eleven+ (elevate to even plus

What eleven+ (elevate to even plus does

Elevate+ (legal name Elevate to Even Plus, formerly Eleven+) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2020 by Andrew Walker and headquartered at 55 Union Place in Summit, New Jersey. The organization funds paid summer internships and structured career-readiness programming for students aged 16+ from low-income and marginalized backgrounds, with the explicit mission of disrupting systemic inequality in access to formative work experience. Since inception, Elevate+ has placed more than 180 students with nonprofit and for-profit host organizations; the Summer 2026 cohort places 30+ students across 26 hosts spanning eight states and Washington DC. The program is sourced through a network of 25+ talent-sourcing partners — including KIPP NJ, The PEP Program, Cleveland State University, University of Colorado Denver, Fisk University, Drew University, Higher Edge, Destination College, and Braven — and delivered through a curriculum of Job Readiness Training, Masterclasses on personal branding and communication, networking events, a Role Model Speaker Series, one-on-one mentorship, and the Candidate Strategies for Success coaching module, with a new Career Journey Mentor Program for alumni.

The business model is entirely philanthropic. Elevate+ subsidizes intern wages at $17.50 per hour for up to 250 hours per placement for nonprofit hosts, provides a $100 sign-on bonus and $200 completion bonus to students, and funds the professional development layer through individual donations, foundation grants, corporate contributions, and event-based fundraising (notably the Handoff-sponsored Miles of Impact virtual fundraiser). For-profit host organizations pay interns directly at competitive rates. Approximately 90% of funds raised flow directly into programming. In 2025, foundation funding contracted by more than 20% amid broader nonprofit sector pressure from federal policy shifts affecting DEI-adjacent organizations.

The operating model is human-coordinated rather than technology-mediated: the organization uses Neon for application management, standard web forms for internship postings, and an online portal for applications, with no proprietary technology, patents, or AI/ML capabilities. Governance is exercised through a Board of Trustees chaired by Stacey Slater, with recent additions bringing senior talent from PwC, Korn Ferry, Whalar, and charter-school leadership. The organization holds Candid Platinum Transparency 2026 certification and received a 2026 CHPA Community Impact Award through the Handoff partnership, with reported outcomes of 100% intern recommendation rate and 100% host-partner renewal intent.

Name

eleven+ (elevate to even plus

Legal name

Elevate to Even Plus

Website

https://eleven-plus.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Elevate+ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2020 that funds paid summer internships and structured career-readiness programming for underserved students aged 16+, placing them with 26 nonprofit and for-profit host organizations across 8 states and DC through a network of 25+ talent-sourcing partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

After-School, Tutoring & Academic Enrichment Nonprofits (BPAGADAC)

Keywords

• Paid internship programs
• Youth workforce development
• Nonprofit career services
• Economic mobility programs
• Professional development training

Headquarters

HQ city

Summit

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Elevate+ relies heavily on individual donors and supporters to fund paid internship wages, professional development programming, and operational costs. Donors can contribute through the organization's website. Approximately 90% of funds raised go directly into programming.
2. Foundation Grants: The organization receives funding from private foundations including The Summit Foundation, Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, Lisa and Joseph Amato Family Foundation, S.A. Johnson Family Foundation, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, and others. In 2025, foundation funding was down by more than 20% due to increased competition from nonprofits affected by federal funding cuts.
3. Corporate Giving: Corporate foundations and companies provide funding and sponsorship support. Citizens Bank Foundation and other corporate donors contribute to internship funding. Handoff serves as an official sponsor for the Miles of Impact fundraiser.
4. Event-Based Fundraising: Miles of Impact is a fitness-driven virtual fundraiser where participants log miles to fund paid internship opportunities. The annual event has funded multiple internships including eight paid internships in recent years.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Elevate+ (Elevate to Even Plus) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that places underserved students aged 16 and older into paid summer internships at nonprofit and for-profit host organizations across the United States. The organization funds 100% of wages for nonprofit host partners (at $17.50/hour for up to 250 hours), supports interns with a sign-on bonus ($100) and completion bonus ($200), and surrounds the experience with professional development programming, mentorship, networking events, and career readiness coaching aligned with NACE competencies.

