On February 10th, Hope Builders gathered trainees, graduates, and their loved ones to recognize important milestones achieved by young adults preparing for careers in construction and healthcare. The Advancement Ceremony highlighted progress made along the Student Journey from August to December 2025, and honored the dedication required to build both technical expertise and professional confidence….

Hope Builders is pleased to announce the election of its new Executive Committee, appointed in February 2026 to uphold the organization’s accountability, mission, and long-term sustainability. Under their leadership, Hope Builders continues to strengthen workforce pathways across Orange County, connecting young adults with meaningful careers and helping employers access the skilled talent they need to…

Hope Builders’ Construction Training Program trainees recently had the opportunity to gain firsthand experience during two on-site build days with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. On both days, participants worked alongside Habitat for Humanity framing the first floor of a new multi-unit housing project. For many, it was their first time working on an…

For Hope Builders trainees, New Year’s resolutions are not simply aspirations, but intentional commitments to building long-term stability and opportunity. For Emily, completing the Clinical Medical Assisting Program at the end of 2025 marked a major milestone, but her vision reaches even further. “I would like to be financially independent without relying on anyone for…

Hope Builders recently hosted its Annual Investor’s Breakfast—an inspiring morning celebrating the impact of our work today and the vision guiding our future. Executive Director Shawna Smith shared an update on how Hope Builders is advancing its mission by accomplishing the following over the most recently completed fiscal year: Transformations that Inspire Martha, Carlos and…

Hope Builders is grateful to the Ceres Foundation. Their grant support helps drive real impact and encourages continuous improvement of our training model. With their partnership, we are strengthening our framework to ensure trainee completion rates continue to rise and that more graduates secure and retain employment in career pathways that offer long-term economic mobility….

Corporate volunteers play an important role at Hope Builders, preparing young adults to step confidently into the workforce through mock interviews and speed networking sessions. By sharing their real-world expertise and offering constructive feedback, volunteers help trainees refine their communication, strengthen their professional presence, and build the connections that open doors to career-launching opportunities. Their…

Hope Builders is honored to recognize Banc of California for their dedication to empowering young adults. For more than a decade, their partnership with Hope Builders has created opportunities for success for young people who are disconnected from the workforce, helping them gain the tools and confidence to build meaningful careers and achieve financial stability….