CURRICULUM

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The heart of the Hopeworks program is technology training.  Youth learn state-of-the art computer applications: web site design, geographic information services (GIS), computer networking and repair, and video.

Our Day Training Program is held Monday through Friday from 9 – 3:30.  Each youth participates in our technology training as well as our Literacy and Formation programs.  The typical timeline is that after 3 months, a youth will have the skills to apply for a job with us and also test at a level to enroll in entry level college courses.  Once this level has been achieved, youth can continue to work and train at Hopeworks as long as they are continuing their college education. 

Our program has five progressive training levels.  Trainees begin with basic training in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), which is the computer language used in web design. They then advance to intermediate training and learn ­the graphic design programs PhotoShop and ImageReady, as well as Advanced HTML. Next, they develop their own personal web sites and present them to their trainers and peers.  Finally, they must complete a challenging production test in order to qualify for work in one of our businesses. 

Youth interested in our Geographic Information Systems (GIS) business get additional training in GIS, Java Script, Adobe Illustrator and Google Maps. Click here for more information about GIS.

As all trainees progress through the program, they also earn college credits for their Hopeworks training through a partnership with Camden County College. For example, they earn three college credits for completing the basic HTML training program and another three for completing their personal web sites. Then, in the advanced training tracks, they can earn up to nine more college credits.

Throughout 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. 

The Hopeworks Training Program

Basic Training	Internet Basics and HTML 1 - Introduction to the Internet, networks and HyperText Markup Language.
Intermediate	Photoshop and ImageReady training, HTML 2.
Personal Web Site	Using the skills learned, youth build a complete web site of their own design.
Production Test	Web Director administers the test; often trainees need two or three tries to advance.
Advanced Training	Web: JavaScript, PHP, Illustrator.
GIS	JavaScript, GIS 1 & 2, Google Maps.

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