The H.O.P.E. Project, Technology Career Training Program, Announces Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 11:00am.
Socially and economically disadvantaged young adults now prepared for entry level, well paying careers as information technology professionals.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Washington, DC, May 31, 2011:
The H.O.P.E. Project (Helping Other People Excel) is excited to announce the graduation of 13 young adults now prepared to compete in the Washington Metropolitan areas highly skilled workforce.
Raymond Bell is the founder of the H.O.P.E. Project, an unfunded unique career training program that prepares socially and economically disadvantaged young people for careers as Helpdesk and Application Support professionals. In 2009, he was inspired to start the training program out of frustration with the lack of quality career training for inner city young adults. As a result, this 9 month training program has prepared students, many without professional work experience and limited technical skills, to accept jobs with major corporations such as Hewlett Packard, the Department of Defense, Evolver, Battelle and other organizations.
The program has been remarkably successful without the assistance of federal or district financial support. The program is 100% volunteer. Many of the students live east of the river, where there is extreme poverty and high unemployment. Mr. Bell educates trains and inspires young people to pursue careers instead of jobs. The student success has moved them from government assistance to self sufficiency and independence. The program has proudly been featured in the Washington Post, NPR and the Steve Harvey Morning Show.
Graduation is a special day for any student, but it is particularly special for this group of young adults whose path to success is unusually challenging. Prior to enrolling in the program, all the students were unemployed or underemployed making $10 an hour or less. Mr. Bell has convinced young people, who in some cases had not finished high school, to invest 9 months in an evening training program to change their future. Some students have perfect attendance and all have attended 90% of all classes. Graduates will share their success stories and their vision for the future, highlighting this year’s theme, “HOPE is Real.”
About the H.O.P.E. Project:
The H.O.P.E. Project is a FREE information technology (IT) training program dedicated to providing technical training and certification, professional development and social coaching, for young adults ages 17-35. The IT training program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as Helpdesk and Application Support Professionals. The H.O.P.E. Project is an unfunded program located in Southeast, Washington, DC and exists solely with the help of volunteers. Classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the International Graduate University. For further information about the H.O.P.E. Project, contact:
Raymond Bell
Founder and Administrator
The H.O.P.E. Project
Founder and Administrator
The H.O.P.E. Project
International Graduate University
1325 D St. SE Washington DC 20003