John Hope Bryant

What if we could reconnect the power of aspiration with the power of education in our children's lives? What if students in grades 4-12 could start a business for $50 to $500? What if they could get courses in financial literacy and financial dignity linked with a primer course in entrepreneurship?

Introducing HOPE Business In A Box Academy (HBIAB)

Students can choose from more than 25 businesses that can be started for $500 or less,
Pitch their startup in front of a live… Show more

What if we could reconnect the power of aspiration with the power of education in our children's lives? What if students in grades 4-12 could start a business for $50 to $500? What if they could get courses in financial literacy and financial dignity linked with a primer course in entrepreneurship?

Introducing HOPE Business In A Box Academy (HBIAB)

Students can choose from more than 25 businesses that can be started for $500 or less,
Pitch their startup in front of a live audience and top leaders from their community
Receive a HOPE Business In A Box Academy Entrepreneurship Grant
A business mentor
A savings account
The Gallup-HOPE Index, a donation to America’s schools from Gallup and Operation HOPE, measures Hope Business In A Box Academies from the point of when child signs up and continues to follow their ventures from the front-end, middle and the back-end. HOPE Business In A Box will change everything.


2013 Pilot Results.

To get involved with HOPE Business In A Box, contact Mary Ehrsam. You can also make a direct donation today by clicking below.

- See more at: http://www.operationhope.org/business-in-a-box#sthash.QCD1PMQp.dpuf Show less

HOPE Inside is a viable and sustainable business model for future HOPE Centers nationwide. This innovative and cost-efficient strategy will allow HOPE to serve more people in more places by bringing financial empowerment and financial dignity to locations they already frequent, such as their bank or grocery store. By partnering with financial institutions, retail stores, supermarkets, local municipalities, community-based organizations and shopping centers, HOPE Inside will attract more… Show more

HOPE Inside is a viable and sustainable business model for future HOPE Centers nationwide. This innovative and cost-efficient strategy will allow HOPE to serve more people in more places by bringing financial empowerment and financial dignity to locations they already frequent, such as their bank or grocery store. By partnering with financial institutions, retail stores, supermarkets, local municipalities, community-based organizations and shopping centers, HOPE Inside will attract more customers and members who want to take care of their shopping, banking or other service needs and meet with HOPE counselors for their personal financial needs, all in one location.

During this pilot period from 2004 - 2012, HOPE has successfully operated six HOPE Inside models with partners Bank of the West (Oakland, CA), Union Bank (two locations in Los Angeles, CA), US Bank (Los Angeles, CA), the City of Miami, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Historical Site (Atlanta, GA), providing financial empowerment to over 135,000 customers.

To achieve the goal of increasing credit scores to the bankable level of 700, our strategy envisions the deployment of more than 1,000 first ever bottom-up branches (empowerment centers) throughout America. “HOPE Inside Plus” are licensed branches with trained and certified bank employees who will deliver HOPE services. This plan is consistent with the long-term growth strategies of top regional and money-center banks and appreciates the under-utilized, 100,000 unit branch banking network across America. For information on how to bring a HOPE Inside location to your branch, contact Debra Collins at (213) 891-2900.

- See more at: http://www.operationhope.org/hopeinside#sthash.Z1ELEPUc.dpuf Show less

The mission of Project 5117 is to strengthen the economy by focusing on empowering those who earn less than $50,000 a year. It is a mission that is supported by a broad range of services, from homeownership counseling, to credit card debt management, a program that helps those with low credit scores raise their score to 700, and a comprehensive entrepreneurship-training course called HOPE Business-In-A-Box. - See more at: http://www.operationhope.org/p5117#sthash.vTa2t3bV.dpuf

America’s First Line of Response for Financial Recovery.

HOPE Coalition America is the only financial emergency preparedness and recovery service in the country. Through partnerships with industry leaders in a wide range of industries spanning banking, financial services, insurance, social and community services, we provide financial and economic assistance to those affected by natural disasters.

On April 27th, we renewed our partnership with FEMA to strengthen and expand the… Show more

America’s First Line of Response for Financial Recovery.

HOPE Coalition America is the only financial emergency preparedness and recovery service in the country. Through partnerships with industry leaders in a wide range of industries spanning banking, financial services, insurance, social and community services, we provide financial and economic assistance to those affected by natural disasters.

