Hope Ignites reflects the evolution of who we are and the impact we make. In an increasingly competitive landscape of youth-serving organizations, this name distinguishes us from others and clarifies our unique mission and impact.
Our new name reflects the full journey of those we serve—from scholars to young professionals—and better represents the diverse individuals and communities we serve.
We’re Changing Our Name to Hope Ignites!
For 50 years, Boys Hope Girls Hope (now Hope Ignites) has been driven by the idea that educational opportunity belongs to everyone. Hope Ignites’ mission is to nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others. The organization addresses the opportunity gap faced by at-risk youth entering high school by providing academic and personal support in an inclusive environment. All scholars and collegians in the program are primarily first-generation and/or low-income youth.
“This is an exciting and historic moment for Boys Hope Girls Hope as we embark upon a bold vision for expanding hope and reaching more young people across our 14-affiliate network. Such a pivotal time requires not only decisive action, but also reflection on our identity, our distinctive qualities, and the profound impact we aspire to make in the years ahead,” stated Hope Ignites President and CEO Kristin Ostby de Barillas.
In an increasingly competitive landscape of youth-serving organizations, this name distinguishes and clarifies the non-profit’s unique mission and impact. Hope Ignites reflects the full journey of those served-from scholars to young professionals-and better represents the diverse individuals and communities served. In Colorado alone, 100% of Hope Ignites scholars will attend a two year or four year college program after high school. And of that number 93% will return after their freshman year.
“Hope Ignites provides me with an opportunity I never thought possible, going to my dream school with a scholarship that provides my whole tuition plus room and board, “ said Regis Jesuit High School 2025 student Athrizi who plans to attend the University of Miami in fall with a major in Sports Marketing and a minor in Spanish. “Hope Ignites prepared me with my college applications, scholarship opportunities and life skills along the way to make this dream a reality,” she said. This year alone the Colorado affiliate will have 17 scholars who will be graduating high school and moving onto college-all are first generation students and in impoverished situations. Igniting Hope for their future is exactly what this organization is doing.
“As we move into this exciting next stage of our organizational life-with a commitment to serving more young people may hope ignite all of us. May hope ignite every scholar to find their voice, purpose, and a loving community. May hope ignite every team members and volunteer to channel their talent, passion, and concern for young people into this mission and making an impact. May hope ignite the world to learn more about us and help to fuel our transformative work, creating a ripple effect that touches the lives of scholars, families, and communities,” said Ostby de Barillas.
Same Spark, Brighter Than Ever!
Over the coming months you will see a blend of our Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado logo with the new Hope Ignites branding as we make this transition. Our Network Headquarters has already fully launched the new name, while our affiliate in Colorado hopes to be fully switched over by mid-summer.
While our name is evolving, our mission and unwavering commitment to our scholars and collegians remain stronger than ever.