Our story · Since 2018

People learn tech by doing it.

Hope Training Academy was founded on a simple belief: give people real hardware, real mentors and a real lab, and they will build real careers. Since 2018 we've helped 2,000+ Hoosiers do exactly that — many through grants, scholarships and paid apprenticeships.

A room of HTA students learning together
Founder-led

Built by a technologist, for the people the industry overlooks.

HTA is founded and led by Rick Barretto, a technologist who came up in the field and knows what it actually takes to launch a tech career. That's why HTA runs on hands-on training instead of passive video — students build machines, secure real networks, and work with today's AI tools (OpenAI, Claude and Gemini) beside mentors who do the work every day.

We exist to close the digital divide. HTA serves low-income and first-generation students and tackles the workforce gaps facing employers across Indiana — turning overlooked talent into certified, apprenticed, hired professionals.

2,000+
Hoosiers trained since 2018
Free*
For those who qualify
3
DOL-registered apprenticeships
Partnership spotlight

Learning to build a computer — in virtual reality.

HTA & IUPUI VR Partnership Mission video▶ Watch: HTA & IUPUI VR Partnership Mission

In 2021, HTA partnered with Indiana University's Luddy School (IUPUI Media Arts & Science) to build virtual-reality lessons that teach students how to assemble a computer — starting with the power supply — for our certification classes. It's hands-on learning, reimagined: immersive, repeatable, and available any time.

"VR transports learners anywhere, at any time in history, to places both in the past and imagined."
— Zebulun Wood, MAS Program Director, IU Luddy (IUPUI)

Read the IU story →

Partners & funders

We don't do this alone.

HTA's work is powered by universities, community anchors, employers and funders across Indiana.

Indianapolis Urban League

A leading client and partner — including the IIAQ workforce grant serving Indianapolis students.

IU Luddy School (IUPUI)

Co-built our VR "build a computer" course for certification classes.

CyberHope AI

HTA's biggest sponsor — powering our AI-forward curriculum and this platform.

Thomas P. Miller & Associates

Workforce strategy and grant partnership behind HTA's programs.

Indiana Wesleyan & Marian

Higher-education partners extending hands-on tech pathways.

Indiana CSA

Aligned with Indiana's Computer Science Aspirations pathways.

A nonprofit, all the way through

Mission-driven. Career-focused.

Hope Training Academy is a DBA of Video Game Palooza, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 46-4169197). Every dollar helps put Hoosiers into tech careers — funding scholarships for students who qualify.

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