Alumni Spotlight: Fredrick Delehoy

Graduate of the IT Support & Security Fundamentals Course (2025‑DEN‑06 Cohort)

ActivateWork and The Colorado Health Foundation Align Visions to Drive Equity and Prosperity for Coloradans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tassi Keith, Keeton PR, [email protected], 308-539-1883

DENVER, Colo. – March 12, 2026 – ActivateWork, a nonprofit workforce development organization committed to creating pathways to upward mobility through tech careers, received a $250,000 grant from The Colorado Health Foundation to help continue its mission of revolutionizing the tech workforce ecosystem and increasing economic opportunity for individuals in Colorado.

This investment will enable ActivateWork to provide tuition-free tech training, career and life-skills coaching, and job-placement support for hundreds of Coloradans facing barriers to high-growth careers—while modernizing curricula (including AI) and expanding employer-aligned pathways that lead to quality jobs and millions in increased earnings and economic impact. 

“With aligned visions of investing in solutions and policies that drive equity and prosperity, we are honored to receive this donation from The Colorado Health Foundation to help us continue serving Coloradans in a meaningful way,” said Helen Young Hayes, Founder and CEO of ActivateWork. “This grant enables us to continue offering tuition-free technology training and expand our offerings, serving Coloradans who haven’t had access or have faced barriers to traditional education and employment pathways.” 

ActivateWork’s programs are designed to close the opportunity gap by connecting talented individuals from often-overlooked talent pools with employers seeking highly skilled candidates. The organization’s unique model combines no-cost technical training, professional skills coaching, and employer partnerships to ensure long-term success for both learners and hiring companies. 

“We recognize that economic well-being is necessary to live a healthy life,” said Emilie Ellis, senior program officer at The Colorado Health Foundation. “ActivateWork’s efforts to expand pathways into quality tech careers and advance more equitable employment systems are helping unlock talent, strengthen communities, and create opportunity that benefits both individuals and the broader economy.” 

About ActivateWork

ActivateWork is a talent solutions organization that transforms high-potential individuals into highly skilled, valuable team members. A unique combination of rigorous recruiting, industry-driven training, curated matches, and professional skills coaching prepares new employees to thrive in their careers.

To learn more and donate your time, voice, or resources to support workforce development, visit activatework.org/support.

About The Colorado Health Foundation

The Colorado Health Foundation is a statewide philanthropic organization that champions the overall health and well-being of every Coloradan by advocating for and investing in solutions and policies that drive health equity and racial justice. Every day, the Foundation collaborates with organizations and communities across the state to break down the many systemic inequities that stand in the way of health. Learn more at www.coloradohealth.org. 

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Starting a new career in tech can feel like a leap—especially if you’re balancing bills, family responsibilities, or a job search that’s gone nowhere fast.  

Maybe you’re worried about money while you’re training. 

Maybe it’s been a while since you were last in a classroom. 

Maybe you’ve applied for dozens (or hundreds) of jobs and heard nothing but crickets. 

At ActivateWork, we’re more than a bootcamp provider. We pair tuition-free technical training with employer-informed learning, career coaching, and holistic support—so you’re not just learning tech skills—You’re building the confidence, momentum, and support system that set you up for success in your first role and beyond.  

Here’s what that really looks like. 

Financial Support So You Can Focus on Learning 

We know that bills don’t pause just because you’re in school. That’s why ActivateWork offers wraparound financial supports to help remove stress while you train. 

• 0% interest living‑expense loans to help cover essentials like rent, utilities, transportation, or childcare—with the option to defer repayment until you land your first tech role 

• Financial coaching and literacy support so you can navigate the complexities of benefits packages and build healthy money habits for the long term 

• SNAP recipients may qualify for extra support through the Colorado Employment First Program, including help with essentials like transportation, childcare, and other training-related needs 

• Referrals to additional supportive services if you’re facing barriers outside the classroom 

Our goal is simple: make it possible for you to show up, stay focused, and finish strong. 

Access to the Tools You Need 

Not everyone has the latest laptop or access to a quiet workspace—and that shouldn’t stop you from building a career. 

