Hope Training Academy

Indianapolis-based 501c3 Charity Foundation Empowering Learners.
Building Futures. Strengthening Communities.

Hope Training Academy (HTA) was co-founded by Rick Barretto, a serial technology entrepreneur and inventor with a track record of successful ventures and M&A exits, and Cara Barretto, a nonprofit leader and community advocate. Together, they combined Rick’s deep experience in building and scaling tech companies with Cara’s expertise in mission-driven education and workforce programs to create an academy that bridges the gap between education and the modern workforce.

Our Mission
HTA’s mission is to equip individuals—especially those from economically disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds—with verified, workforce-ready skills in IT, cybersecurity, and emerging digital fields. We believe talent is universal, but opportunity is not. By delivering hands-on, skills-based training, industry certifications, and real apprenticeship pathways, HTA ensures that learners gain the confidence and credentials to thrive in today’s economy.

Key Partnerships and Programs

State of Indiana: Longstanding partner in statewide workforce initiatives, ensuring alignment with education reform and digital skills development.
Indiana University: Collaborated during COVID to develop virtual reality (VR) training programs, ensuring continuity of immersive, hands-on learning when classrooms closed.
Indiana Wesleyan University: Partnered to provide digital literacy training for adults who needed foundational skills before pursuing college degrees or advanced certifications.
U.S. Department of Labor: HTA programs align with Registered Apprenticeship standards, focusing on IT and cybersecurity as pathways for economically disadvantaged learners in Indiana.
Switzerland Apprenticeship Exchange: Engaged in international collaboration to bring global best practices in apprenticeship to Indiana learners.
CyberHope Partnership: HTA’s work directly inspired the creation of CyberHopeAI and Precognition OS™, AI-powered platforms designed to verify skills, predict career pathways, and expand the reach of our mission.

Our Success

Thousands trained: Adults, high school students, and career changers have developed verified skills through HTA programs.
Certification outcomes: Many graduates achieved CompTIA and other industry-recognized credentials, strengthening Indiana’s workforce.
Employer partnerships: Companies consistently rely on HTA talent pipelines because our learners bring proven, hands-on skills, not just résumés.
Innovation catalyst: HTA’s grassroots insights fuel cutting-edge platforms like CyberHopeAI, extending our vision into AI-driven workforce foresight.

Our Vision Forward
Hope Training Academy is more than a school — it’s a catalyst for workforce innovation. Rick and Cara founded HTA on the belief that skills should matter more than pedigree, and that conviction now drives both our training programs and our partnerships with universities, governments, and technology innovators. By continuing to combine education with predictive AI platforms, we are building a future where every learner can prove their abilities, connect to opportunity, and unlock their potential.