About
Mission
To nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready, men and women for others.

Where we Serve
A key differentiator of Hope Ignites is our strong Network, which ensures high standards, similar experiences, and better outcomes for every young person, regardless of location. Each affiliate uses the proven Hope Ignites program model, which may include Residential homes, Academy locations, or a combination of both pathways. We collaborate and innovate together to fulfill our mission with excellence, and to chart a vision for the future.

Baltimore

Chicago

Cincinnati

Colorado

Detroit

Guatemala

Mexico

New Orleans

New York

Northeastern Ohio

Phoenix

Pittsburgh

Southern California

St. Louis
Team

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Hope Ignites All

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Our Work
1,300
current number served across the network

8 in 10
of our collegians are the first in their families to attend college – paving the way for those who follow

98%
of high school graduates immediately enter college

92%
persistance from freshman to sophomore year
What We Do

Who We Serve

How We Help

Network Programming & Experiences

Our Standards

Refer A Young Person
Impact
News & Stories
From videos, blogs, and publications to new clippings, stay informed on what’s happening with Hope Ignites

Igniting Potential in Las Vegas: Reflections from the For All Summit
Martin TotlandMay 12, 2026
"Culture is not a perk or a talking point — it's the actual foundation." Recently, Dana Nichols and Mel Burden from Network Headquarters joined five [...]

How Santonio Cathery Found Success at Hope Ignites Chicago
Martin TotlandMay 6, 2026
"You are your brother and your sister's keeper." Santonio Cathery spent his childhood navigating a two-hour-each-direction daily commute, relying on two trains and two buses [...]

Advancements in Hope 2026
Jenny (Jennifer) StarkeyMay 5, 2026
This year’s Advancements in Hope showcases the momentum behind our mission, from affiliate growth to expanded STEM pathways for scholars. Inside, you’ll learn more about the donors, staff, and [...]

Serena Cooper’s Story Comes Full Circle
Martin TotlandMay 5, 2026
“My mom told me this is an amazing opportunity." Serena Cooper was waiting for an order of crab legs to ease her stress about college [...]

Building a Legacy of Mentorship
Jenny (Jennifer) StarkeyFebruary 25, 2026
This Black History Month, Hope Ignites highlighted mentors across our Network, who invest their time, wisdom, and experience in the next generation. Though every mentor has a [...]

From Haiti to New York: How Siblings Sophonie and Godson Found Opportunity Through Hope Ignites
Martin TotlandFebruary 5, 2026
“They wanted us to have the opportunities even if that meant we had to grow up somewhere else.” When siblings Sophonie and Godson Blaise arrived [...]

From Scholar to Board Member: Stephanie Gonzalez’s Story
Martin TotlandJanuary 21, 2026
When Stephanie Gonzalez was twelve, she was already taking on more than most kids her age. “I told them I wanted to go to a private high [...]

Hope Ignites Leadership Gathering 2026
Jenny (Jennifer) StarkeyJanuary 9, 2026
2026 LEADERSHIP GATHERING Join colleagues from across the Hope Ignites Network to celebrate our work and success. [...]

Guate-Maya Immersion 2026 | Registration Information
Jenny (Jennifer) StarkeyDecember 10, 2025
Applications are now closed. Apply to be selected for this 10-day service learning and cultural immersion experience for Hope Ignites Scholars and affiliate team members in the [...]

Envision U | Summer 2026
James WilliamsDecember 2, 2025
2026 EnvisionU | IN NEW YORK CITY Rising senior scholars coming together for team-building activities, reflection, and exploring college options with our partner schools [...]

Yearbook 2025
Jenny (Jennifer) StarkeyNovember 19, 2025
Hope Ignites is proud to share our 2025 Yearbook, featuring 109 high school graduates and 61 college graduates who completed their four-year degrees across our Network. [...]

A Season of Hope, a Future of Possibility
Jenny (Jennifer) StarkeyNovember 19, 2025
Give the gift of hope As the year ends, we’re reflecting on the incredible potential we see every day in our scholars, and how they turn dreams into reality through support, encouragement, and opportunity. This year, we [...]
On Young People

On Communities

The Data

Our Progress
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Work With Us
See our featured open positions across the network:

Position Opening: Program Director, Hope Ignites Chicago
Jenny (Jennifer) StarkeyMay 21, 2026
Mission To nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others. About Us Hope Ignites [...]

Summer Internship Opportunity: Alumni Engagement & Data Support
Jenny (Jennifer) StarkeyApril 30, 2026
Mission To nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others. About Us Hope Ignites is [...]

Position Opening | Senior Director of Scholar and Alumni Services | New York
Alyson MarinJanuary 26, 2024
MISSION To nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others. About Us Boys Hope Girls Hope is the [...]

Position Opening | Alumni Support Fellow
Alyson MarinJanuary 24, 2024
MISSION To nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others. About Us Boys Hope Girls [...]
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Kansas City

Stay up to date with Hope Ignites!

Kansas City Affiliate Closes
Published On: August 8, 2024
Read More
Hope Journals: LaRon’s Story
Published On: August 15, 2020
Read More

Working to nurture and guide motivated
young people in need to become well-educated,
career-ready men and women for others

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Go to Top

Mission

Where we Serve

1,300

8 in 10

98%

92%

News & Stories

Igniting Potential in Las Vegas: Reflections from the For All Summit

How Santonio Cathery Found Success at Hope Ignites Chicago

Advancements in Hope 2026

Serena Cooper’s Story Comes Full Circle

Building a Legacy of Mentorship

From Haiti to New York: How Siblings Sophonie and Godson Found Opportunity Through Hope Ignites

From Scholar to Board Member: Stephanie Gonzalez’s Story

Hope Ignites Leadership Gathering 2026

Guate-Maya Immersion 2026 | Registration Information

Envision U | Summer 2026

Yearbook 2025

A Season of Hope, a Future of Possibility

Work With Us

Position Opening: Program Director, Hope Ignites Chicago

Summer Internship Opportunity: Alumni Engagement & Data Support

Position Opening | Senior Director of Scholar and Alumni Services | New York

Position Opening | Alumni Support Fellow

Kansas City

Kansas City Affiliate Closes

Hope Journals: LaRon’s Story