Product overview

Elevate+ (Elevate to Even Plus) operates as a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of programs centered on paid internship placement and professional development for underserved youth. The core offering is the Paid Internship Program, which places students aged 16+ from low-income backgrounds at nonprofit and corporate host partners. This is supported by Professional Development Programming including Job Readiness Training, Masterclasses, and networking events. Additional modules include the Role Model Speaker Series, Candidate Strategies for Success coaching, and the Career Journey Mentor Program. The organization also runs Miles of Impact, a fitness-driven fundraising initiative. Together, these programs create a holistic ecosystem supporting career readiness and economic mobility for underrepresented students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Paid Internship Program A paid summer internship placement program connecting underserved students aged 16+ from low-income and marginalized backgrounds with nonprofit and for-profit host organizations across 8+ states. Nonprofit hosts receive full wage subsidies from Elevate+, while for-profit hosts pay interns directly. The program includes structured onboarding, mentor pairing, and ongoing support throughout the internship.

Quantifiable outcome

• 180+ students placed in paid internships since 2020
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

40 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• KIPP NJcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh-performing charter school network in Newark serving as an original talent-sourcing partner for Elevate+. Helps identify and refer eligible students from underserved backgrounds.
• The PEP ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSummit-based enrichment initiative and original talent partner helping students gain access to college and career opportunities through Elevate+.
• Cleveland State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner sourcing eligible students for Elevate+ internships, particularly serving Ohio region.
• University of Colorado DenvermajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner sourcing students for Elevate+ internship program in Colorado region.
• Fisk UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorically Black university partner sourcing students for Elevate+ internship program.
• Drew UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner sourcing students for Elevate+ internships in New Jersey region.
• The Academy 365majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation partner sourcing students for Elevate+ internship opportunities.
• West Side High SchoolmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNewark high school partner sourcing students for Elevate+ internships.
• CT State Community CollegemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity college partner in Connecticut sourcing students for Elevate+ internships.
• Higher EdgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew London, Connecticut organization sourcing talent for Elevate+. 19 Higher Edge students have participated in the program. Notable alumna Leslie was admitted to Emerson College on a full scholarship after her internship.
• Destination CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSummit-based enrichment initiative sourcing students for Elevate+ internships, helping students explore career possibilities beyond college admission.
• PwCmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional services firm invited Elevate+ to NYC Nonprofit Fair. Founder Andrew Walker and trustees connected with PwC professionals about the Career Journey Mentor Program. PwC team members promoting volunteer opportunities with Elevate+.
• Family PromisecoreOthersNonprofit hosting Elevate+ interns for 5 consecutive years. Hosts students in roles supporting families experiencing homelessness. COO Shari Competiello: 'Interns have consistently made a significant impact on our organization.'
• MENDcoreOthersMeeting Essential Needs with Dignity - hunger relief network in Essex County, NJ. Hosting partner for 4+ years. Interns have helped run food distribution events, translate materials, analyze data, create resource directories, and map community assets.
• Homeless SolutionscoreOthersMorris County nonprofit providing housing stability through shelter, affordable housing, and comprehensive support. Hosting Elevate+ interns to support mission.
• Summit Housing AuthoritymajorOthersHousing authority ensuring safe, affordable housing for families and seniors. Hosting partner expanding paid opportunities for underserved students.
• SAGE EldercarecoreOthersHosted communications intern Aryel Rodriguez. Intern managed social media, created video content, and organized website content. Demonstrated strong intern contribution to organization.
• Discovery OrchestramajorOthersArts education organization hosted Cyreema Marshall as administrative intern. Intern reorganized YouTube videos, created promotional materials, and developed music database.
• HTTVmajorOthersLocal cable access station and video production company serving 32 towns in NJ. Hosted Cyreema Marshall for media production internship where she learned storyboarding, video editing, and content creation.
• Destination ClevelandcoreOthersNonprofit destination marketing organization for Cuyahoga County. Hosted Francisco Velez in HR, IT, Operations, and Finance roles. Retained him after internship ended through December.
• Global ClevelandcoreOthersEconomic development organization connecting international communities to opportunity in Northeast Ohio. Hosted Neema David as Outreach Coordinator. Internship influenced her graduate school plans.
• Montclair History CentermajorOthersFounded 1965. Preserves and shares Montclair history through historic sites, collections, and public programs. Hosting partner providing history research internship opportunities.
• The ConnectionmajorOthersWomen-led nonprofit dedicated to enhancing lives and fostering community. Hosting partner for Elevate+ interns.
• Arts ImpactmajorOthersPartners with CMSD to integrate arts into school-day learning through STEAM-focused and arts-based programs. Hosting partner for creative internships.