• Loaner laptops are available to learners who need them, from day one of training through job attainment  

• Hybrid learning options combine remote technical training with in‑person professional development and community building 

• Access to quiet workspaces and free Wi-Fi at our office, should you need it 

If technology or access has ever held you back, we work with you to solve it. 

A Dedicated Career Coach from Day One 

At ActivateWork, you’re never just a name on a roster. 

Every learner is paired with a dedicated career coach who supports you throughout your journey—during training and after graduation. 

Your coach helps with: 

• Setting goals and staying accountable 

• Building confidence and professional habits 

• Navigating challenges during training 

• Preparing for job search and interviews 

And unlike many programs, coaching doesn’t stop at graduation. Our top-notch Talent Solutions team will help you polish your resume, send you job openings tailored to your skillset and goals, and connect you with our network of employer partners. 

We’ve got your back right through onboarding at your new job, to ensure you’re set up for success from day one of your new career. 

Hands‑On Job Search Support 

Landing your first tech job can be one of the hardest steps—and we’re built for that moment. 

You’ll get practical, step‑by‑step support with: 

• Resume and cover letter development 

• LinkedIn and professional branding 

• Mock interviews and interview prep 

• Networking strategies and employer engagement 

We don’t just tell you to “apply and hope.” We help you prepare, practice, and stand out. 

Smarter Job Matching with AI Tools 

ActivateWork uses AI‑powered job matching tools to help you: 

• Identify roles that align with your skills 

• Tailor your resume and cover letter 

• Increase interview opportunities 

• Adapt to a fast‑changing tech job market 

The technology you’re learning shouldn’t just stay in the classroom—it should work for you, too. 

Tuition‑Free, Industry‑Aligned Training 

ActivateWork’s tuition‑free technical training is powered by Per Scholas, a national leader in tech workforce education for over 30 years. Curriculum is built with employer input—so you’re not just learning theory, but developing the practical skills and hands-on experience needed for high-demand entry‑ and mid‑level tech roles.  

You’ll also: 

• Earn industry‑recognized certifications like CompTIA A+ and Security+ 

• Train for roles that employers are actively hiring for 

• Get lifetime access to free technical upskilling courses after graduation so you can keep your skills sharp as industry needs evolve 

Learning doesn’t stop when the program ends—and neither does our support. 

Training That Builds Confidence, Not Just Skills 

Technical skills matter—but employers also want team members who can communicate, collaborate, and grow. 

That’s why professional (durable) skills are woven throughout the program, including: 

• Communication and teamwork 

• Giving and receiving feedback 

• Critical thinking and problem solving 

• Career navigation and workplace success 

• Lifelong learning, curiosity, and cultivating a growth mindset 

These are the skills that help you succeed on the job and move up once you’re there. 

Support That Continues After You Get the Job 

Getting hired is a big milestone—but it’s not the finish line. You’ll have access to up to a year of post‑placement coaching, helping you: 

• Navigate your first few weeks on the job 

• Build confidence in a professional environment 

• Prepare for promotions or next‑step roles 

• Stay connected to the ActivateWork alumni community 

So, you’re not just landing a job—you’re building a career. 

A Community That Has Your Back 

When you join ActivateWork, you become part of a supportive community of: 

• Fellow learners navigating similar challenges alongside you 

• Coaches and staff who care deeply about your success 

• Alumni who’ve been where you are—and made it through 

We won’t sugarcoat it—ActivateWork’s programs are challenging. But you won’t go through it alone. From your first info session to your final onboarding, you’ll have an entire team of coaches, instructors, and peers to cheer you on and help you stay on track. 

Many of our most successful graduates say that going through this process gave them confidence—not just in their tech skills, but in their ability to do hard things and stay the course. 

If you can do this, you can do anything—and we believe in you.

Denver-area software developers and training organizations scramble to adjust as AI and tech industry changes reshape the job market.

By Jackson Guilfoil – Reporter, Denver Business Journal
January 15, 2026

“Learn to code,” one of the tech industry’s most dogmatic mantras, is dead at its creator’s hands. Now, the labor market is demanding additional skills.

In Colorado, workforce training programs that used to get people without computer science degrees into well-paying software engineering roles have changed paths. Now the demand has shifted more to cybersecurity and development operations, a field integrating software development with IT functions. The change means programs built to get people from nontraditional backgrounds into high-salary technology jobs are making significant changes to their curriculum.

