graduate
NPower: Tech training programs for young adults and military veterans in specific regions
NPower is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing technology training to underserved young adults. They offer various career tracks to support skill development and equip students with the necessary skills for the tech industry.
Note: Classes are virtual, but programs are location-specific, with various locations available for each.
1. Learning Tracks Offered
- IT Support Specialist – California: IT support training for residents of Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Sacramento, leading to industry-recognized certifications in the field.
- Tech Fundamentals: A 20-week course covering essential technology concepts and skills for those new to the tech field and the opportunity to earn several industry-recognized IT certifications.
- Cybersecurity: Specialized training in cybersecurity can be completed in 6 months or less, along with a separate SkillBridge program designed for transitioning military veterans.
- Cloud Computing: A 12-week course focused on the fundamentals and applications of cloud technologies, preparing students for roles in cloud services and infrastructure.
- Path2TECH: A 6-month (or less) coding course specifically for women, non-binary, and trans individuals, leading to a career as a full-stack developer.
2. Learning Format
NPower’s programs are delivered through a blend of virtual and in-person sessions, depending on the track. You can expect interactive classes with live instructors, lab work, and practical assignments designed to build real-world skills.
Most programs consist of 4-hour classes, 5 days a week, throughout their duration.
3. Cost
All programs are free, thanks to funding from various partners and donors. NPower also pays for the certifications related to its programs.
4. Additional Support Services
When you finish a career track, you’ll get access to job-readiness workshops, job placement assistance, and mentoring from senior-level professionals in the IT field. Programs include opportunities for paid internships hosted by NPower’s corporate partners.
5. Admission Requirements
- You must live in or near New York City, Newark, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Detroit, Baltimore, St. Louis, San Jose, Los Angeles, Raleigh, and Dayton to qualify.
- Civilian applicants must be between the ages of 18–26 to apply. Veterans must be 21+ (military spouses can also apply).
- You’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent.
- For certain programs, you’ll need advanced qualifications (1–2 years of technology experience and various tech certifications) to be eligible.
6. Job Placement Success Rates
More than 80% of NPower graduates either secure employment or pursue further education. For those who find jobs, their salary increases by an average of 336%.
7. Reputation
- “I came to Npower to learn digital customer service. The training went well because of the professionalism of the team and their availability. They helped me to overcome some uncertainty and fears. They helped to review my resume—they even helped me find my interviews and I got my first job in customer service.”
– Yao Kevin K., NPower graduate - “While in the program, I received my CompTIA+ ITF and MS 900 certifications. Thanks to NPower, I was hired at Zoox as an Advanced Software Testing Tech.”
– Peter Sawyer, NPower graduate
Generation USA: Location-specific job training programs for unemployed adults
Generation USA is a non-profit organization offering free job training programs to help underserved individuals enter careers in various professions. The programs focus on practical skills and industry-specific training.
1. Learning Tracks Offered
Learning tracks rotate, but here’s an idea of some potential programs offered at any given time:
- Healthcare: Hospital service agent, hospital front desk executive, nursing assistant.
- Technology: Software developer, IT support specialist, data analyst.
- Customer Service and Sales: SaaS sales development representative, customer service representative, hotel front-of-house staff.
- Skilled Trades: Sewing machine operator, CNC machine operator.
- Green Jobs: Solar panel installer, retrofit advisor, bicycle repair technician.
2. Learning Format
Generation USA’s programs are fully remote, featuring group classes and independent learning. You can expect hands-on, interactive training and real-world projects. The courses are designed to be immersive and practical, with instruction from experienced professionals.
About 80% of each program focuses on fundamental technical skills, while 20% focuses on job support.
Most programs last 6 to 12 weeks, with classes typically running several hours a day, 5 days per week.
3. Cost
All programs are completely free—funded by corporate partnerships, local organizations, and donors. Any necessary certifications or exams required for employment are also covered by the program.
4. Additional Support Services
On top of technical training, you’ll receive personal mentorship, career coaching, job placement assistance, and help building a professional network for 6 months after finishing a Generation program. This includes support with your resume and interview coaching.
Some programs also offer internships (paid and unpaid) with local businesses to provide hands-on experience.
5. Admission Requirements
Note: Some of these requirements can vary depending on the program.
- You must be 18+ to qualify, available full-time for the duration of your program, and ready to start a full-time job upon graduation
- Only residents of certain US states can apply, which varies by program.
- You must be unemployed and cannot be enrolled in college or another training program.
