What ActivateWork does

ActivateWork is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development organization founded in May 2020 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with a second training center in Colorado Springs opened in 2025. The organization recruits, screens, and trains underrepresented job seekers — including career changers, parents, veterans, military spouses, immigrants, and individuals without four-year degrees — and places them into technology roles with Colorado employers. ActivateWork delivers three tuition-free training programs of 15–17 weeks each: AI-Enabled IT Support (preparing for CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support certifications), AI-Native Business Intelligence (preparing for the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification, formerly the Data Analytics track), and Cybersecurity with AI Tools (preparing for CompTIA Security+ and Splunk Core User). Curriculum is delivered in partnership with Per Scholas, which provides the underlying technical training framework, assessment tools, and certifications, while ActivateWork layers on professional skills coaching, wraparound learner support, and 12 months of post-hire coaching. A January 2026 AI-Native Curriculum Redesign with Per Scholas is repositioning all programs around AI-first workflows.

On the employer side, ActivateWork sells Tech Talent Solutions and registered Tech Apprenticeships (approved through Apprenticeship Colorado) to Colorado enterprises and mid-market companies, delivering pre-screened, employer-aligned candidates with industry certifications. Named employer partners include Bank of America, Ping Identity, Terumo, Denver Health, 1stBank, Sage Hospitality Group, the City of Aurora, the Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology, Cyber Sainik, and Kanso Software. The Tech Talent Partnership (TTP), launched in 2024, functions as an employer-led sub-brand focused on closing the cybersecurity talent gap.

ActivateWork is funded primarily through institutional grants — including the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Building America (ABA2) program, a $2,366,789 Opportunity Now Colorado award (March 2024), a $250,000 Colorado Health Foundation grant (March 2026), a $100,000 Boeing 'Our Heroes' grant (November 2025), Wells Fargo support, and a Quantum Workforce Development contract (March 2025). Programs are tuition-free for learners, and revenue is not commercially monetized from either side of the marketplace. Since 2020, ActivateWork has enrolled 628+ learners with reported outcomes including a 70%+ graduation rate, 80%+ certification rate, 128% pre-to-post wage increase, and a 92% average income increase post-program. The organization is led by Founder & CEO Helen Young Hayes and President & COO Kathryn V. Harris, and holds Charity Navigator Four Star and GuideStar Platinum Seal ratings.

Name

ActivateWork

Legal name

ActivateWork Inc.

Website

https://activatework.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

ActivateWork is a Denver-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that recruits, trains, and places underrepresented Colorado job seekers into technology roles through tuition-free, employer-aligned bootcamps delivered in partnership with Per Scholas.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Denver

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel

Revenue model

1. Government Grants: ActivateWork is primarily funded through government grants including the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Building America (ABA2) grant, Quantum Workforce Development contracts, and Apprenticeship Colorado program support. These grants fund both program operations and learner services.
2. Employer Partnerships: Employer partners engage ActivateWork to source, pre-screen, and train technology talent pipelines, functioning as a contracted workforce development solution. Revenue is generated through employer-funded training arrangements and hiring commitments.
3. Foundation Grants: Private foundations including The Colorado Health Foundation ($250,000 grant), Boeing ('Our Heroes' initiative, $100,000), and Wells Fargo provide grant funding to support workforce development expansion across Colorado.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

ActivateWork is a nonprofit workforce development organization that recruits unemployed and underemployed individuals, provides tuition-free technology training in IT support, business intelligence, and cybersecurity (delivered via the Per Scholas curriculum), and matches graduates with employer partners across Colorado. The organization also offers employer-facing talent solutions, registered apprenticeship programs, career coaching, and 12 months of post-hire support to ensure job-ready placements.

Product overview

ActivateWork is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development organization offering a portfolio of tech training and talent solutions. The core offerings include three training programs: AI-Enabled IT Support (16 weeks), AI-Native Business Intelligence (15 weeks, formerly Data Analytics), and Cybersecurity with AI Tools (17 weeks), all delivered in partnership with Per Scholas. These are complemented by Tech Talent Solutions for employers seeking job-ready graduates and Tech Apprenticeships for registered apprenticeship programs. Supporting services include career coaching, professional skills development, job matching, and lifetime upskilling access. The organization serves job seekers seeking tuition-free tech training and Colorado employers seeking skilled tech talent, with special programs for military veterans through SkillBridge partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Tech Talent Partnership (TTP): An employer-led initiative launched by ActivateWork to bridge the gap between employers and tech talent in cybersecurity, focusing on entry-level roles.

