Envision U exists to help young people see their futures more clearly, and to walk toward them with confidence.
Eighty-three young people from across the Hope Ignites Network spent a week at St. John’s University in Queens, New York, for Envision U 2026, building community, giving back, and exploring their paths to college.
Envision U 2026 is a wrap! Recently, 76 scholars and seven Legacy Leaders — Hope Ignites collegians and recent alumni acting as chaperones — traveled from affiliates across the country to St. John’s University in Queens for a week of team building, reflection, and college exploration.
They were joined by affiliate and Network Headquarters team members for five days that mixed service, sightseeing, professional development, and a serious dose of college prep.
SUNDAY
Scholars arrived throughout the day and settled into the dorms on St. John’s beautiful 102-acre campus. After snacks and recreation time, the group gathered for a welcome dinner, where they heard an overview of the week ahead before diving into introductions, icebreakers and small group meetings — the first chance for scholars from different affiliates to start getting to know one another.
MONDAY
Since being of service to others is central to Hope Ignites’ mission, Monday began with scholars rolling up their sleeves alongside NYC H2O, a nonprofit water ecology organization, to clean up Baisley Pond Park in Queens. Scholars spent hours picking up trash, and some even donned waders and went into the pond to get trash out of the water.
After a quick reset for lunch, the day shifted from service to sightseeing as scholars rode the Staten Island Ferry into Lower Manhattan, then made their way through Battery Park, Central Park, and Times Square. For many, it was their first time seeing the city’s most iconic sights up close, which for many was a highlight that set an energetic tone for the rest of the week.
Scholars introducing themselves on the first day of Envision U 2026.
Scholars picking up trash in Baisley Pond Park during a service activity with NYC H2O.
TUESDAY
Day two’s focus was professional growth. The morning opened with a reflection from Brian Hipp, Hope Ignites’ Vice President of Mission Effectiveness, on what it means to be a well-educated, career-ready person for others. Scholars then heard from New York State Assemblywoman Phara Souffrant Forrest, who spoke about resilience and reinvention, drawing on her own path from Uber driver to ICU nurse to tenant activist to legislator. Her message: don’t put limits on your own potential. Assemblywoman Souffrant Forrest generously shared her time and insights, answering scholars’ questions during an engaging discussion.
That afternoon, scholars traveled to St. John’s Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science in Manhattan’s East Village for a networking panel led by Executive Director Hank Watkins. This was followed by a Networking Night where they practiced those very skills with friends and supporters of Hope Ignites and St. John’s. The day capped off in style with a trip to Yankee Stadium — Yankees vs. Tigers, with Yankees caps for everyone courtesy of Hank Watkins and St. John’s.
WEDNESDAY
The final full day was dedicated to college preparation. Scholars sat in on breakout sessions covering everything from building a final college list and demystifying applications to understanding financial aid, writing essays that feel authentic, and choosing a major without boxing in their future.
After lunch and a tour of St. John’s University, scholars headed to the college fair, where representatives from 19 partner schools across the country answered questions and shared what makes their campuses unique. A presentation on the admissions process from St. John’s staff rounded out the academic programming. The evening brought free time, dinner, and group activities, including a positive affirmation exercise and a chance to reflect on everything the week had offered before packing up for home.
New York State Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest speaking to scholars.
Scholars at the Networking Night event, speaking with a supporter of Hope Ignites and St. John’s University.
THURSDAY
After breakfast and a farewell and closeout speech, scholars gathered their luggage and boarded buses for the airport, heading home with new ideas, new connections, and a clearer sense of what’s possible for their college futures, and beyond.
Envision U is one of our flagship summer programs, and none of it happens without the generosity of our partners. Thank you to St. John’s University, NYC H2O, Assemblywoman Phara Souffrant Forrest, the Greenberg School of Risk Management, and the 19 partner schools who showed up for our scholars this week.
Most of all, thank you to the scholars and Legacy Leaders who brought their curiosity, energy, and openness to New York. Experiences like Envision U encapsulate why Hope Ignites exists and what we do — to help young people see their futures more clearly, and to walk toward them with confidence.
Scholars speaking to a college rep during the Wednesday College fair.