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
6. Job Placement Success Rates
86% of Generation USA alumni land jobs within 6 months of completing a program, with 75% finding jobs within 3 months and 72% securing positions in their field of training. Within 2–5 years, 98% of graduates are earning a living wage.
7. Reputation
- “At Generation I felt like I could do anything. I took everything I learned from the module on resume skills and interview skills. I saved all my work [during the program], made a portfolio, and after graduating I got an internship.”
– Dasha, Generation USA graduate - “The instructor and teaching assistants are top-notch. They really know their technology and have also developed careers.”
– Reddit user, Generation USA graduate
Per Scholas: Tech training in major cities across the US for low-income adults
Per Scholas is a non-profit organization offering free technology training programs for individuals from underserved communities, with classes available both virtually and in-person, depending on the location.
1. Learning Tracks Offered
Per Scholas offers a variety of technology-focused training programs. The availability of different courses depends on your location. Some examples of Per Scholas learning tracks include:
- IT Support: Covers the fundamentals of IT support, including CompTIA A+ training.
- Cybersecurity: Thorough training in digital infrastructure protection.
- Software Engineering: Intensive training in software development, focusing on coding languages, web applications, and agile methodologies.
- Cloud Computing: A comprehensive course on cloud technologies, teaching students about cloud infrastructure and services.
- Data Engineering: Learn data analysis and engineering skills, with training in data platforms and visualization tools.
2. Learning Format
Per Scholas’ programs are offered in-person, in a hybrid format, and fully virtual, depending on the location and track. Courses are led by industry professionals and include hands-on assisted work, group projects, and practical exercises.
Most courses run full-time, with classes typically lasting 10–15 weeks, requiring a commitment of 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 days a week.
3. Cost
All Per Scholas programs are completely free, thanks to partnerships with corporate sponsors, government programs, and philanthropic donors. Per Scholas also covers the cost of certifications and exam fees.
4. Additional Support Services
Graduates benefit from job placement services, career coaching, and mentorship. You’ll also have access to financial coaching, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities with Per Scholas’ corporate partners. In some cases, students may be placed in internships to gain real-world experience.
5. Admission Requirements
- Per Scholas operates in select US cities (including Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, LA, New York, Seattle, and more), so residency near a training site is required.
- You must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Your salary must be below 80% of the median income in your region.
- You’ll have to commit to a full-time training schedule and a full-time career post-graduation.
- Some learning tracks require advanced technical experience.
6. Job Placement Success Rates
85% of Per Scholas graduates find jobs within a year of completing their training program. Of those who gain employment, 80% secure jobs in the tech industry, with an average salary of around $50k.
7. Reputation
- “Per Scholas taught me the skills and discipline to build a true technology-focused career. Today I work at Google, which is the most amazing outcome I can imagine.”
– Tammy Johnson, Per Scholas graduate - “After Per Scholas, I was suddenly getting interviews because Per Scholas is well-known and reputable. It has been night and day in terms of the difference between before and after Per Scholas.”
– Christopher Rivera, Per Scholas graduate
ActivateWork: Rigorous Denver-area training programs in tech
ActivateWork is a Denver-based nonprofit organization that offers free tech training to residents of the area. Training is comprehensive and hands-on, helping students gain essential skills and secure employment in high-demand tech roles.
1. Learning Tracks Offered
- IT Support: Provides students with CompTIA A+ training so they’ll have the skills needed for entry-level IT support roles.
- Security Fundamentals: Focuses on foundational cybersecurity principles and practices.
- Software Engineering: Offers coding and development training to help students become software engineers.
2. Learning Format
ActivateWork’s courses follow a hybrid learning model, combining in-person and online components. In-person attendance is required in Denver, though the programs also include online coursework. You’ll get technical training and participate in interactive labs and real-world projects.
Students should expect a full-time commitment of 40 hours of classes and 20 additional hours of study time per week.
3. Cost
All programs offered by ActivateWork are free, thanks to funding from corporate partners and donors. Certifications and course materials are also covered.
4. Additional Support Services
ActivateWork offers career services to help students succeed. This includes personalized guidance from industry professionals throughout the program, career services like resume building, interview prep, and job placement assistance. All graduates are placed in paid apprenticeship programs, so you’ll also get valuable hands-on experience in the field.
5. Admission Requirements
- You must live in the Denver area, as attending in-person classes is part of all programs.
- You’ll need to pass a tech assessment as part of the admissions process.
- You’ll have to commit to the full-time program schedule, which includes 40 hours of class and 20 hours of study per week.
6. Job Placement Success Rates
78% of ActivateWork graduates secure IT roles within 12 months of completing the program. Graduates also report an average income increase of 123%, making the program a valuable stepping stone into the tech industry.