One organization, ActivateWork, will not offer training in software engineering during this year’s 15-week boot camps.

It’s a necessary change, because now is an especially brutal time to be a job seeker in the field, said Kathryn Harris, ActivateWork’s president and chief operating officer.

“You’ve got less jobs in software development, you got a lot more people on the market,” looking for work, Harris said. “So it’s totally crowding out our college graduates, let alone more challenging for the people that we have been training in software development.”

Overhiring before the pandemic and layoffs pushing skilled and experienced talent back into the market have coincided with a radical shift in how entry-level jobs in the profession are performed — namely the use of AI to automate significant parts of basic software coding. Those trends have combined to make landing a job in software development more difficult, ending years in which the tech industry promoted the profession as a pathway to surefire employment in high-paying jobs for almost anyone.

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This is a brief excerpt of a longer article that includes industry insights from ActivateWork President & COO Kathryn Harris, as well as quotes from ActivateWork graduate Juan Marquez about his experience with the program and the meteoric trajectory of his tech career. Read the full article here.

The Business Challenge: Scaling a Growing Software Team

Kanso Software provides a platform used by tribal and public housing authorities to manage funds from government block grants, including everything from tenant data to accounting and maintenance workflows. With its large customer base, its team relies heavily on technical employees to keep mission-critical systems running, including roles in software development, quality assurance, data operations, customer support, and sales.

As the company expanded from a team of five software developers to 35, spread across various departments, it reached a critical moment in its growth and sought a reliable and scalable way to build its technical workforce. Its cloud platform was rapidly expanding, but its talent pipeline wasn’t keeping up.

Addressing Junior and Mid-Level Developer Gaps During Rapid Growth

The team had long relied on senior developers hired through traditional recruiting channels and internal recommendations. However, these hires often came with preconceived notions and struggled to adapt to the company’s way of building software.

Several senior departures and an unexpected leadership loss created a sudden gap, forcing developers to move into higher positions and leaving mid-level developers stretched thin, punching above their weight.

At the same time, entry-level developers moved into the mid-level category and left vacancies in entry-level positions. In these entry-level roles, Kanso needed developers who were eager, hungry, and open to learning the company’s processes rather than replacing them.

They needed junior talent who could grow into the future of the organization.

Partnering With ActivateWork to Build a Local, Skills-Driven Talent Pipeline

Bonding over a shared purpose to invest in homegrown talent and address gaps in access to opportunity, Kanso’s CEO Doug Chapiewsky met ActivateWork’s CEO Helen Young Hayes as part of a business group connecting on this goal. From the very first introductions, ActivateWork felt different. ActivateWork came to the table with individuals who were humble, curious, and deeply motivated to build careers in tech. These candidates didn’t arrive with prior workflows and biases. They came ready to learn, ready to contribute, and ready to earn their place on the team.

Developers Who Asked Better Questions—and Built Better Solutions

Coming from varied backgrounds, some outside of tech, these new candidates provided a refreshing perspective that challenged the team through their genuine desire to understand the reasoning and improve their own thinking by asking questions like, “Why do we do it that way?”

Soft skills also stood out immediately to hiring managers: professionalism, communication, resilience, and a willingness to put in the extra work were front and center. And because many came from non-traditional backgrounds, they brought a wider range of perspectives that helped the team better understand customer challenges and build more intuitive solutions.

From Entry-Level to High-Impact Contributors

These two early hires from ActivateWork quickly became powerful examples of what the ActivateWork model could deliver.

One joined in a support-focused role but made it clear he dreamed of becoming a developer. He spent months self-studying outside of work, shadowing developers, and volunteering for technical tasks until he eventually earned a full-time spot on the development team, where he continues to excel today.

Another arrived recently as an immigrant with an entirely different career background, yet his intelligence, drive, and attention to customer pain points allowed him to grow into one of the team’s most capable full-stack developers.

Both stories became proof of concept in the power of ActivateWork’s talent pipeline possibilities: given opportunity and mentorship, ActivateWork graduates not only succeed—they have become standout contributors at Kanso.

“Not only has he delivered exceptional quality, but he also has a keen understanding of customer pain points and has effectively addressed them.”

