Learner Voice Series: E.J. Garcia
In this series, Michelle Cheang, director of Catalyze, sat down with alumni and current participants of Catalyze-supported career-connected learning programs. Through in-depth conversations, Michelle and the learners discuss their experiences, growth and career goals.
In the following videos, we'll hear directly from EJ Garcia, a learner at Hopeworks, about how he has developed his career readiness, self-efficacy and self-awareness.
E.J. is an intern at Hopeworks, where he works in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). A resident of Philadelphia, EJ. joined Hopeworks to gain valuable work experience and to explore his future career options. EJ plans to attend the Community College of Philadelphia to study music production and pursue his passion for music.
Hopeworks uses technical training, healing and entrepreneurship to transform lives for high school students in Camden, N.J. and neighboring Philadelphia. Hopeworks not only provides training resources for young adults, some of whom may not have completed high school, but also provides trauma-informed care and helps place them into economically fulfilling employment opportunities in their communities.
To provide a real-world experience, Hopeworks runs three social enterprises focused on web design, revenue cycle management and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Their businesses provide technology solutions that help clients achieve their goals while training and employing young adults in high-demand, high-wage careers.
Let's dive deeper into the real-world impact that programs like these have on our young people's futures.
