Hopeworks works with youth ages 14-23, both who are in school and those who are not.  We have designed programs that fit the schedules, needs and D.R.E.A.M.S. of our youth.  It is essential to understand that we do not have students at school. We are not a school.  Rather, we have "trainees" who are engaged in a training curriculum. THe reason that these distinctions are so crucial to our program is a pedagogical one.  Our motto is "Learning To Learn."  By this, a Hopeworks' trainee learns how to learn on their own, developing essential skills so that allow them to progress through the Hopeworks curriculum.  Youth learn to solve their own problems, using the resources that are available to them--namely, other youth, the curriculum, books and the Internet.  This type of learning is contrary to what our youth experience in their schooling. where pedagogically they have adopted stance of "being filled up" by an adult with answers.  Hopeworks seeks to break this learning model. It is our goal that a youth who has attended our program will be more independt in their learning and move forward with confidence in their future knowing that what they need to learn, they will be able to learn.