From the Engineering Team: What Made These Developers Different

“Our very first ActivateWork hire has been exceptionally bright. He holds both a bachelor’s and master’s in non-technical fields, and has taught English in Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Palestine, Russia, and Slovakia,” said Josh Blair, Lead Development Engineer at Kanso Software. “Right before joining ActivateWork, he worked as a Math Fellow in Denver Public Schools. He brings a strong “customer-first” mentality to our team, consistently reminding us to prioritize the needs of those we serve.”

“I met our second ActivateWork hire while speaking to a cohort within the organization. Right away, I could see his determination to succeed—he was highly engaged and genuinely excited about our company and the opportunities for growth,” said Blair.

“I knew all he needed was a chance. Now, he is hands-down one of our best front-end developers. He’s also expanded his skills to become a full-stack developer and has taken the lead on our mobile apps—projects that others were hesitant to tackle. Not only has he delivered exceptional quality, but he also has a keen understanding of customer pain points and has effectively addressed them.”

How Nontraditional Career Paths Strengthened Kanso’s Engineering Culture

Over time, these hires helped shift the entire culture of the development organization. Instead of battling the tension that sometimes came with senior-level recruits, the company began building a team defined by openness, curiosity, and collaboration. Perhaps most importantly, the company established a dependable long-term talent pipeline with candidates who were genuinely interested in what they were doing and had the desire to keep learning.

“These candidates are adaptable, highly motivated, and fully open to learning how your company does its work. They come at technology from a different, refreshing perspective. They don’t just fill roles—they elevate teams.

Why Colorado Software Companies Are Rethinking How They Hire Technical Talent

Looking back, Blair describes the partnership with ActivateWork not as a transactional hiring channel but as a true investment in its future. “ActivateWork took the time to understand our organization, prepare candidates holistically, and stayed committed to each hire’s success long after they joined the team.”

“For any hiring manager that may be hesitant about bringing on talent from non-traditional pathways, I would challenge your thinking,” said Blair. “These candidates come without any previous work that might contradict the way you do things, are adaptable, highly motivated, and fully open to learning how your company does its work. They come at technology from a different, refreshing perspective. They don’t just fill roles—they elevate teams.”

Denver talent solutions organization joins a highly selective network of nonprofits working to address the country’s biggest issues

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tassi Keith, Keeton PR, [email protected], 308-539-1883

DENVER, Colo. – January 12, 2026 – ActivateWork is proud to announce it has been selected to participate in Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Ignite, a leadership and organizational development experience designed to help nonprofits discover new and innovative solutions and drive transformative change alongside their communities. ActivateWork is one of 15 nonprofits joining the Catalyst Community this cohort, a growing network of over 350 organizations in over 1,300 communities.

ActivateWork is a talent solutions organization that transforms high-potential individuals into highly skilled, valuable team members. The organization’s rigorous recruiting, industry-driven training, curated matches, and professional skills coaching prepare new employees to thrive in their careers—and connect companies with employees tailored to their needs.

ActivateWork was selected among hundreds of nonprofit organizations through an extensive selection process. The social entrepreneurs joining Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Community are recognized for disrupting the status quo, demonstrating “outside-the-box” thinking, and embracing community-driven and people-centered approaches.

“We’re excited to kick off the year by welcoming 15 bold nonprofits into Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Community—a network of more than 300 of our country’s most dynamic social entrepreneurs,” said Amber Fogarty, managing director for Stand Together Foundation. “The Catalyst Ignite Experience is all about shifting how we tackle our country’s biggest challenges, and these organizations are already demonstrating better ways to empower people by innovating, experimenting, and challenging the status quo. We can’t wait to see how these new Catalysts learn, partner, and spark change together.”

“We’re honored to be part of Stand Together Foundation’s Catalyst Community,” said Helen Young Hayes, founder and CEO of ActivateWork. “This experience will help us strengthen our impact and innovate alongside peers who share our belief in people and the power of community-driven solutions. Together, we can reimagine workforce development and build a future where every individual has access to opportunity.”

“This experience will help us strengthen our impact and innovate alongside peers who share our belief in people and the power of community-driven solutions. Together, we can reimagine workforce development and build a future where every individual has access to opportunity.”

