In a bright room at Hopeworks Kensington, young adults sit at computers learning to code, build websites and prepare for careers many once thought were out of reach.
Some come in unsure of what to expect. Tamaya Temple studied criminal justice in college and worked in sales before joining Hopeworks. A friend told her the program offered training in coding and digital skills.
“I heard it was coding and editing,” Temple said.
Since joining the program in July, Temple has learned coding, web design and communication skills. She has also practiced speaking in front of large groups.
Hopeworks is a nonprofit that helps young adults ages 17 to 26 who are out of work or looking for a career path. It offers paid training, career support and real work experience to help participants move into full-time jobs.
The organization started in Camden, New Jersey, and opened its Kensington location in 2022 at the corner of Kensington Avenue and J Street. It later added a site in Newark. Each location serves young adults who face barriers to finding work.
Participants begin with training that blends tech skills and job readiness. They learn computer skills, communication and public speaking, and they earn a daily stipend while they train.
After passing a readiness test, participants move into paid jobs earning $15 to $16 an hour. Hopeworks also runs businesses in web design and mapping, giving participants paid work experience before they move into jobs outside the program. Participants typically stay at Hopeworks for 10 to 12 months before moving into entry-level jobs outside the program.
The program also connects participants with help for housing, food, mental health and documents such as IDs. For those who did not finish high school, Hopeworks offers GED support.
Dan Krause, senior director of sales and marketing at Hopeworks, said the Kensington site was chosen so people from across Philadelphia could reach it easily.
“We felt like we could have a really positive impact here,” Krause said.
The site is near the Market-Frankford Line, and Hopeworks pays for transit to help remove transportation barriers.
Krause started as a teacher in Philadelphia public schools before moving into corporate sales. He joined Hopeworks in 2019.
“What we do is build a foundation,” Krause said. “We provide training, resources and work experience so young adults are ready for the workforce.”
About 35% of Hopeworks staff members are former participants. Anthony Cole joined as a trainee in 2023 to build his tech skills. He later got a job at a tech company, then returned to Hopeworks as a training room lead. He now manages 20 to 25 trainees.
Cole said he was unsure about the program at first, but changed his mind when he saw participants find work.
“When you see results, that’s what makes you trust it,” Cole said.
Graduates move into entry-level jobs with starting salaries over $43,000 a year, according to Krause.
Career adviser Rick Thomas helps participants plan their next steps. He tracks job trends, connects trainees with employers and guides them through the job search.
“Not everyone is built to go to college or knows exactly what they want to do,” Thomas said. “Sometimes people just need a place to build skills and figure themselves out.”
That support helped Cole find direction, and now he shares that same sense of purpose with trainees like Temple. “Always keep the end goal in mind and remember why you came here and don’t let certain things block you,” he said.
Hopeworks says young adults interested in the program can apply to become trainees through its website.