Products and services

• Tech Talent Solutions Employer-facing talent solution providing access to rigorously trained, job-ready tech professionals who have completed industry-driven technical training through the Per Scholas partnership, combined with professional skills coaching and curated job matching.
• Tech Apprenticeships Registered apprenticeship programs approved through Apprenticeship Colorado, offering turnkey employer-ready apprenticeship solutions for hiring, training, and retaining tech talent with 12 months of post-hire coaching.
• AI-Enabled IT Support Training 16-week intensive bootcamp preparing learners for IT support roles, covering hardware/software troubleshooting, networking, cybersecurity, ServiceNow ITSM, and AI-powered troubleshooting. Earns CompTIA A+ and Google IT Support certifications.
• AI-Native Business Intelligence Training 15-week course (formerly Data Analytics) developing AI-driven business intelligence skills using Excel, SQL, Power Query, Power BI, and generative AI tools. Earns Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification.
• Cybersecurity with AI Tools Training 17-week intermediate cybersecurity bootcamp covering threat detection, network security, and AI-integrated security workflows using Splunk, Wireshark, Cisco IOS, Tenable Nessus, and OpenVAS. Prepares for CompTIA Security+ and Splunk Core User certifications.
• Military & Veteran Talent Programs Specialized talent solutions for hiring military-connected professionals, including Department of Defense SkillBridge partnerships and Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) connections to support veteran and military spouse workforce pathways.
• Tech Talent Partnership (TTP) Employer-led initiative launched by ActivateWork to bridge the gap between employers and cybersecurity talent, aligning education and training programs with industry demands for entry-level cybersecurity roles.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% average income increase post-program for ActivateWork graduates
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration15 records

AI capability11 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship, secondary and minor.

