Ending the cycle of poverty through technology careers.
Video Game Palooza Inc. — operating its workforce program as Hope Training Academy — is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 46-4169197) on a mission to relieve poverty, advance education, and improve social welfare in our community.
We help underserved and underemployed adults break the cycle of poverty and financial insecurity by giving them the training, credentials, and support to launch careers in high-demand technology fields.
Who we serve
Disadvantaged, underrepresented, and underemployed adults across Indianapolis and the surrounding region — in partnership with the Indianapolis Urban League, John Boner Neighborhood Centers, Goodwill Industries (SCSEP), EmployIndy, and others.
What we do
Free and low-cost certification programs in Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and IT Desktop Support; U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeships; digital-literacy and digital-entrepreneurship training; and job-search assistance and placement.
Our impact
More than 2,000 people trained since 2018, moving into careers and the economic mobility they build for themselves.
How our mission serves a charitable purpose
- Relief of poverty — free and low-cost training that leads to income and career attainment for people facing financial insecurity.
- Advancement of education — accessible STEM, IT, cybersecurity, and AI education and credentials.
- Improving social welfare — economic mobility and workforce pathways for underserved adults and youth.
Our nonprofit status
Legal entity: Video Game Palooza Inc. (d/b/a Hope Training Academy). EIN 46-4169197. IRS 501(c)(3) public charity, tax-exempt since November 22, 2013. Classification 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) — a publicly-supported charity (not the “school” classification). Form 990 filed FY2015–FY2023. Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Verify via the IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search and ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (EIN 46-4169197).
Video Game Palooza Inc. / Hope Training Academy is a community workforce-development charity — not an accredited school, college, or university.