Hopeworks, a social enterprise advancing economic mobility through technology training and workforce development, today announced its expansion into Newark, New Jersey, marking a significant step in extending its proven model to one of the country’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving cities.
The organization is now actively operating in Newark, working with local partners, employers, and community organizations to connect young adults with career pathways in technology and other high-growth fields. A permanent facility is currently in development and is expected to open at 550 Broad Street in Newark in September 2026.
“Newark is a city defined by momentum, talent and opportunity,” said Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks. “We’re proud to be here now, working alongside an already strong and deeply connected community to help more young adults access the kinds of careers that can change the trajectory of their lives.”
Investing in Newark’s Future Workforce
The expansion is supported in part by a $650,000 strategic investment from The Hg Foundation. This backing underscores both the strength of Hopeworks’ outcomes and the growing opportunities within Newark’s workforce and innovation ecosystem.
“Hopeworks’ track record of translating training into lasting careers, combined with Newark’s thriving innovation ecosystem was compelling,” said Stefanie Raiola, director at The Hg Foundation and a member of Hopeworks’ Newark Advisory Board. “As AI, cyber, and other emerging software technologies reshape the workforce, cities like Newark – with their depth of talent and institutional commitment – are where the most meaningful impact can happen. Hopeworks has built a model that consistently delivers real economic mobility, and bringing it to Newark is exactly the kind of investment we believe can shape what inclusive opportunity looks like at scale.”
Building on Newark’s Existing Strengths
Hopeworks’ new facility is bridging the critical gap between training and long-term career success – complementing and strengthening Newark’s existing network of workforce, education and community organizations. To fuel this expansion, Hopeworks is building a team to lead programming in the city that brings together tech industry leadership, experienced educators and government workforce experts.
“Newark already has the foundation: world-class institutions, committed employers and an ecosystem that is deeply invested in its young people,” said Jheryn Kenney, regional executive director of Hopeworks Newark. “Our role is to support and build on that by connecting more young adults to opportunities and ensuring that pathways into the workforce lead to lasting success.”
Hopeworks will continue to grow its presence in Newark in the coming months, with plans to deepen partnerships and elevate local success stories ahead of the formal facility opening in September. Together with community leaders, employers and partners like The Hg Foundation, the organization is working to help ensure that Newark’s continued growth translates into meaningful, accessible opportunities for the next generation of talent.
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 have helped generate over 250 jobs a year across Camden and Philadelphia, leading to living-wage, permanent opportunities for young adults in multiple 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 92% 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 $43,000 annually.
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 USA and Europe where it can demonstrate measurable, long-term, and scalable impact and make a difference to those that need it most. To date, it has committed ~$50m to programmes that will reach over 80,000 young people and adults from under-represented backgrounds. The Foundation’s work is solely funded by Hg – a leading investor in European and transatlantic software and services businesses. The Hg Foundation is registered charity no. 1189216. Find out more at thehgfoundation.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260505628884/en/
Media gallery
