We’re thrilled to congratulate several amazing Hopeworks young adults for completing the Rodriguez University Infrastructure Program! Over 16 weeks of rigorous classroom instruction and hands-on fieldwork, these graduates demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience, preparing them for exciting new opportunities in the world of infrastructure.
A special spotlight on Tina Bellamy, Yusuf Byrd, and Amir Saunders (a Hopeworks alumnus) for not only completing this program but also securing roles with the Philadelphia Streets Department’s Surveys Division! Starting December 2nd, they’ll embark on six-month Surveyor Internships as Engineering Aides—a testament to their hard work and ambition. Additional Hopeworks graduates, Vaughn Dorris and Robin Saxon, also completed this transformative program.
”The RodU training laid a really strong foundation of infrastructure and the wide array of jobs available. I was hesitant at first because I didn’t really see myself working in infrastructure but after a couple classes and getting comfortable with the learning process, I warmed up to the idea. Lou is a good teacher and I liked how he brought in various speakers to talk to us about how infrastructure effects our day to day lives.” - Robin Saxon
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without incredible partners:
Lou Rodriguez and Rodriguez University
The City of Philadelphia Commerce Department
Philadelphia Water Department and Philadelphia Streets Department
PowerCorpsPHL
The future of infrastructure is bright with these incredible young adults leading the way!
The nonprofit provides paid training, career support and real work to help 17- to-26-year-olds move into full-time jobs averaging $43K a year. In a bright room at Hopeworks Kensington, young adults sit at computers learning to code, build websites and prepare for careers many once thought were out of reach. Some come in unsure of […]
The Rutgers Camden Campus Center was transformed into a high-energy hub of professional development last week as Hopeworks hosted its third annual HOPE Summit. Headlined by Truist Bank, the event served as a critical bridge between young adults in the region and some of the most influential employers in the Greater Philadelphia area. The summit is a cornerstone of […]
Headlined by Truist Bank, the event removed access barriers to career readiness, connecting Camden, NJ – March 16, 2026 – On Thursday, March 12, Hopeworks, a social enterprise dedicated toempowering young adults to establish living wage careers, hosted its third annual HOPE Summit at theRutgers Camden Campus Center. Headlined by sponsor Truist Bank, the summit […]
