Hope Ignites

More service, more culture, more connection in Guatemala. This week our scholars served at the local schools, learned to hand-wash their clothes alongside Guatemalan scholars, and shared meals, games, and dancing at the residences. They celebrated one of the scholars' 18th birthday, explored the historic city of Antigua, and toured a coffee farm from bean to cup, racking up new experiences and making lasting friendships at every turn.

Esperanza Juvenil, Guatemala

One of our flagship summer programs, the Guate-Maya Immersion Experience is underway, and scholars from across the U.S. are living, serving, and learning alongside their peers at Esperanza Juvenil, Guatemala (Hope Ignites Guatemala). They are exploring Guatemala City's historic cathedral and artisan markets, discovering Mayan traditions and learning about chocolate making and craftsmanship in San Juan La Laguna. Every day brings new experiences and new friendships that will last long after the trip ends.

For our Guatemalan scholars, it's a chance to share their culture, their homes, and their generous hospitality. For our U.S. scholars, it's a window into a world beyond their own. For them all, it's an experience they'll carry for the rest of their lives.

Day 2 of Envision U was all about professional development!

The day started off with breakfast on campus, followed by a morning reflection led by our Vice President of Mission Effectiveness, Brian Hipp, talking about the core pillars of being a Hope Ignites scholar - being a well-educated, career ready man or woman for others.

Then, scholars got to meet and hear from New York State Assemblywoman Phara Souffrant Forrest, who represents Brooklyn's 57th District. Mrs. Souffrant Forrest spoke about the importance of resilience and being able to pivot and reinvent yourself when your circumstances demand it. Drawing on her own experience as an Uber driver, ICU nurse and tenant activist before entering politics as a member of the New York State Assembly, she inspired the scholars by encouraging them to not impose limits on their own potential.

Later in the day, scholars traveled to the St. John's University's Greenberg School of Risk Management in the East Village, Manhattan. First attending a panel discussion on professional networking led by Hank Watkins, the Executive Director of the Greenberg School, scholars picked up tips and tricks that they then put to the test during the Networking Night. Meeting with friends and supporters of Hope Ignites and St. John's, scholars practiced their networking skills and made new connections to set them up for future success in their college and professional lives.

The day was capped off with a baseball game at the iconic Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Scholars got to see the New York Yankees take on the Detroit Tigers, while donning stylish NY Yankee hats, courtesy of Hank Watkins and St. John's!

Phara for Assembly St. John's University St. John's University New York Yankees

Envision U 2026 is a wrap!

Last week, 83 young people (76 scholars and seven Legacy Leaders) from across the Hope Ignites Network gathered at St. John's University in Queens, New York! They were joined by affiliate and Network Headquarters team members and Hope Ignites collegians and recent alums - Legacy Leaders - for a week of team-building activities, reflection, and exploring college options with our partner schools.

Arriving on Sunday June 28th, scholars stayed in the dorms on the beautiful 102-acre campus of our great partner school St. John's University. Sunday was spent getting settled into the dorms and campus, hearing from St. John's reps, attending a welcome dinner, and doing introductions and ice-breaker activities.

Since Hope Ignites is always focused on being of service to others, Monday, June 29th, started off with the scholars joining NYC H2O, a non-profit water ecology organization, to clean up Baisley Pond Park in Queens!

After a quick reset on campus for lunch, scholars took a sightseeing trip of New York, taking the Staten Island Ferry into Lower Manhattan and Battery Park before making their way to Central Park and Times Square. Seeing the famous sights of Manhattan for the first time was a highlight for many scholars and set the stage for the rest of the week!

#2026

Today we celebrate Juneteenth in the name of freedom, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of dignity for all people.

At Hope Ignites, we are committed to walking alongside young people as they build futures full of possibility. That work is rooted in the belief that every person deserves the chance to thrive.

Wishing our community a meaningful and joyful Juneteenth. 🖤❤️💛