Hopeworks Receives $1 Million Investment from The Switchpoint Foundation

Announces new Skilled Trades Workforce Initiative to prepare the next generation of skilled workers

Camden, NJ – September 18, 2026 – Hopeworks, a social enterprise advancing economic mobility through technology training and workforce development, is honored to announce a $1 million investment from Scott Bentley and the Switchpoint Foundation, a philanthropic foundation seeking transformational and lasting change in the region – as well as the launch of its Skilled Trades Workforce Initiative.

These announcements were made September 17 at Hopeworks’ Camden headquarters during an event that brought together regional employers, workforce leaders, philanthropy, government officials and Hopeworks young adults to discuss the future of the skilled workforce.

The $1 million investment from the Switchpoint Foundation will fuel Hopeworks’ new Skilled Trades Workforce Initiative, supporting training and career pathways for young adults in high- demand industries and strengthening Hopeworks’ broader efforts to prepare the next generation of skilled workers and help employers access skilled talent.

“I’ve been involved with Hopeworks for a few years now, including on their board. During that time, I’ve been impressed with the transformation they make with young adults that want to enter the workforce, but do not have the background or skills,” said Scott Bentley, President of the Switchpoint Foundation. “The opportunity in the trades right now is incredible, and I’ve advocated for broadening opportunities for those who prefer to work with their hands in high- paid, high-demand jobs like those we are focusing on today. I believe everyone will benefit from these efforts, and the Switchpoint Foundation is proud to assist. Hopeworks plan for the trades is well thought out and will succeed where others have not.”

Hopeworks’ expanded Skilled Trades Workforce Initiative will train the next generation of skilled workers for careers in high-demand industries, with a focus on connecting young adults to careers pathways in manufacturing, construction, water utilities and medical assisting.

The initiative is being shaped with direct input from regional employers and workforce partners, helping ensure participants develop the practical experience needed to enter in- demand fields. Programming will include hands-on training, career preparation and opportunities to build the skills needed to launch sustainable careers. Participating employers and workforce partners include Virtua, New Jersey American Water, Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Jingoli and Girl Concrete.

“This moment represents an exciting step forward for Hopeworks, as well as for the young people and employers we serve,” said Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks. “We know employers across the region need skilled talent, and young people deserve access to the training, experience and connections that can lead to lasting careers. By expanding our work in the skilled trades and strengthening our partnerships with employers, we can help build those pathways while creating a stronger workforce for the region.”

The effort builds on Hopeworks’ broader workforce development model, which combines training, paid work experience and employer connections to help young adults transition into sustainable careers. Hopeworks has also recently expanded into Newark, New Jersey, where it is working with employers and local partners to address emerging talent gaps and connect young adults with career opportunities.

Together, the investment and expanded programming strengthen Hopeworks’ ability to respond to the evolving needs of young adults and employers across the region, while reinforcing the importance of creating greater access to skills, experience and career opportunities.

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. This year, these businesses will help generate 250 jobs across Camden, Philadelphia, and Newark, leading to living-wage, permanent job opportunities for young adults across varied industries. In Newark, Hopeworks looks to close emerging talent gaps as experienced workers retire—deploying a pipeline of tech-enabled, operationally skilled professionals ready to contribute from day one.

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 94% at those jobs. 99% of young adults entering Hopeworks are unemployed, but after going through the training program, they have the opportunity to make
a livable and comfortable wage, earning over $46,000 annually.

Media Contact:
Linda Rosenblum
Red Thread PR on behalf of Hopeworks
linda@redthreadpr.com