Spotlight On: Dan Rhoton, CEO, Hopeworks

Key points:

• Hopeworks is using AI to fast-track underserved youth into high-wage tech jobs, accelerating job readiness dramatically.
• •Expansion to Newark builds on its Camden and Philadelphia model, pairing trauma-informed care with workforce training.
• The long-term goal is placing 700 young adults annually into $50,000 careers, driving economic independence at scale.

February 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks, highlighted AI’s impact in accelerating job readiness for underserved youth. “It’s going to define workforce development,” Rhoton noted. With plans to expand to Newark, Hopeworks pairs trauma-informed care with tech training to help young adults secure stable, high-wage jobs.

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What recent changes or milestones have most impacted Hopeworks’ mission and operations?

At Hopeworks, we work to place young adults into life-changing jobs through technology. One of the biggest developments has been the integration of artificial intelligence. We’re seeing that our young adults, who typically enter at the ground level, are now performing at the level of professionals with three to 10 years of experience. It’s been incredibly impactful.

How would you describe the workforce development landscape in Camden and across New Jersey?

There’s a lot of potential. New Jersey has a robust and growing economy, but it also has significant pockets of poverty, including places like Newark, Camden, and Paterson. These cities are full of the talent businesses need. The challenge is connecting that talent with the right opportunities. As business continues to grow, we need to do a better job linking employers to the workforce that’s ready and waiting.

Are most of your partnerships based in Camden, or are you expanding across New Jersey?

Right now, we’re in Camden, we opened in Philadelphia in 2022, and we’ll be launching a Newark location in 2026. Our focus is still on underserved communities, and Newark is a natural fit.

How has economic revitalization in Camden supported your mission?

As businesses expand, they need to hire beyond their traditional networks. Many of our young adults may not have a college degree or a conventional background, but they are ready to work. The more the economy grows, the more opportunities there are for these young people.

Have you observed a trend of older individuals returning to education or training?

Not really. Most of the young adults we work with are ready to enter the workforce. We haven’t seen a significant interest in returning to higher education, either from our participants or the companies hiring them. The focus is on ability and readiness to work, not on degrees.

Have economic fluctuations had an impact on your work or the market you serve?

Not in a major way. We don’t accept federal funding, so we’re insulated from some of the larger shifts. Our young adults are still finding jobs, though economic uncertainty does make things harder. We’re looking forward to more stability in the broader economy.

What employment readiness trends have you observed recently?

AI is the biggest shift. It allows entry-level workers to perform at a much higher level quickly. For experienced professionals, AI can offer marginal gains, but for new workers, the improvement is transformational. It’s going to define workforce development for the next five years.

Hopeworks emphasizes trauma-informed care. How does this focus shape your outcomes?

It’s foundational. Our goal is to help young adults succeed in the workplace, and that’s only possible if they’re mentally and emotionally ready. Trauma-informed care means giving them tools to manage their emotions and face challenges head-on. It might sound complex, but it’s about making sure they’re prepared every day.

We use tools like safety plans, which help regulate emotions, and systems checks, which guide productive conversations around difficult topics. These tools help young adults deal with stress and conflict, which are critical skills for any job.

What key partnerships help support your mission?

We partner with employers who hire our young adults and with organizations that provide housing, food access, and mental health services. We can’t do everything ourselves, so strong partnerships are essential.

Do you work with higher education institutions as part of your programming?

While we value those institutions, our young adults are typically not best served by that path. Many have found that school hasn’t worked well for them in the past. Our focus is on getting them into the workforce as efficiently as possible.

Hopeworks also works with geographic information systems (GIS). How has that evolved?

We provide digital mapping and data analytics for clients nationwide. For example, we’re helping the Philadelphia Airport track tree growth and assisting Camden with streetlight functionality mapping. We use tech not just for innovation, but to genuinely improve people’s lives.

Do you have concerns around cybersecurity or data protection in your work?

Keeping data secure and accessible only to the right people is a top priority. We have strong protocols in place and haven’t faced any significant threats. It’s something we’re always focused on.

What are the top challenges and opportunities in serving Camden and the broader New Jersey region?

The biggest opportunity is helping people move from dependency to independence. That means connecting them to jobs that offer stability, benefits, and the ability to support themselves and their families.

What is the main challenge young people face when entering the workforce?

Social capital. They have the drive and ambition, but they don’t always know what jobs are out there or who’s hiring. One of the most important things we do is make those connections, opening doors and building relationships that help them grow.

What are Hopeworks’ top priorities for the next three to five years?

By 2030, we aim to place 700 young adults into jobs each year. At an average salary of $50,000, that’s $35 million in wages going back into the community annually. That’s our vision, and we’re on our way to making it happen.

Want more? Read the Invest: New Jersey report.