Catalyst Ignite is an exclusive year-long experience for the nation’s most transformative social entrepreneurs. It’s designed to equip high-potential nonprofit organizations with the tools, coaching, capital, and networks needed to accelerate their organizational health and impact. By helping them uncover what makes their work transformational and build on it, it lays the foundation for social entrepreneurs to become proof points of a better way to solve problems.

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About ActivateWork

ActivateWork is a talent solutions organization that transforms high-potential individuals into highly skilled, valuable team members. Our rigorous recruiting, industry-driven training, curated matches, and professional skills coaching prepare new employees to thrive in their careers.

For more information, visit activatework.org. To donate your time, voice, or resources to support workforce development, visit activatework.org/support.

About Stand Together Foundation

Stand Together Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their full potential through community-driven change. We are building a movement of social entrepreneurs who believe in people, work with individuals closest to the problem, and unite with anyone to do right. Through innovations that inspire Americans to help each other, they are building stronger, safer communities where all people can learn, contribute, and live lives of meaning. Learn more at StandTogetherFoundation.org.

As Artificial Intelligence rapidly reshapes every industry, ActivateWork is leading the way in preparing Colorado’s workforce for this new era.

In partnership with Per Scholas, starting in January 2026, ActivateWork is training and graduating AI-native technologists who are not only equipped to participate in the AI economy but also to energize and accelerate the AI teams they join. Together, the organizations are building a future-ready talent engine that is equitable, innovative, and responsive to employer demand.

Building AI-Native Learners

ActivateWork and Per Scholas are integrating AI fluency into every aspect of their technical training programs, ensuring that every graduate enters the workforce ready to contribute on day one. Comprehensive AI training will be embedded across all immersive, full-time courses—including IT Support, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Cloud and Data roles.

Every learner begins with foundational AI literacy: an introduction to artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and the responsible and ethical use of AI. From there, learners apply these concepts directly to their field of study:

• In Cybersecurity, learners experiment with AI-enabled SOC tools and incident-response automation.
• In Software Engineering, students use AI-powered code generation and debugging to improve quality and efficiency.
• In data-center roles—one of Colorado’s fastest-growing fields due to generative AI infrastructure needs—students learn how AI supports predictive maintenance and intelligent monitoring.

To help learners and alumni stay competitive as roles evolve, ActivateWork and Per Scholas have launched specialized AI offerings, including Prompt Engineering and Azure AI Fundamentals. These courses deepen AI capability and prepare graduates for the emerging wave of AI-enabled job roles.

AI-Powered Learner and Career Support

AI is also transforming how ActivateWork and Per Scholas support their learners from enrollment through job placement. New AI-powered tools are enhancing the learner experience, improving outcomes, and accelerating time to employment:

• In early 2026, Per Scholas is releasing Azari AI to all its campuses (including ActivateWork, Per Scholas’s only independent education provider, based in Denver). Azari AI is an intelligent tutoring and feedback platform, providing personalized academic support, helping learners reinforce key concepts, and track their progress.
• ResumeBoost (powered by Agentforce) enables learners to generate customized, ATS-friendly resumes in seconds, with a 93% user-satisfaction rate.
• Coming next: an AI Course Recommender to help applicants choose the right pathway.

Gaining Greater Traction with AI-Powered Job Machine

At the same time, ActivateWork has been piloting an AI job matching solution called Job Machine, an AI-powered tool that automates the time-consuming aspects of finding employment, including resume optimization, interview scheduling, and application submission across a variety of career sites.

Learners showed exceptionally high engagement, and the collaboration directly drove major platform enhancements—most notably the redesigned candidate dashboard now used nationwide. The pilot demonstrated that combining AI-powered automation with high-touch human support can dramatically increase job-search activity and improve employment outcomes for underserved learners, leading to over 19,000 applications, 341 interviews, 35 job offers, and 13 confirmed hires.

According to Talent Solutions Account Manager Anna Page:

“The most powerful part of the Job Machine pilot was not just the speed or the scale of the platform. It was the confidence it gave our graduates. For many of them, job searching can be overwhelming, especially without a strong network or experience in resume writing. Job Machine changed that. It provided them with tailored tools, personalized support, and, most importantly, traction. They could see momentum. They were getting interviews. They were being seen. That kind of early progress fuels hope, and hope changes everything.”

