Become a HOPES Work Site

Email foundation@ctrestaurant.org to request more information.

Find out how your business can make a real impact. The HOPES program connects justice-involved young adults with meaningful, grant funded work experiences in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Become an employer partner and help shape the next generation of skilled hospitality professionals.

How Bridgeport Area Businesses Can Get Involved

The Connecticut Restaurant Association and the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation are identifying restaurant and hospitality businesses in the Bridgeport area interested in serving as employer partners (host worksites) for the HOPES program. Participants complete industry pre-training before being matched with a worksite, and the program provides a stipend for up to 200 hours of short-term work experience.

The work experience functions like an internship: employer partners offer hands-on training and a meaningful learning experience, while the program covers participant stipends. While there is no obligation, employers may choose to hire participants at the end of the term. Roles can include front-of-house, back-of-house, and other hospitality related positions. Eligible locations include Bridgeport, Fairfield, Trumbull, and Stratford, provided they are accessible by public transportation.

Watch Info Session

About HOPES

The HOPES GO5 program is an initiative by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) designed to prepare justice-involved young adults (ages 18–24) for careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry through training, mentorship, and paid internships.

In Connecticut, the program is available to individuals in the Bridgeport area and is delivered through a partnership with the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF), Career Resources Inc., and the CT Department of Correction. Participants complete 200-hour paid internships with local employers and receive work-readiness training, industry credentials like ServSafe, individualized case management, and job placement support.

Funded by U.S. Department of Labor grants, HOPES GO5 aims to create stable, living-wage career pathways while strengthening the local hospitality workforce.

Learn More

_{* HOPES Growth Opportunities 5 is 100% funded through a $5.1 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. This webpage was created by CRA/CHEF and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This webpage content is copyrighted by CRA/CHEF.}