Hopeworks gives Camden youth real hope. It gives them the technical skills, personal formation, work experience, and self-confidence they need to get and keep really good jobs. It also helps some become community leaders who, among other things, sell our program to prospective trainees better than anyone else possibly could.

The foundation of our program is a two-phase advanced technology-training program.

Phase 1: Basic Training
Basic training runs eight to ten weeks and gives trainees a working understanding of computer basics, HTML, and graphics programs like Adobe PhotoShop and Adobe ImageReady. Trainees also learn what the Internet is and how to use it. They manage computer files, receive email, understand networks, and use online project management programs. They complete Phase 1 by developing their own personal web site and presenting it formally to their peers and staff members.

Phase 2: Advanced Training & Production
Trainees choose either the web development curriculum or the GIS curriculum. Both curricula provide training in project management software, FTP programs, and database management techniques.

The web development curriculum also covers:

		advanced HTML
		cascading style sheets (CSS)
		JavaScript
		Flash
		PHP and ASP scripting
		servers
		networking

The GIS curriculum also covers:

		GIS Concepts
		ESRI ArcGIS 8.0
		ESRI ArcPad
		Microsoft PowerPoint
		database administration (Microsoft Access and MYSQL)
		ESRI ArcIMS (Internet Map Server)

Production work:
In Phase 2, both the web development curriculum and the GIS curriculum combine standard classroom-type training with production work for paying clients. That immerses trainees in real-life situations that classroom training can't simulate. It helps them develop the work habits, attitudes, and composure they'll need to succeed out there in the real world.

Working with customers also gives them the sense of accomplishment that comes from producing web sites and maps that clients pay for and use enthusiastically.

Earning a salary:
Trainees in production earn a salary, calculated based on the quality of their work and their productivity. That provides financial incentive for them to do high-quality work efficiently. It also gives them added incentive to work a regular schedule-six hours a day when doing production work for clients.

Workplace preparation:
Thoughout our program, we concentrate on the skills that trainees will need to get internships and permanent jobs and to further their education. Work-related skills include basic dependability, ability to work as a team member, and ability to manage small project teams. We also help trainees develop the kinds of relationships with clients that could lead to internship offers from those clients when the trainees graduate. In addition, we are very aggressive in creating opportunities for our trainees to get their GED degrees and to take college courses.