“They could see momentum. They were getting interviews. They were being seen. That kind of early progress fuels hope, and hope changes everything.”

Through this pilot, we learned that consistent application volume, personalized interview preparation, and rapid, responsive support are essential to overcoming structural job-search barriers.

Moving forward, ActivateWork will integrate these insights to scale job-placement success, refine learner support models, and continue co-developing tools that remove friction and accelerate economic mobility.

Read more about how we’re innovating to meet the moment in our latest Impact Report >

By Kathryn V. Harris, President & COO, ActivateWork

Employers across Colorado and the U.S. are paying close attention to potential changes in the H-1B visa program. The proposal under consideration could result in employers paying up to $100,000 annually for H-1B workers. If implemented, the higher cost could limit the number of mid-level professionals from outside the U.S. in the workforce, leaving companies to rethink how they fill critical roles, especially in the tech industry, which often relies on a global workforce.

At the same time, artificial intelligence is reshaping the entry-level job market. Many roles that once served as a foot in the door for new talent to learn from their more experienced peers are being automated away, meaning the traditional pipeline is narrowing from both ends—leaving an impending skills gap. The question for employers is no longer whether to innovate in workforce development, but how. And this isn’t just a problem in the era of potential H-1B visa fees, but is something companies have been struggling with across the board. These potential changes highlight an already urgent problem with filling talent pipelines in Colorado and beyond.

To make an urgent issue even more compelling, we’re beginning to see what is called the Silver Tsunami—a large demographic wave of older workers, primarily Baby Boomers, reaching retirement age, exiting the workforce, and taking decades of experience and institutional knowledge with them. According to the Colorado State Demography Office (SDO), approximately 1 million workers will age out of the workforce in Colorado over the next 15 years. In addition, SDO’s forecasts show the working-age share of the population is declining with the 65+ community rising significantly and the younger pool of workers proportionally shrinking.

Looking Inward: Turning Statewide Calls for Transformation into Actionable Change

With statewide leaders, including Governor Polis, calling for a transformation in how education and workforce systems work together, it’s more critical than ever to reimagine how we prepare Coloradans for successful careers—and how they enter the talent pipeline.

Many companies still rely on a “post-and-pray” mentality—flooding job boards with openings and hoping the right candidates apply. Others turn to poaching from competitors, a costly cycle that doesn’t expand the overall talent pool and can backfire. These methods may fill short-term needs but rarely deliver sustainable workforce growth.

An Emerging Pathway: Work-Based Learning and Training

Employers looking to build resilient employee pipelines should consider a broader set of strategies. The old adage of ‘You can’t get a job without experience, but you can’t get experience without a job,’ rings true for many. These strategies allow for gaining experience while working at a job, both earning and learning.

At ActivateWork, we favor apprenticeships as the best long-term strategy for talent and pipeline development. Unlike internships, apprenticeships are designed with conversion in mind. Apprentices earn wages, build defined competencies, and complete accredited training while on the job. While most people may still think of apprenticeships for skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, and linemen, apprenticeships are now a great option in professional high-tech jobs such as data analytics, software development, and cybersecurity.

High-tech apprenticeships embed classroom training up front and generally last 12 months, leading to higher retention rates (read: lower turnover), increased productivity, and stronger alignment between skills learned and employer needs due to the purposeful nature of the program.

Colorado employers can qualify for up to $12,600 in tax credits per apprentice and access an additional $8,000 in cash incentives from ActivateWork via grants, as the Department of Labor further incentivizes employers to adopt this model, making it not just a workforce solution but a financial one as well. In the process, they gain “entry-level” employees with the exact skills needed for that specific role and company—and who are much further along than many other candidates in the same pool. From the employee side, these apprentices get the opportunity to enter a career right out of their training course, averaging a salary of $65,000 or more and zero debt as they override the need for a traditional four-year college with a completely free bootcamp-style training.

In the age of AI transformation—when technology roles demand higher-level skills and a wave of experienced workers is exiting the sector due to demographic shifts—tech apprenticeships offer a critical strategy to sustain workforce capacity by pairing emerging talent with seasoned professionals, enabling knowledge transfer, mentorship, and hands-on learning that bridges the growing skills and experience gap.