• The Vivid StagemajorOthersProfessional theater ensemble building community through contemporary, life-affirming stories. Hosting partner for arts administration internships.
• New London LandmarksmajorOthersHistoric preservation organization in Connecticut. Hosted Leslie as Oral History Intern in 2022; she returned for film and editing projects. Her work helped secure Emerson College admission with full scholarship.
• New London Community Meal CentermajorOthersFood access organization fighting food insecurity. Hosting Food Access Intern supporting local food distribution and community partnerships.
• Senior Resources Agency on AgingmajorOthersSupporting older adults and caregivers with community engagement and access to services. Hosting Public Outreach Intern.
• Project OceanologymajorOthersMarine science education organization. Hosting Marine Science Education Summer Intern supporting hands-on ocean education and youth programming.
• Lyman Art MuseummajorOthersArt museum hosting Learning & Engagement Intern supporting hands-on art education and youth programming.
• New London Maritime SocietymajorOthersMaritime heritage organization offering Summer Program Coordinator role helping lead lighthouse tours and community engagement.
• GRACEmajorOthersCommunity resource organization supporting health and success of vulnerable and underserved neighbors. Hosting partner for Elevate+ interns.
• Equus SoftwaremajorOthersTechnology company in Texas hosting Ethan and Cami as interns. Interns built skills in coding and client communication.
• Food Strong ClevelandsupportingOthersFood justice organization in Northeast Ohio building sustainable local food systems. Hosting partner for food access internships.
• Engage ClevelandsupportingOthersOrganization attracting, engaging, and retaining diverse emerging talent while building young professional community in Greater Cleveland.
• Cleveland Council on World AffairssupportingOthersGlobal education and citizen diplomacy organization. Hosting partner for international exchange and program support internships.
• Six Degrees of KBsupportingOthersFights disconnection through storytelling and community-first campaigns. Hosting partner providing experience supporting nonprofits and individuals expanding impact.
• FWDIO StudiossupportingOthersFounded 2024 by queer creators of color to uplift underrepresented stories. Hosting social media artist internship. Students gain experience creating inclusive content across books, audio, and TV.
• All The Way Up Adult Education CentersupportingOthersAdult education center in Essex County providing personalized education, language support, and workforce readiness. Hosting partner for educational support internships.
• BravenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit partner supporting first-generation college students. Listed as talent sourcing partner alongside KIPP NJ and Summit Public Schools.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Year Up: Year Up is a national workforce development nonprofit providing paid internships, professional training, and career support to young adults from low-income backgrounds. It is directly comparable to Elevate+ in mission, target population, and the combination of paid work experience with structured professional development.
• INROADS: INROADS is a nonprofit focused on paid internship placement and career development for underrepresented college students, with corporate host partners across multiple industries. It overlaps directly with Elevate+'s internship-placement model and corporate DEI talent-pipeline positioning.
• Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO): SEO provides paid internships, mentorship, and career development programs for high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds, partnering with major corporations. Its internship-plus-mentorship model and corporate host structure closely mirror Elevate+'s approach.
• Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT): MLT is a national nonprofit offering career development, internship placement, and professional coaching for high-achieving underrepresented students. Its focus on first-generation college students and corporate career pipelines aligns closely with Elevate+'s target population and outcomes.
• Braven: Braven is a national nonprofit that supports first-generation college students through career readiness training and internship pathways. It is listed as an Elevate+ talent-sourcing partner and operates a near-identical model combining professional development with paid experience for underrepresented students.
• America Needs You: America Needs You provides mentoring, professional development, and career-launch support to low-income, first-generation college students. Its intensive cohort-based professional development and career coaching structure parallels Elevate+'s wraparound support model.

Emerging players

• NPower: NPower is a nonprofit providing free tech training, paid internships, and job placement for young adults from underserved communities. While its focus is specifically on technology careers, its paid-internship-plus-training model for underrepresented youth is structurally comparable to Elevate+.
• The Posse Foundation: Posse Foundation identifies and supports cohorts of high-achieving underrepresented students through college and into careers via mentorship and professional development. Its cohort-based support and career-readiness programming overlap with Elevate+'s Candidate Strategies for Success and mentorship components.
• College Possible: College Possible provides intensive coaching and support to help low-income students get into and through college, including career readiness programming. While its primary focus is college access rather than paid internships, its target population and structured coaching model are comparable.
• iMentor: iMentor pairs low-income students with professional mentors to support college and career success. Its mentorship-driven model for underserved students complements Elevate+'s host-organization mentorship approach, and the two address overlapping portions of the youth-mobility pipeline.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/elevate_plus
• Facebookfacebook.com/Elevatetoevenplus
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/elevatetoevenplus

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about eleven+ (elevate to even plus