Providence, Rhode Island – September 28, 2026 -- Applications are open now for Year Up United's Customer Experience career pathway in Providence, set to begin October 19, 2026, coinciding with a 20-year employer partnership with Citizens that has placed more than 400 interns since 2005.
Rhode Island's labor market weakens despite August job gains
Data from the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training shows 12,500 fewer residents employed than a year ago, even as the state added jobs in August. Labor force participation continues to shrink, tightening the on-ramp for young adults entering the workforce without a bachelor's degree.
Providence graduates earn $25.04 per hour on average in 2026
The tuition-free pathway trains participants in banking and customer success, preparing them for customer-facing and operational roles. In 2025, 76% of Year Up United graduates were employed and/or enrolled in postsecondary education following the program.
Citizens has hosted 400-plus Year Up United interns since 2005
Citizens' Chief Human Resources Officer and Year Up United board member Susan La Monica said the bank has partnered with the organization for more than two decades to build talent pipelines while creating career pathways for young adults. Alum Vannda Prak, who completed the IT track and interned with Citizens, is now a Business Insights Analyst at the bank.
"A changing job market doesn't mean young adults should wait to start building their careers,