On April 27th, we renewed our partnership with FEMA to strengthen and expand the financial counseling resources available to help individuals and families prepare for disasters and recover in the shortest possible time. Services are available across the country and work to help people recover from disaster and BE PREPARED when disaster strikes. Check out the full FEMA event!

When a natural disaster occurs, organizations such as FEMA and the American Red Cross go to work immediately to address health, safety, and infrastructure problems. But financial issues affect far more people after a disaster than property damage or personal injury, which is where traditional national networks fall short.

Our counselors include full-time employees and volunteers from the banking, financial services and insurance industries. Through the HOPE Crisis Hotline and our on-site counseling centers, they help clients recover financially from natural disasters, foreclosures, and other emergencies.

We also provide pre-disaster preparedness planning. Download our free Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) or Personal Disaster Preparedness Guide (PDPG) now—and find out how prepared you are.
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Banking on Our Future is the leading urban delivery system for youth financial literacy empowerment in the nation.

Banking on Our Future (BOOF) elevates the dignity, hope, and economic self-sufficiency of people in low-wealth and underserved communities through financial literacy. Since its inception, the Banking on Our Future Program has reached over 744,000 students in more than 700 schools and community-based organizations in the U.S. and South Africa.

Banking on Our Future… Show more

Banking on Our Future is the leading urban delivery system for youth financial literacy empowerment in the nation.

Banking on Our Future (BOOF) elevates the dignity, hope, and economic self-sufficiency of people in low-wealth and underserved communities through financial literacy. Since its inception, the Banking on Our Future Program has reached over 744,000 students in more than 700 schools and community-based organizations in the U.S. and South Africa.

Banking on Our Future classes are free of charge for schools and communities. The program is led by HOPE Corps volunteers who have undergone comprehensive training in financial literacy and teaching techniques. Our BOOF students are given the tools they need to take control of their financial futures - by learning about empowerment, responsibility, and hope.

BOOF partners with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund in South Africa to teach financial literacy empowerment and currently has educated over 50,000 students. BOOF is the recipient of the U.S. Treasury Department's John Sherman Award for Financial Literacy Excellence and Oprah's Angel Network’s Use Your Life Award.

- See more at: http://www.operationhope.org/banking-on-our-future#sthash.QVsj58Vz.dpuf Show less

22,000 plus HOPE Corps members strong, our HOPE Corps is Operation HOPE’s nationwide network of volunteers, dedicated to promoting financial self-sufficiency and empowerment in the communities where it’s needed most. We’re always looking for compassionate, dedicated people to serve at the vanguard of our movement for financial literacy and economic justice.

You don’t need a background in finance or teaching. All you need is passion and enthusiasm--and some time to spare. Make a… Show more

22,000 plus HOPE Corps members strong, our HOPE Corps is Operation HOPE’s nationwide network of volunteers, dedicated to promoting financial self-sufficiency and empowerment in the communities where it’s needed most. We’re always looking for compassionate, dedicated people to serve at the vanguard of our movement for financial literacy and economic justice.

You don’t need a background in finance or teaching. All you need is passion and enthusiasm--and some time to spare. Make a difference and be a hero in your community. The following programs are currently accepting volunteers:

- See more at: http://www.operationhope.org/hopecorps#sthash.hBLwO0cY.dpuf Show less

At HOPE we believe that when you transform a neighborhood to become a 700 credit score community, check cashers, title lenders, and payday lenders become credit unions and community banks, and liquor stores are transformed into convenient stores and grocery markets.

HOPE believes that a community empowered with their own sense of financial dignity asks more good questions, demands better products and services, is more aspirational, and positions themselves as an upwardly mobile emerging… Show more

At HOPE we believe that when you transform a neighborhood to become a 700 credit score community, check cashers, title lenders, and payday lenders become credit unions and community banks, and liquor stores are transformed into convenient stores and grocery markets.

HOPE believes that a community empowered with their own sense of financial dignity asks more good questions, demands better products and services, is more aspirational, and positions themselves as an upwardly mobile emerging market for the future. An empowered community is a community filled with economic opportunity.

HOPE Financial Dignity Centers lead our efforts to transform the client-base we serve and the under-served communities we exist within to drive so-called "poor neighborhoods" to become emerging market communities of economic opportunity. This will be done with a focus on creating 700 credit score communities by working closely with our clients and surrounding communities to move average credit scores from the range of 550 to the 650 range.