7. Reputation
- “My coaches at ActivateWork have been instrumental in ensuring that I received the guidance and resources I need for professional development.”
– Elena Kim, ActivateWork graduate - “The whole program — the professional development, the mock interviews — it gave me the confidence that I needed. Instead of being intimidated, I had confidence, and I had a whole team of people helping me with what I needed.”
– Randy Cordova, ActivateWork graduate
Merit America: Tech training with flexible learning for low-income earners
Merit America is a nonprofit organization offering flexible, remote tech training programs designed for working adults aiming to transition into in-demand careers. It’s not free, but it is lower-cost than many other options, and you don’t pay until you find a job.
1. Learning Tracks Offered
- IT support: Prepares students for roles in IT support, leading to the Google IT Support Professional Certificate.
- Data analytics: Focuses on data management and analysis, culminating in the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.
- Java development: Trains students in Java programming, enabling them to pursue roles as software developers.
- UX design: Teaches user experience design principles and leads to relevant industry certifications.
- Cybersecurity: Provides foundational knowledge for roles in cybersecurity, with certification opportunities.
- Project management: Prepares students to manage complex projects, ending in a Google Project Management certificate.
2. Learning Format
Merit America’s courses are fully remote and designed to be part-time, allowing students to balance their current job and studies.
The courses typically take 12–24 weeks to complete and involve a combination of self-paced study and live meetings with peers and instructors, amounting to only 3–5 hours of live sessions each week.
3. Cost
The total cost for Merit America’s programs is $5,700. However, there’s a flexible payment plan option: no-interest loans with $0 upfront payment, and repayment only begins once you earn at least $40k per year. Some employers may also cover part or all of the tuition.
4. Additional Support Services
Training with a Merit America program includes 12 weeks of one-on-one coaching to help with interview preparation, job hunting, and salary negotiations. You’ll also build connections to a broad network of employer partners to help you land a job and have access to alumni networks for additional support and networking opportunities.
5. Admission Requirements
- You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED.
- You don’t have a graduate degree (you also can’t be enrolled in graduate school).
- Your salary for the previous year must be $35k or less.
- You must be committed to finding full-time employment when you graduate.
6. Job Placement Success Rates
Over 80% of alumni secure jobs with an average starting salary of over $50k. Alumni salaries generally increase by around $24k.
7. Reputation
- “I’ve always wanted to learn Java and had looked at options available at community colleges. It was going to cost me more and take longer than Merit.”
– Elizabeth, Merit America graduate - “Attending Merit, has not only equipped me with more tools in the tech field, but it has also brought me a network of support.”
– Michelle, Merit America graduate
Pursuit: A long-term training program toward a tech career in coding
Pursuit is a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping individuals from underserved communities with the skills and resources needed to succeed in the technology sector through its long-term Fellowship program.
1. Learning Tracks Offered
They offer full-stack web development, which is a 4-year program divided into two parts:
- Pursuit Core (Year 1): Focuses on learning coding languages, building websites, and job readiness through technical training and practices like debugging and unit testing.
- Pursuit Advance (Years 2–4): Emphasizes career growth with leadership development, professional communication, and continued technical skills, along with access to exclusive job opportunities and industry support.
2. Learning Format
Pursuit’s Fellowship is a rigorous, hybrid program that combines in-person and remote learning. For 4 years of training, fellows typically attend 25 hours of in-class instruction per week, with an additional 20 hours of self-study, assignments, and networking.
Classes are available either during the day or on a “Nights and Weekends” track for those who work business hours.
3. Cost
Through an income-share agreement (ISA), you’ll pay nothing upfront for the program. Payments begin once you secure a job earning at least $50k annually, based on a progressive rate.
Your salary determines your payment amount, ranging from $26k to $70k; lower salaries pay less, while higher salaries pay more.
If your salary falls below $50k or you are unemployed, payments pause. After 4 years or 8 years from the start date (whichever comes first), any remaining balance expires.
4. Additional Support Services
Once finished with the fellowship, Pursuit secures job placement with a partner company (such as LinkedIn or Pinterest) for all graduates. You’ll also benefit from resume building, networking, mock interviews with tech professionals, and ongoing mentorship to ensure long-term success.
Once employed, you’ll continue to receive support from Pursuit as you navigate your role and advance in your careers.
5. Admission Requirements
- You must be 18 years or older.
- Only residents of the New York Metro Area (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania) are eligible.
- You’ll have to commit to a full-time program with a demanding schedule.
