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YouniversityDrive

is a national organization that provides professional development, training, and custom curriculum programs to prepare and develop individuals for career success. #YOUDrive

YOUniversity Drive TV

  • 2015 Collegiate Fashion Week @ UNCW Promo
  • Wake Forest University Leadership Institute
  • "The Movement" @ JCSU
Students

For High School & College Students

We bridge the gap between academics and the real world of work to ensure students are prepared to be valued contributors in the workforce.

Professionals

For Professionals

We support the development of professionals within their workplaces to help them grow in their roles, develop additional skillsets, increase their impact, and ascend to higher-level positions if they so choose.

Michelle Horton

About Our Founder

YOUniversity Drive was founded by Michelle R. Horton in 2010 out of her passion for helping all students thrive both in college and in life after college.

As a first generation college graduate, Michelle knows what it takes to work hard and to go beyond what she thought she could do to reach a higher goal. She has always lived by the idea of “you are in charge of your own success” and thus created the YOUniversity Drive concept to put students in the “driver’s seat” of their journey and to ensure they are accountable for their own success.

Michelle truly believes that all students can achieve, and knows how to inspire and motivate them using a fun, youthful approach that is relevant and real!

Mission

Making a successful transition from high school to college, from college to the work force, or navigating change while in the workforce can be challenging and daunting tasks. However, the stress associated with these milestone events can be decreased with the right level of information, guidance and support.

30% of incoming freshmen are first generation college students and are also 4 times more likely to drop out

For every college student who graduates, 2 drop out.

By 2025, there will be a shortfall of nearly 24M degree holders. This will cost the U.S. nearly $600 billion a year in lost wages and taxes.

The U.S. has slipped from 1st to 16th in the world in the percentage of 25 - 34 year olds with post-secondary credentials.

Our career readiness and workforce development programs are designed to empower and prepare students and professionals for their journey by providing access and exposure to people, perspectives, resources and tools that motivate, educate and inspire.

We encourage participants to “get behind the wheel of their own success™” by taking personal responsibility for the choices that impact their careers. Hence, the phrase “YOU Drive™” is both our philosophy and a call to action.

Some of Our Partners

  • Bacardi - Women in Leadership
  • Johnson C. Smith University
  • Thurgood Marshall College Fund
  • Novant Health
  • Target
  • NXT CLT

By delivering on our mission, We are able to provide:

  1. a clearer path to career success for students and professionals;
  2. a better-prepared and knowledgeable talent pool for employers; and
  3. a stronger and more competitive workforce for our economy.

The goal of YOUniversity Drive is to bridge the gap between academia and the business world, giving the knowledge and skills to help young adults reach their potential both personally and professionally.

Michelle R. Horton, Founder