The expansion marks significant growth for Hopeworks, adding to its social enterprises and doubling the existing training capacity in Philadelphia
Camden, NJ, December 3, 2024 – Hopeworks – a nonprofit and social enterprise that propels young adults ages 17 to 27 into long-term, living wage careers – has officially opened the newest addition to its Kensington offices: a 4,000-square-foot training space that doubles the site’s number of training seats. Since the Kensington office's initial opening in 2022, Hopeworks has been committed to empowering young adults in Philadelphia, and this expansion highlights its ongoing dedication to community development and youth empowerment.
“We recognized a significant opportunity in Kensington to address the racial and wealth gaps by providing young adults with pre-professional and professional opportunities in high-demand fields,” said Onna Jones, Site Director of Hopeworks’ Kensington offices. “By equipping our participants with the skills needed to build lasting careers, we further our mission to break down barriers for young adults, foster economic empowerment, and create pathways to a brighter future.”
Following the successful launch of the Kensington office, Hopeworks has placed more than 138 young adults into living-wage careers. The newly expanded facility will enhance this success by providing additional training opportunities, enabling Hopeworks to place an estimated 100 more young adults in jobs each year. This significant expansion has been made possible by a generous $1 million donation from an anonymous benefactor.
“Joining Hopeworks has been a game-changer for me,” said Jamir Banks, a trainee at Hopeworks. “The training and support I’ve received here have not only helped me build valuable skills but also given me the confidence to pursue a career in a field I’m passionate about.”
This expansion exemplifies Hopeworks' mission to bridge the gap between young talent and promising career opportunities. With the expanded capacity, Hopeworks is poised to make an even greater impact by equipping more young adults with the skills and confidence needed to thrive.
For more information about Hopeworks, please visit www.hopeworks.org and follow Hopeworks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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About Hopeworks
Hopeworks is a social enterprise that uses technology, healing, and entrepreneurship to transform lives. Hopeworks’ unique mix of training 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 Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Revenue Cycle Management, and web design. These businesses help generate over 250 jobs a year, and lead to high-wage, permanent opportunities for young adults in multiple industries.
Hopeworks’ unique combination has led to extraordinary results, with over 90% of young adults earning high-wage jobs at the end of their work experience with Hopeworks, and a 12-month retention rate of over 92% at those jobs. Young adults entering Hopeworks are typically earning an average of $286 per year and after going through the training program, they have the opportunity to make a livable and comfortable wage, earning over $43,000 annually.
Media Contact:
Red Thread PR on behalf of Hopeworks
Gillian Scott: Gillian@redthreadpr.com
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