- Your salary can’t exceed $45k.
6. Job Placement Success Rates
About 80% of Fellows land tech jobs within six months after finishing the Core program (year 1). Alumni typically see their income jump by over 400%, with lifetime earnings averaging around $2 million. Pursuit’s strong partnerships with top tech companies and exclusive job opportunities help make these impressive outcomes possible.
7. Reputation
- “I learned so much about computer programming, reinforced my soft skills, but more importantly I learned so much about myself. I did things at Pursuit that once seemed impossible.”
– Henry Nuñez, Pursuit graduate - “My journey at Pursuit was perfect for my work-life balance. I was able to work 2 to 3 days per week, while also devoting my time and focus to my studies.”
– Mukayila Alao, Pursuit graduate
CareerFoundry: Flexible tech and design career tracks
CareerFoundry offers a flexible, self-paced learning experience that allows you to tailor your studies to fit your lifestyle. With a focus on practical skill development, you’ll gain hands-on experience that prepares you for a successful career in tech or design.
1. Learning Tracks Offered
- Full-stack web development: Teaches the skills necessary to build responsive, interactive websites, from front-end design to back-end functionality.
- Data analytics: Equips students with the tools to analyze and interpret data, allowing them to extract actionable insights for businesses.
- UX design: Focuses on user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing, teaching students how to create seamless, user-friendly experiences.
- UI design: Covers the fundamentals of user interface design, focusing on crafting intuitive, visually appealing products that enhance user experiences.
- Digital marketing: Teaches strategies and tactics to help you start a career in digital marketing, including SEO, social media, and content creation.
- Product design: Focuses on the entire process of designing digital products, from ideation and user research to prototyping, testing, and continuous iteration.
- Product management: Covers the strategic and operational aspects of managing products, including market research, product development cycles, and AI tools, and to bring products from concept to launch.
2. Learning Format
CareerFoundry is a fully online platform offering self-paced coursework, where you progress through a structured curriculum at your own speed with no set class times. The program emphasizes hands-on projects and real-world experience to help you gain practical skills as you learn.
Along the way, you’ll receive one-on-one mentorship from industry professionals and career coaching to assist with portfolio development, job applications, and interview preparation. Though the coursework is independent, you’ll have access to a global community of peers and professionals to network with.
3. Cost
Tuition ranges from $6,555 to $8,500, depending on the career track you choose. Payment plans are available, allowing students to pay monthly over the course of their study.
If you qualify for job placement and don’t find a job within 6 months, CareerFoundry will refund your tuition.
4. Additional Support Services
All programs include mentorship and career coaching for resume building, job interview preparation, and ongoing job search support. Graduates have access to a network of industry professionals for continued networking opportunities.
5. Admission Requirements
- No prior experience is required, but you must have an interest in your chosen career track
- International applicants of all ages are welcome to apply.
- Applicants should be proficient in written and spoken English, as all coursework and communication are conducted in English.
6. Job Placement Success Rates
Approximately 90% of graduates find jobs in their chosen field within 6 months of completing a program. CareerFoundry also offers a job guarantee to students who live in a major metropolitan area in North America, Europe, and Australia: if you don’t land a job within 6 months, they’ll completely refund your tuition (though certain restrictions apply).
7. Reputation
- “Having one-on-one support from a tutor and mentor at CareerFoundry—actual programmers with experience, was great. Having someone look at my code and say ‘Yes, it’s right’ gave me a huge feeling of relief, knowing that I was doing it right.”
– Julio José López Aldazoro, CareerFoundry graduate - “The program definitely gave me the skills to add to my resume, which helped me land interviews. It gave me the skills and the foundations of being a data analyst to be able to actually work in the field.”
– Cheryl Poulain, CareerFoundry graduate
Choose Climb Hire to Kickstart Your New Career
Climb Hire’s training programs will quickly and effectively get you job-ready for the tech industry. With focused, hands-on learning and robust career support, 80% of our alumni land jobs within 6 months of completing their program.
Here’s how Climb Hire sets you up for tech career success:
- We offer 100% free tuition for all programs in 2024, thanks to the generosity of our donors.
- You’ll develop essential tech skills and earn key certifications that enhance your job prospects and make you stand out to hiring managers.
- You’ll experience collaborative, remote classes with hands-on projects and real-world simulations that foster a strong, supportive community.
- You’ll receive dedicated career support in the form of resume building, interview coaching, and personalized job search guidance from a dedicated Career Development Advisor.
Learn more about how Climb Hire’s IT Support and Google & Meta Ads Certification programs can help you start a rewarding tech career today.