ActivateWork champions a diverse workforce through the IT and healthcare industries Last April 6, Governor Jared Polis applauded the work of ActivateWork in building and creating an ecosystem of talented workers. ActivateWork provides world-class technology training and credentials through its partner, Per Scholas, who has placed more than 15,000 IT professionals in 500-plus companies in 20 cities. “Colorado is facing challenges in hiring,” Polis said. “We need the right applicants for the right skills, for the right jobs.” ActivateWork’s mission is to help underserved individuals achieve their fullest potential through the dignity of work. Founded in 2016, the organization is dedicated to transforming ambition into lasting success by launching individuals into flourishing careers in IT and healthcare. About 89 percent of ActivateWork’s learners are low-income, and more than 20 percent live in extreme poverty when they enter this program,” said Helen Young Hayes, founder and CEO of ActivateWork. “Many come from lower-wage jobs in retail, hospitality, construction, or warehousing, while 10 percent are veterans and 70 percent are people of color, accounting for 30 percent women.” Hayes, who is Chinese American, shared during her speech that talent can be found in underrepresented communities, but opportunities are not available, so ActivateWork provides that bridge to connections. As a champion of workforce development, Polis served as the keynote speaker for “Elevating Colorado’s Economy by Launching Tech Careers.” He discussed the state’s immediate needs for economic mobility. Last June, Governor Polis signed two bills that invested $75 million to uplift Colorado’s workforce training programs and expand access to all interested in pursuing apprenticeship pathways. “This work is a step up to the visions on how everyone can thrive,” Polis said. In addition to graduates, employer-partners like PING Identity and Bank of America are growing a strategic and diverse technology talent pool through registered cybersecurity apprenticeships. As ActivateWork builds additional training for IT courses, the goal is to pave the way to economic mobility and prosperity for low-wage earners from underrepresented and underserved communities. For more information about ActivateWork, visit ActivateWork.org.
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May 2022 | On Scene
Photos and article by Annie Guo VanDan
Governor Jared Polis addresses the importance of workforce development.
Helen Hayes, founder and CEO of ActivateWork, welcomes the audience.
A panel, moderated by Jesse Ogas of 9News speak to the importance of a diverse workforce.
