HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op

Those who work for HOPE are committed to the education model and bettering the community around them as evidenced in their hard work and dedication to sustainable change. "What's great about HOPE is we meet kids where they are at," said Ms. Matisse Gentry, Academic Lead/Mentor at HOPE's Action High Learning Center in Aurora. Many of the mentors who work daily with HOPE students have been inspired by their work and are studying to become licensed teachers. "The HOPE learning model is a new way to look at education in this state and country," Dr. Susan McAlonan, Director of Student Services for HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op. "Our Learning Centers are built and staffed by the communities they serve. With this buy in, a deeper impact and difference is made." HOPE's community focus also leads to partnerships that benefit students. For example, HOPE's Power Learning Academy in Aurora, which opened this school year, moved in next door to a CrossFit gym, Project Rise. As these two organization began to get to know each other, they found ways they could benefit one another. Project Rise had interest in starting a Steve's Club, which is a national program that introduces youth, at no cost, to the benefits of CrossFit. "Our work with Power has helped us get our Steve's Club off the ground," said Duncan Seawell, Administrator for the Denver Steve's Club. Power's students have been participating in Steve's Club throughout the school year. In fact, Project Rise/Steve's Club is working with several Power students who has excelled in workouts and have awarded them scholarships to become certified CrossFit trainers. "I'm honored they chose me. I'm learning a lot, and it is helping me. This is something I've wanted to explore," said Luiz, one of the Power students involved in the program. Luiz will graduate this May from HOPE and knows that physical fitness, which has always been part of his life, will continue to be a focal point. He says he may even explore opening his own gym one day. HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op ...