- See more at: http://www.operationhope.org/700creditscores#sthash.h3YITpRN.dpuf Show less

The Operation HOPE Fellowship and Intern program works to empower and develop the next generation of leaders to pursue careers that will create global economic and social justice. We look to develop a cadre of young leaders ready to work together across HOPE departments to successfully grow our financial dignity work and silver rights movement.

HOPE Fellowships and Internships offer exceptional young men and women the opportunity to acquire skills and build vital social networks that… Show more

The Operation HOPE Fellowship and Intern program works to empower and develop the next generation of leaders to pursue careers that will create global economic and social justice. We look to develop a cadre of young leaders ready to work together across HOPE departments to successfully grow our financial dignity work and silver rights movement.

HOPE Fellowships and Internships offer exceptional young men and women the opportunity to acquire skills and build vital social networks that will enhance their career and their effectiveness as leaders. The HOPE Fellows and Intern Program will provide accomplished and highly motivated young adults with first-hand experience in the world of economic empowerment and a sense of personal dignity.

HOPE seeks talented, self-motivated individuals committed to global economic and social justice. Broadly, HOPE Fellows and Interns have the following traits:

A record of remarkable professional / educational achievement
Evidence of leadership skills and the potential for further growth
Track record of working towards economic and social justice
Ability to work well with diverse groups
Strong personal initiative and motivation

- See more at: http://www.operationhope.org/fellows#sthash.VlSTMvRE.dpuf Show less

Since 1993, HOPE has been ringing the bell and advancing the importance of financial literacy onto the national stage. Understanding that low-income communities are especially vulnerable to financial downturns, HOPE seeks to stabilize and secure the financial future of susceptible communities. With the global impact of the economic crisis affecting poor and middle class families, HOPE’s work to help people do more with the money they make is more relevant than ever.

Leaders from the… Show more

Since 1993, HOPE has been ringing the bell and advancing the importance of financial literacy onto the national stage. Understanding that low-income communities are especially vulnerable to financial downturns, HOPE seeks to stabilize and secure the financial future of susceptible communities. With the global impact of the economic crisis affecting poor and middle class families, HOPE’s work to help people do more with the money they make is more relevant than ever.

Leaders from the global, national, local and regional government come together at HOPE Forums with private, corporate, community, and academic sectors to help America and the world discover sustainable solutions to our economic challenges at this critically important time. Sharing best practices and speaking on financial literacy and economic empowerment issues from business, legislative and educational perspectives, HOPE Forums seek to encourage discussion and provide insight into an ever-changing industry.

HOPE Forums combine targeted keynote remarks that provide a vision for the future, global leadership town hall sessions that encourage strategic thinking and plenary sessions that focus on tangible and tactical actions that can make an impact.

- See more at: http://www.operationhope.org/hopeforums#sthash.WGZh2jGp.dpuf Show less

HOPE Global Initiatives manages our efforts to reach underserved communities worldwide and improve the quality of life in developing countries through economic empowerment.

In 2007, Operation HOPE began its expansion into South Africa. We’ve mobilized local volunteers to bring financial literacy to children and communities throughout the country. So far, we’ve trained over 500 area volunteers to bring Banking on Our Future to 33 schools, and our work is just beginning.

There are… Show more

HOPE Global Initiatives manages our efforts to reach underserved communities worldwide and improve the quality of life in developing countries through economic empowerment.

In 2007, Operation HOPE began its expansion into South Africa. We’ve mobilized local volunteers to bring financial literacy to children and communities throughout the country. So far, we’ve trained over 500 area volunteers to bring Banking on Our Future to 33 schools, and our work is just beginning.

There are many impoverished communities in countries throughout the world that could still use our help. Find out more about our global initiatives in South Africa, Haiti, and worldwide.

- See more at: http://www.operationhope.org/Global-Initiatives#sthash.92ehdgwN.dpuf Show less

The Office of Innovation Research and Assessment will track the success of current programs, contribute to the development of the new Gallup-HOPE Financial Literacy Index, and analyze the impact of HOPE programs and services on youth, adults and the community at large. The new department will also serve as a benchmark for innovation within HOPE itself.

- See more at: http://www.operationhope.org/research-assessment#sthash.S59mSTQc.dpuf