CircleUP was founded in 2013 (originally as Keweenaw Young Professionals, or KYP) by local community members as a group for young professionals to be social, network, have fun, and get involved in the community.

In 2016, the organization became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, allowing us to further our efforts to achieve our mission of providing opportunities for members to connect and grow through local engagement.

In 2026, KYP evolved into CircleUP, a name that better reflects what we’re all about: creating connections, strengthening community, and creating space for people of all ages and professions.

CircleUP is organized and operated by a volunteer board of up to eleven board members that meets monthly to plan events and initiatives to further the organization's mission.