Hopeworks is a nonprofit focused on recoding the future of Camden through technology and entrepreneurship. Hopeworks has completed the first phase of a large project with Tennessee American Water. The Hopeworks GIS team was hired by Tennessee American Water to interpret records and populate them into American Water’s ArcGIS. Interpretation included recording the attributes of service line material, date of installation, diameter, and premise number.
“We’re proud that our GIS team at Hopeworks has once again proved they provide high-quality work that is worth investing in,” shared Dan Rhoton, executive director for Hopeworks. “As the GIS industry grows, our youth have shown through their work they have the skills to match professional engineers already in the field.”
Previously, the Hopeworks GIS team worked with New Jersey American Water on several projects. From field work such as locating water distribution features by using GPS technology, to interpreting and logging data into their GIS system, Hopeworks has a strong partnership with American Water.
“After speaking with colleagues at New Jersey American Water, I learned about Hopeworks and felt like there was an opportunity for a partnership to accomplish our goals,” said Tennessee American Water GIS Supervisor Megan Catalina. “I am impressed by the quality of work performed by these young people. And with COVID-19 working circumstances, the effort can continue, as it is performed remotely.”
Hopeworks employs 18 youth associates in its GIS department. The team members are young people between the ages of 17-25 who live in Camden and the surrounding area. Led by Hopeworks GIS Director, Luis Oliveri, the GIS team works with businesses to improve organizational efficiency, deploy valuable resources, and enable data-driven decisions. By employing and educating local youth, Hopeworks provides life-changing opportunities where their tech skills allow them to build strong futures and break the cycle of poverty in their community, said officials.
For more information about Hopeworks, please visit www.hopeworks.org or follow on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. If interested in working with Hopeworks, please contact Dan Rhoton at dan@hopeworks.org.