New Jersey’s U.S. Senator Cory Booker’s Visit Inspires Young Adults from Hopeworks

Senator Booker visited Hopeworks in Camden to deliver a career talk to young adults benefitting from the organization

Camden, NJ – February 5, 2024 – Last Friday, New Jersey U.S. Senator Cory Booker visited Hopeworks, a nonprofit and social enterprise that propels young adults ages 17 to 27 into long-term living wage careers, headquarters in Camden, New Jersey. During the visit, Senator Booker toured the facility, engaged in a dynamic career talk with young adults, and greeted board members and corporate partners of Hopeworks to gain insight into the program’s mission. 

“I’m inspired by the young people I met today who, in the face of adversity, are working toward their dreams with extraordinary determination,” said Senator Booker. “I’m grateful for the work Hopeworks is doing in Camden to provide these future leaders real-world job experience and a healing atmosphere, empowering them to secure brighter futures for themselves and their families.”

Known for his dedication to helping people reconnect with educational opportunities and meaningful career paths, Senator Booker’s visit to Hopeworks aligns with the organization’s mission to transform the lives of young adults. 

“Senator Booker has been a tireless advocate for education and social justice and his commitment to empowering the next generation is truly commendable”, says Executive Director of Hopeworks, Dan Rhoton. “It was heartening to see, first hand, that Senator Booker shares in our understanding that providing these young adults with the opportunity and support needed to thrive, is not just a goal, but a responsibility. We appreciate Senator Booker taking the time to visit Hopeworks and for his ongoing support on providing the best outcome for young adults.”

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For more information about Hopeworks, please visit www.hopeworks.org and follow Hopeworks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

About Hopeworks

Hopeworks is a social enterprise that uses technology, healing, and entrepreneurship to transform lives. Hopeworks’ unique mix of training, trauma-informed care, and real-world experience is what leads to extraordinary results. The approach, combined with high-demand, high-wage technical training and paid work experience is helping to build a workforce that can not only get the job, but keep it, transforming their lives and the lives of their families.

To provide this experience, Hopeworks runs real businesses, providing technology solutions for businesses in web design and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and trauma-informed solutions through training and consulting services with the Hopeworks Training Team. These businesses help generate over 100 jobs a year, and lead to high-wage, permanent opportunities for young adults in a growing tech industry.

Hopeworks’ unique combination has led to extraordinary results, with over 85% of young adults earning high-wage jobs at the end of their work experience with Hopeworks, and a 12-month retention rate of almost 90% at those jobs. Young adults entering Hopeworks are typically earning an average of $400 per year and after going through the training program, they have the opportunity to make a livable and comfortable wage, earning over $42,000 annually.

Media Contact:
Red Thread PR on behalf of Hopeworks 
Gillian Scott: Gillian@redthreadpr.com