Current trainee Zachary Berry, joined Hopeworks in December of 2018. When he joined Hopeworks, he initially had doubts about the program and felt that the computer training would be overwhelming for him. He says that his real motivation for coming here was to receive his High School Diploma equivalency and not too soon after starting the program, he did just that! After weeks of studying and preparing for the HiSET test (An alternative for GED), Zach was able to pass the test and will be receiving his diploma shortly. Zachary says that his academic success coaches went above and beyond to help him prepare for the exam in subjects such as reading and writing, math, social studies, and language arts. Zach admitted that although the test itself was not too difficult, he had some challenges along the way including having to retake certain sections and having to balance studying for the test, doing the training, and caring for his newborn son.
When asked how he felt about passing the exam, he said “I was so excited. It was a goal of mine for five years now. I had doubts that I would ever get it, but I ran into the right people in and outside of Hopeworks and they pushed me to complete it.”
Now that he has completed his biggest goal, Zach says that his next steps are to enhance his interview skills, build credit, and be a good role model to his son. Along with this, his long term goals are to be mentally focused and to be stable in life and to be consistent. Careerwise he is in the process of interviewing for an externship at a Camden business, but would ultimately like to do an apprenticeship as a union carpenter. Although, he added, he would be happy with anything that would allow him to stay connected to Hopeworks.
“Our collaboration with Dell Technologies and NVIDIA isn’t just about technology; it’s about genuinely empowering people. Together, we aspire to scale our success and extend opportunities to every underserved community we reach.” -Dan Rhoton, CEO, Hopeworks Learn more by clicking here.
Hopeworks, a Camden-based social enterprise dedicated to empowering young adults, has received a $75,000 matching grant from The Foxwynd Foundation. This significant investment is earmarked to expand the organization’s successful Recode Your Future initiative in Philadelphia and Camden, creating more pathways to financial stability through trauma-informed technical training and job placement. This is the second consecutive grant […]
Discover how Dell’s partnership helps young adults break cycles of poverty by equipping them with digital skills, mentorship, and real-world experience. It’s a powerful glimpse into what happens when purpose-driven innovation meets community impact.
