PROGRAM
They have the ability.
We supply the opportunity.
Hope Ignites scholars apply for a spot in the program and come to us with a hunger to learn, grow, and BE the hope. Some require a place to live and some don’t, but all need access to our long-term support, a quality education, holistic programming, a dynamic environment with other focused young people, and other resources necessary to thrive.
WE’RE BEYOND A SHORT-TERM SOLUTION.
WE TAKE A LONG-TERM AND COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH.
WHO WE SERVE
We serve young people with recognizable grit and determination needing access and opportunity. Need includes a variety of tough situations such as financial hardship, family stress, parent/guardian illness, neighborhood violence or underperforming schools—most anything that would create significant barriers to a child reaching his or her full potential.
- Both male and female scholars
- Young people ages 10-14 at admission through college graduation
- Capable of rigorous academic college-preparatory work
- Perform at or above grade level
- Demonstrate integrity and leadership potential
- Need for a long-term, value-centered, nurturing setting
- Volunteers to apply for the program; understands and accepts expectations
- Relates positively to peers and adults
- Has a family, parent, or guardian that is supportive of the decision to join, and willing to help their scholar meet program expectations
OUR PROGRAMMING
Long-Term
Hope Ignites scholars begin their journey with us in middle school and stay with us through high school, college, and career launch. Scholars move along together as we channel their energy and leverage their talents, strengths, and passions into an individual plan that helps them reach their full potential.
Empowered Learning
Hope Ignites scholars get ongoing academic support such as tutoring and college preparatory coaching. Residential scholars receive an academic scholarship, affording them an opportunity to get a first-class education at one of our partner schools.
Life Preparedness
In addition to help with their academics, all scholars learn basic skills they need to live happy, productive lives, such as budgeting, communication skills, household chores, planning for the future, following a recipe, travel basics, and opening a bank account.
Personal Development
Hope Ignites programming includes social & emotional awareness and physical activities that promote all-around health and well-being. Scholars are encouraged to explore their own spirituality as a critical part of living a healthy, well-adjusted life. All scholars are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that feed their purpose and passion.
Leadership & Service
Hope Ignites scholars are taught to become people for others—to live with purpose and give back to others in need. This is reinforced through community service; dialogue about important global and local issues; and the development of their own passions for social justice and being a change maker in their family and community.
College & Career Readiness
Our career preparation and leadership programming helps scholars identify their strengths and talents and what future careers they are interested in. Then, with mentoring, setting educational goals, planning, assistance with jobs and internships, as well as mock interviews and other experiential opportunities, we help get them there. Hope Ignites remains a Network of support for our Alumni.
RESIDENTIAL – HEIDT BOYS CAMPUS
At Home
Our Residential pathway functions as a loving and nurturing family atmosphere, a dynamic environment with a sense of belonging, central to healthy adolescent development.
Our residence accommodates up to 8 boys, who are cared for by round-the-clock professional Residential Educators and Enrichment Coordinators.
At School
Scholars are enrolled in top-rated college-preparatory schools for middle and high school.
We’re grateful for our long-term partnerships with St. Xavier High School, St. Vivian School, Roger Bacon High School, and Saint Ursula Academy.
After School
Scholars explore a variety of interests, including extracurricular activities in and out of school. They also receive access to a broad spectrum of services, like mentoring, tutoring, and mental health therapy. They share chores, do homework together, eat, and grow up together. They also have lots of fun!
Beyond
During the summer months, scholars embark on an exploration of college and career options. They go on university visits, attend summer camps and participate in personal development and goal setting activities designed to help them discover themselves and the world around them. As part of their work readiness skills, scholars learn to create a resume, practice interviewing and find job placement with assistance from our Residential Educators. Summer jobs teach scholars responsibility and establish a good work ethic. They engage in community service, projects, and reflections that teach them the value of living a life committed to serving others. They attend sporting events, cultural performances and community events – having fun while learning. They spend several weeks during the summer at home with their families enjoying time together.
ACADEMY – GARDNER GIRLS HOUSE
After School Learning
Our Academy Program for Girls takes place after school at our Gardner Girls House. The program began in April 2023 with 12 girls from Purcell Marian High School. Next year we will welcome a new cohort of freshmen girls as these scholars become sophomores.
Much of the Program is centered around college readiness, scholarships and applications. We provide:
- Goal Setting
- Mentoring
- Tutoring
- Emotional, Spiritual and Academic support
- For those who complete the four year program and graduate high school, they earn a college scholarship from Boys Hope Girls Hope
A Day in the Program
The afternoon begins with school pick up and arrival at the Gardner Girls House. They have a snack and time to unwind from the school day before they begin their homework. Tutors are available to help during study time. Afterwards, the program includes enrichment activities led by guest presenters and staff. A nutritious family style dinner is served in the dining room before they return to their homes for the evening.
Summer
During the summer our Academy Program continues one day a week. Our scholars tour colleges, volunteer in the community, attend summer camps, participate in workshops, and attend fun educational outings…learning new skills, exploring nature, learning to care for their mental and physical health, reflecting and discovering new interests…all part of growing and becoming well-rounded individuals.
COLLEGE & CAREER
Collegians
We make a long-term commitment to our scholars—from middle school through college and career launch. Graduating high school is not the end of their journey with Hope Ignites.
What We Provide
We heavily support our Collegians with:
- Collegian visits by team members
- Dorm set up
- Regular check-ins and encouragement
- Social-emotional resources
- Financial support
and more!
Scholarships
Collegians enrolled in 15 or more credit hours and maintaining specific GPA requirements may apply for scholarship funds each semester from Hope Ignites through college degree completion (in five years or less). Beyond this scholarship, the Hope Ignites Network partners with a number of colleges and universities to offer additional scholarship opportunities.
Internships and Career Launch
Hope Ignites keeps collegians connected, supported, and informed about many internship opportunities secured through local and Network partnerships. These have led to full-time positions after college graduation. Hope Ignites supports collegians in their first career launch and offers a Network of support for our alumni!
See how Hope Ignites is prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
My Road
My Road is Hope Ignites’ network-wide innovative online learning experience which consists of a journey of activities, assessments, and benchmarks that ensure scholars are developing academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually in preparation for college, career, and life.
Alumni Community
Graduates of Hope Ignites programs across the Network become members of the Alumni Association, a growing body of professionals. Our alumni are leaders, changemakers, and people for others who give back to their families, local communities, and younger generations of scholars.
The Hope Ignites Network
There’s power in numbers. As a part of the Hope Ignites, our scholars benefit from programming, resources, partnerships, research, scholarship funds, and shared best practices. Our program uniquely offers a combination of deep local impact and the benefit of diverse international perspectives and interactions. Our scholars, collegians, alumni, and team members come together with other impact-driven individuals, maximizing opportunities to share, support, solve problems, and serve.
Our Network includes Hope Ignites Network Headquarters and affiliates across the U.S. and Latin America. All Hope Ignites affiliates ascribe to the same research-supported Program Model and Theory of Change. We’re proud of the support, and connections we receive from our Network!
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN PROVIDE HOPE
*Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN PROVIDE HOPE
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN PROVIDE HOPE