The Hg Foundation, a grant-giving charity focused on improving tech education and skills, recently pledged a $1.2 million grant to Hopeworks, a Camden-based nonprofit helping young adults gain skills and valuable work experience needed to secure living-wage careers.
Hopeworks, which also has a location in Philadelphia, will use the Hg Foundation grant to expand its operations into Newark and one other metropolitan area on the East Coast. The announcement about the second location will be made after the details are finalized.
Founded in 1999, Hopeworks helps young adults overcome barriers to economic opportunity and build sustainable futures. Most participants do not have college degree and 99% are unemployed when they join the program. Young adults coming to Hopeworks have ambition and drive, often overcoming significant, systematic barriers as they work to change their lives.
Participants train in one of Hopeworks’ business areas, such as WebDesign, Geographic Information Services (GIS), or Data Analytics and Business. This is followed by six months of work experience with Hopeworks’ business arm, aligned with their area of training, before transitioning to long-term employment.
To date, Hopeworks has supported over 3,000 young adults. Among current cohorts, 95% secure employment within a year, with a significant increase of income.
The Hg Foundation’s $1.2 million grant over the next three years will enable the expansion of Hopeworks’ web design program in two new cities, funding approximately half of the projected growth in this training area. Key measures of impact will include the proportion of young adults securing long-term employment in tech and their income increase following the program.
A portion of the funding will also strengthen Hopeworks’ senior leadership capacity to ensure effective scaling. In addition, the Hg Foundation will contribute to data and impact measurement efforts, including exploring the potential for an independent evaluation.
“This partnership with The Hg Foundation is a game-changer for the young adults we serve, and expanding into new cities means we can reach even more individuals who are ready to transform their lives,” said Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks. “We are incredibly grateful for the Hg Foundation’s belief in our mission and their generous support. Their investment doesn’t just help us grow — it sends a powerful message to our young adults that they are seen, valued, and capable of building bright, sustainable futures.”
Robert Citrino, principal at Hg said the partnership with Hopeworks goes to the heart of the foundation’s commitment to provide career opportunities in STEM for those seeking to transform their lives.
“We are excited to support an organization that offers a high touch, high impact program as it scales into new regions, and we look forward to seeing further growth and success in the accessibility of careers in STEM,” Citrino said.
About The Hg Foundation
The Hg Foundation’s vision is that the tech workforce of the future harnesses the talents of all, regardless of background. It does this by supporting education and employment-based programs across the UK, USA, and Europe where it can demonstrate measurable, long-term, and scalable impact and make a difference to those that need it most. The Foundation’s work is solely funded by Hg – a leading investor in European and transatlantic software and services businesses. Find out more at thehgfoundation.com
About Hopeworks
Hopeworks is a nonprofit social enterprise that uses technology, trauma-informed care, and market-based businesses to transform lives. Young adults in Hopeworks’ program receive hard and soft skill training; career coaching; barrier reduction services (food, housing/mental health care referrals); academic support; and paid work experience in Hopeworks businesses. Over 99% of young adults (17-26) entering Hopeworks are unemployed. After completion, they earn over $44,000 annually, with a 12-month retention rate of over 90% in their jobs. Hopeworks is a registered 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization. Find out more at hopeworks.org
