Philadelphia, PA and Camden, NJ – July 31, 2025 – Hopeworks, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering young adults to establish living wage careers, announces the launch of state-of-the-art AI Innovation Hubs at both of their facilities located in Philadelphia and Camden. The initiative, made possible by an in-kind donation of a DellAI Factory with NVIDIA and expertise from Dell Technologies, is already shaping the future by equipping young professionals with the tools and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.
At the heart of the new AI Innovation Hub is a mission to transform bold ideas into real-world applications - quickly, affordably, and with purpose. Trained Hopeworks associates are now helping business clients implement practical AI tools that improve how teams operate - through automation, intelligent assistants, and content generation. With secure, scalable infrastructure from Dell including Dell PowerEdge servers, Dell PowerStore storage and Dell workstations, the AI Innovation Hub delivers business-focused solutions wherever data lives.
The Innovation Hubs deliver real business outcomes through:
- Custom digital assistants that use natural language processing to help teams locate information, make decisions, and complete tasks more efficiently
- Productivity tools that assist with email drafting, document summarization, and report generation - freeing teams from repetitive tasks
- Automated systems that monitor workflows, respond intelligently, and take action - saving time while increasing accuracy and consistency
“Dell Technologies’ generous contribution to establish the AI Innovation Hub isn’t just a promise for the future - it’s creating meaningful impact today,” said Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks. “Young adults are already using the AI-powered mock interview platform to gain confidence and sharpen communication skills, as well as supporting local businesses through data-driven insights. This partnership is proof of what’s possible when innovation meets purpose.”
Through the collaboration, Hopeworks has full access to Dell’s cutting-edge, AI-powered mock interview platform. This scalable system leverages digital assistants to simulate real job interview environments - offering learners a safe, supportive space to practice and improve. As a key partner, Hopeworks will help refine the platform, expanding its reach and maximizing its educational impact for Dell to make available to international communities.
“At Dell Technologies, we believe access to advanced technology, skills and support is key to communities keeping up with the pace of digital transformation. Our partnership with Hopeworks and the launch of their AI Innovation Hub is an example of what is possible when you innovate and co-create solutions to systemic problems,” said Carly Tatum, head of Giving & Impact, Dell Technologies. “Together, we are empowering young professionals with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to thrive in an AI-driven world, creating opportunities for today and the future.”
Hopeworks and Dell Technologies have been working closely since 2023 and the collaboration has already delivered transformative learning experiences, including:
- Participation in Dell Technologies World in Las Vegas, where Hopeworks youth demonstrated Dell's GenAI mock interview tool and engaged with tech leaders
- New grant support to fuel the expansion of Hopeworks' community AI skilling in Philadelphia
- Featured roles at the National Digital Inclusion Alliance's Net Inclusion Conference, where young professionals served as AI digital guides and delivered personalized demos of generative AI tools
- Active involvement at the Global Business Coalition for Education’s business luncheon during NY Climate Week, partnering with the Small Projects Foundation of Newlands, South Africa
"My experience working with Dell has been very fun and enlightening. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with them, and I will forever carry these experiences in my heart as I progress on my career journey,” said Caleb Kantarakias, AI Navigator at Hopeworks. “I am super excited for this new AI Hub at Hopeworks, and I strongly believe this will provide more opportunities for young professionals to grow and succeed in ways they might have never even considered before. I would like to thank the Dell team for everything they have done to support me and my fellow next-gen innovators. They have been so kind to me, and getting to work with them has been the highlight of my year!”
For more information about Hopeworks, please visit www.hopeworks.org and follow Hopeworks on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
For more information about Dell Technologies AI solutions visit www.dell.com/ai.
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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.
About Dell Technologies
Dell Technologies (NYSE: DELL) helps organizations and individuals build their digital future and transform how they work, live and play. The company provides customers with the industry’s broadest and most innovative technology and services portfolio for the AI era.
Media Contact:
Red Thread PR on behalf of Hopeworks
Katie Sciascia
katie@redthreadpr.com
201-577-4745