H.O.P.E. was founded in 2013 by Tashica Thompson for the purpose of enabling at-risk and underprivileged young adults in York County to pursue higher education. 18.1% of the population in Rock Hill, SC (70,764 people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 13.5%.

 

Helping Others Progress through Education (H.O.P.E.) nonprofit organization philosophy is that in order to be successful in school, a child must be equipped with the necessary tools. Too often, families do not have the financial resources to purchase school supplies or food for their children. H.O.P.E. holds an annual school supply drive to provide underprivileged children in the Rock Hill, South Carolina area with the necessary supplies for the upcoming school year. Children who attend this event are given book bags, paper, notebooks, pencils, markers, and other supplies. We feed the homeless and participate in the South Carolina Department of Education Summer Food Service Program for Children (SFSP) to ensure children and their families don’t starve.

 

H.O.P.E. works with young adults to identify institutions of higher learning, complete entrance applications, secure financial aid, and ultimately make the transition to life as a college student. We also hold workshops that provide young adults with information about available options in regards to higher education. These workshops focus on informing young adults about the different requirements for admission to an institution of higher learning, as well as the importance of a degree from a technical school or college.

 

In addition to providing free educational resources, H.O.P.E. arranges college tours for young adults. The college tours enable students to make an informed decision about selecting an institution of higher learning, as well as to ease the transition to life as a college student.