The Hope Center for Arts & Technology (HopeCAT) is based on Bill Strickland’s belief that environment shapes behavior. Our classes will be held in a contemporary high-tech, newly renovated school on the West Hill in Sharon, PA, filled with art and light, that’s fully equipped with classrooms, computer labs, and art studios to serve students in the Shenango Valley. It’s the same approach used by Manchester Bidwell, Strickland’s jobs and arts program. Since 1972, Manchester Bidwell in Pittsburgh has attracted national recognition for its market-relevant career training programs that lead to employment. Each year at Manchester Bidwell: - 85% of adult graduates get jobs - 90% of youth in its arts program graduate from high school, and many continue on to college HopeCAT is a new nonprofit actively seeking a combination of public and private donations to secure matched grant funding and establish our long term endowment.