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BUILDING HOPE

Innovation Institute’s subsidiary completes first field internship for technology trainees

By Francine Marlenee     2/23/2018

Hope Builders, founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange in 1995, empowers disadvantaged young adults with the life skills and job training needed to achieve enduring personal and professional success. The project was a response to increasing gang violence, high youth unemployment, low high school graduation rates and rising teen pregnancy rates in Central Orange County. Each year Hope Builders serves more than 550 youth who are caught in this cycle of poverty and strives to help them achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. 

The Innovation Institute subsidiary Hospitality Business Network Solutions (HBNS), an IT management firm, has completed its first field internship for trainees of Hope Builders’ Information Technology Program. 

The 16-week intensive skills training program is provided through a collaboration between Santa Ana College Computer Science Department and Hope Builders. Participants complete the Help Desk Technician certification from Santa Ana College. 

The program prepares trainees for help desk technician, computer technician, network support specialist, and IT support specialist employment positions. Emphasis is placed on building professionalism, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills. A 4-week field internship follows classroom training. 

“We are pleased that HBNS was able to provide hands-on IT training to these promising students,” said Joe Randolph, Innovation Institute President and CEO. “It is great to be able to give back this way, and we wish them the best in their career endeavors.” 

“This program helps youth to realize their strengths and positively impact their futures,” said Larry Stofko, Hope Builders’ Board Member and Innovation Institute Executive Vice President. “We are grateful to all who support this important program.”