For instance, one of ActivateWork’s employer partners, the Governor’s Office of Information Technology, recently spoke at a conference on how one of their apprentices was able to deploy a code component across the State of Colorado, something that many developers don’t have the opportunity to launch for a decade or longer into their careers, due to the nature of the training for the apprenticeship and knowledge transfer studying under her tenured peers.

Outside of apprenticeships, employers can also consider internships. Traditionally short-term and seasonal, internships help students test career interests and can lead to long-term hires.

Employers can also think about work-based learning platforms like Riipen that allow small and medium-sized businesses to test “micro-internships” or project-based engagements with students or job seekers, giving both parties a low-risk way to explore the fit.

Myths About Apprenticeships: How to Create a Win-Win for Employers and Workers

Many businesses think apprenticeship programs are cost and time-prohibitive, but it’s easier and more cost-effective than ever for businesses in Colorado to onboard apprentices. Not only are there a myriad of incentives and tax credits available for apprentices, but nonprofit organizations are now serving as qualified intermediaries to reduce the administrative burden of apprenticeship programs for companies.

By partnering with employers such as Bank of America, Trimble, Janus Henderson, Sage Hospitality, and the State of Colorado’s Office of Information Technology, ActivateWork is one of a few in Colorado helping companies access untapped local talent pools for a modest fee. For employers worried about the time commitment and expense of formal apprenticeship programs, these intermediaries handle much of the administrative oversight, while state and federal incentives are higher than ever, reducing the cost barrier.

While only a few Colorado businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations are currently leveraging apprenticeships in tech to build new talent pipeline strategies, those that do believe strongly in their power. In some places, misconceptions about apprenticeships persist—things like participants lacking the skills needed to contribute immediately, being a burden on teams, or the need for a formal four-year degree via the traditional education-to-career pipeline.

In reality, apprentices often bring an eagerness to learn, a solid foundation from their training, and in many cases, the ability to build and innovate faster than even experienced employees, as noted by the Governor’s Office of Information Technology team that has taken on several apprentices in recent years. Apprenticeships prove that with the right structure and support, unconventional talent sources can deliver highly capable, motivated professionals that are ready to succeed.

Looking Ahead

As companies prepare for the possibility of high H-1B costs, now is the time to diversify strategies for entry- and mid-level talent. Apprenticeships, internships, and innovative project-based learning can all play a role in building durable pipelines that keep businesses competitive, even as AI transforms the workforce.

The reality is that entry-level roles demand more skills than ever before. Employers who invest in developing talent locally through varied means, rather than depending solely on global labor supply, will be better positioned to weather change and thrive long-term. While apprenticeship is not the only tool in the talent toolbox, it is an increasingly important one.

ActivateWork Receives Grant from Boeing to Empower Veterans and Military Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tassi Keith, Keeton PR, [email protected], 308-539-1883

DENVER, CO — November 21, 2025 —ActivateWork has received a $75,000 grant from Boeing State Advocacy and Global Engagement (SAGE) as part of Boeing’s “Our Heroes” initiative dedicated to supporting military and veteran communities nationwide. This significant investment will enable ActivateWork to expand its Veterans Initiative, providing transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses with the training, support, and connections needed to launch high-demand careers in the tech industry.

The grant will directly fund tuition-free tech training, individualized career coaching, and direct job placement support services for veterans and military spouses looking to launch meaningful civilian careers in tech. Through these programs, participants will gain industry-recognized credentials and access to in-demand roles in tech, aerospace, and cybersecurity—fields where unique skills and security clearances gained in the military are highly valued.

“We are honored to partner with Boeing State Advocacy and Global Engagement to empower veterans and military families in Colorado,” said Helen Young Hayes, Founder and CEO of ActivateWork. “This grant enables us to expand our dedicated veteran and military programming, helping those who have served our country—and their families—transition to meaningful civilian careers.”

This partnership signifies a strategic investment in building a diverse and skilled workforce by empowering those who have served.

