Our Impact
total young people eligible for programming and support
schools across Cleveland & Akron where Academy Scholars attend
colleges & career programs where Post-Secondary Scholars attend
Scholars living on campus in our holistic environment
in scholarships awarded to collegians
days of programming prepared for the upcoming program year
%
retention of Academy Scholars for the 2023-2024 program year
%
of Academy Scholars are first-generation college students
%
overall college persistence rate for 2 and 4-year pathways

WHY OUR PROGRAM WORKS
One report by The New Teacher Project (TNTP) explored how young people’s experiences during their school years shaped their economic and social mobility in adulthood. It found that strong academic outcomes made mobility much more likely; however, these outcomes alone didn’t outweigh the effects of poverty.
The Hope Ignites model answers this call, responding to questions, such as “how can we better prepare young people to navigate a dynamic world and workforce?” or “what experiences and opportunities across sectors will prepare young people to thrive in life?”, with life-altering outcomes. This includes a culture rooted in community, a program focused on a sense of belonging and in-depth individualized support, and a network offering scholarship, coaching, employment experience, and more.
LIVING PROOF
Cecelia’s Story
Cecelia is a 2015 graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School and was a Hope Ignites Northeastern Ohio Residential Scholar from 8th through 12th grade....
Mariah’s Story
Mariah is a 2020 graduate of Garfield Heights High School where she had dual enrollment and earned a cosmetology certification at Cuyahoga Valley...
Raylyn’s Story
The Marketing Team at Hope Ignites Headquarters visited Northeastern Ohio and interviewed Raylyn, NEO Alumna and law student, to create the video...
LaTonya’s Story
"With the help of Hope Ignites, I was provided many opportunities to be involved in service activities, leading me to a career in social work, and I...
Jay’s Story
"What Hope Ignites did for me was offer me opportunities," says Jay. "Hope Ignites offers extraordinary young people, in extraordinary life...