• Per ScholascoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Per Scholas is ActivateWork's primary curriculum and training program partner, providing the proven technology training framework that underpins all ActivateWork programs. The partnership enables ActivateWork to deliver industry-recognized technology training without building curriculum from scratch, leveraging Per Scholas' established curriculum, assessment tools, and training methodologies. ActivateWork adapted Per Scholas' model for the Colorado market.
• Bank of AmericaflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Bank of America is featured as a premier employer partner of ActivateWork, actively sourcing technology talent from the ActivateWork pipeline. As a major financial services employer in Colorado, Bank of America leverages ActivateWork's pre-screened, employer-aligned talent to fill technology roles while supporting workforce development in the communities it serves.
• Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022The Colorado Governor's Office of Information Technology (OIT) is an employer partner that sources technology talent through ActivateWork's training pipeline for state government IT roles. This partnership positions ActivateWork as a trusted talent supplier to Colorado's largest technology employer — the state government — validating the program's quality and relevance.
• Sage Hospitality GroupsecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Sage Hospitality Group, a major hospitality company operating hotels and restaurants across Colorado, partners with ActivateWork to source technology talent for operational technology, property management systems, and digital transformation roles within the organization.
• City of AurorasecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022The City of Aurora is a municipal government employer partner that engages ActivateWork to source technology talent for city government IT and digital services roles. This partnership supports Aurora's technology modernization goals while providing ActivateWork graduates with public sector career pathways.
• TerumosecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Terumo, a global medical technology company with operations in Colorado, partners with ActivateWork to source technology talent for manufacturing automation, quality systems IT, and operational technology roles at its local facilities.
• 1stBanksecondaryGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 20221stBank, a regional financial institution based in Colorado, is an employer partner sourcing technology talent — including software development, cybersecurity, and IT operations roles — from the ActivateWork talent pipeline.
• Denver HealthcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Denver Health, one of Colorado's largest healthcare systems, is an employer partner sourcing technology talent for healthcare IT, electronic health records (EHR) systems, and health data technology roles through ActivateWork's training pipeline.
• Cyber SainikminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Cyber Sainik, a cybersecurity technology startup, partners with ActivateWork to source cybersecurity talent from the ActivateWork pipeline. As a smaller employer, this partnership provides ActivateWork graduates with exposure to the cybersecurity startup ecosystem.
• Kanso SoftwareminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Kanso Software, a Colorado-based software development company, is an employer partner that sources software development talent from ActivateWork's trained graduates. The partnership provides ActivateWork learners with access to a local software company career pathway.
• Ping IdentitycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Ping Identity, a leading identity and access management software company headquartered in Denver, is a flagship employer partner that sources cybersecurity and identity technology talent through ActivateWork's pipeline. Ping Identity's involvement signals ActivateWork's ability to supply talent for sophisticated enterprise technology roles.
• Apprenticeship ColoradocoreOthers · 1 January 2022Apprenticeship Colorado is a state-administered workforce program that provides regulatory and funding support for registered apprenticeship programs. ActivateWork operates apprenticeship pathways under the Apprenticeship Colorado framework, enabling learners to earn while they learn and employers to access subsidized training pipelines.
• Department of Defense SkillBridgecoreOthers · 1 January 2022SkillBridge is a U.S. Department of Defense program that allows transitioning service members to gain civilian work experience through authorized training programs during their final months of military service. ActivateWork is an authorized SkillBridge provider, enabling military personnel to receive technology training at no cost before entering the civilian workforce.
• Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)secondaryOthers · 1 January 2022MSEP is a Department of Defense program that connects military spouses with employment opportunities with partner companies. ActivateWork participates as a training partner within MSEP, providing military spouses with technology training pathways to support their career advancement regardless of frequent relocations.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free tech training to underserved talent, the same curriculum and training model ActivateWork licenses. Per Scholas is both a strategic curriculum partner and the most direct national peer, with overlapping employer-aligned training, apprenticeship pathways, and similar learner demographics.
• Year Up: National workforce development nonprofit offering skills training and corporate partnerships to move young adults into professional careers, including technology. Year Up's employer-paid training model, six-month program structure, and focus on underrepresented talent closely mirror ActivateWork's operating approach.
• NPower: Nonprofit providing tuition-free IT training, certification prep, and job placement services to veterans and underserved young adults. NPower's tech focus, veteran emphasis, employer-driven curriculum, and outcome-based funding model make it a direct comparable to ActivateWork.
• Generation: Global nonprofit operating employer-aligned training programs (including technology and IT tracks) with strong outcome metrics and grant-funded operating model. Generation's short-format bootcamps and employer co-design curriculum parallel ActivateWork's Per Scholas-based programs.
• Apprenti: Nonprofit tech apprenticeship organization offering registered apprenticeship programs that source, train, and place talent with employer partners. Apprenti's registered apprenticeship model and employer-paid training revenue streams closely mirror ActivateWork's Tech Apprenticeships product.
• Merit America: National nonprofit providing accelerated tech and business training for adults without four-year degrees. Merit America's tuition-free model, employer-aligned programs, and focus on career changers align closely with ActivateWork's learner profile and program design.
• Climb Hire: Workforce development nonprofit focused on training and placing low-income adults into technology and business careers. Climb Hire's short-format training programs, employer partnerships, and tuition-free model make it a comparable peer to ActivateWork.

Regional players

• Goodwill Industries of Denver: Regional Goodwill affiliate operating workforce development programs in Colorado, including technology and job training for underserved populations. Operates in the same geography with overlapping learner demographics but broader scope beyond tech.

Emerging players

• SkillStorm: Workforce development and IT staffing firm offering employer-sponsored tech training and apprenticeship programs, including registered apprenticeships. SkillStorm's earn-while-you-learn model and employer-paid training approach overlap with ActivateWork's apprenticeship product.

Others

• Colorado Workforce Development Council: State-administered body coordinating public workforce development funding and policy in Colorado, including the WIOA programs and apprenticeship initiatives that channel funding to providers like ActivateWork. ActivatesWork is a recipient of this public funding infrastructure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/activate-work
• Xx.com/activate_work

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ActivateWork