As an approved partner of the Department of Defense’s SkillBridge program, ActivateWork allows service members to gain valuable civilian job training during their final 180 days of service while still receiving military pay and benefits, removing financial barriers to training and accelerating the transition to meaningful civilian employment. Additionally, as an approved partner of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), ActivateWork helps military spouses prepare for and secure meaningful employment in tech roles, connecting them to a nationwide network of employers who value their unique strengths and adaptability.

“Boeing SAGE’s ‘Our Heroes’ initiative is focused on improving the quality of life for transitioning servicemembers, veterans, and their families, as well as communities typically underserved in the military-veteran ecosystem,” said Bailey Perkins Wright, Senior Community Investor for Boeing SAGE’s central region. “Through our partnership with ActivateWork, we’re helping ensure veterans and their families have the support they need to thrive long after military service.”

This grant will enable ActivateWork to scale its veteran and military programs, reach more job seekers from military backgrounds, and deepen employer partnerships focused on hiring veterans and military spouses. Together, ActivateWork and Boeing are strengthening Colorado’s workforce and building more sustainable, thriving communities across the state.

About The Boeing Company

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries.

Boeing is committed to improving the quality of life for transitioning service members, veterans, and their families, as well as communities typically underserved in the military-veteran ecosystem. Through our veteran engagement, we’re helping ensure veterans and their families have the support they need to thrive long after service.

In 2024, Boeing invested $15.6 million across 130 grants supporting skills development and training for veterans and their spouses transitioning out of military service, as well as recovery and rehabilitation programs for veterans that focus on post-traumatic stress and suicide prevention.

About ActivateWork

ActivateWork is a talent solutions organization that transforms high-potential individuals into highly skilled, valuable team members. Our rigorous recruiting, industry-driven training, curated matches, and professional skills coaching prepare new employees to thrive in their careers.

For more information, visit activatework.org. To donate your time, voice, or resources to support workforce development, visit activatework.org/support.

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Correction: The initial version of this press release incorrectly stated the amount of the grant from Boeing for the current grant year. During the last grant year (September 1, 2024–August 31, 2025), Boeing awarded ActivateWork $100,000 to support Coloradans pursuing IT training to enter the tech industry. This grant year (September 1, 2025–August 31, 2026), they awarded $75,000 to ActivateWork for expanding their services to reach veterans, transitioning service members, and military families. 

For Immediate Release
Contact: Tassi Keith, Keeton PR, [email protected], 308-539-1883

DENVER, COLO. — Thurs., November 6, 2025 — ActivateWork, a nonprofit workforce development organization committed to creating pathways to upward mobility through tech careers, is proud to announce it has received a $225,000 grant from Wells Fargo to support its mission, helping families and communities thrive by advancing economic opportunity in Colorado.

This funding is part of Wells Fargo’s broader $4.7 million national commitment to workforce development and will help ActivateWork continue to provide tuition-free training, career coaching, and job placement services to individuals seeking economic mobility.

“We are honored to be selected by Wells Fargo as a partner in this important work,” said Helen Young Hayes, Founder and CEO of ActivateWork. “This grant will allow us to expand our impact and help more Coloradans launch meaningful careers in high-demand fields like IT support, cybersecurity, and data analytics.”

ActivateWork’s programs are designed to close the opportunity gap by connecting talented individuals from often-overlooked talent pools with employers seeking highly skilled candidates. The organization’s unique model combines technical training, professional skills coaching, and employer partnerships to ensure long-term success for both learners and hiring companies.

“Wells Fargo is proud to support ActivateWork’s program to provide skills training to advance economic mobility for Coloradans,” said Kelly Littrell, VP, Philanthropy & Community Impact at Wells Fargo. “Their work aligns with our commitment to building thriving communities with financially resilient families, vibrant small businesses, and places to call home.””

A celebration event featuring a ceremonial “big check” presentation was held in Denver, with representatives from ActivateWork and Wells Fargo in attendance.

About ActivateWork

ActivateWork is a talent solutions organization that transforms high-potential individuals into highly skilled, valuable team members. Our rigorous recruiting, industry-driven training, curated matches, and professional skills coaching prepare new employees to thrive in their careers.

For more information, visit www.activatework.org.  To donate your time, voice, or resources to support workforce development, visit activatework.org/support. 

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