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Hope Forward

The beginning of a life-long journey with a learning community, grounded in faith, working to bring Hope to the world. 

Hope Forward Hero ImageThe Big Idea

College has gotten too expensive. Hope College is doing something about it. Our long-term ambition is that every single student who comes through Hope receives tuition fully-funded up front. Graduates will then pay it forward: commit to donating to Hope College so future students can have the same transformational experience.

This is an entirely .

It transforms:

  • Your college education into preparation to pursue impact, not income to pay off student debt
  • Your college experience into a relationship based on gratitude and generosity, not a transaction between an organization and its customers
  • Your college costs from bill-paying into generous giving

HOW IT WORKS

Forty students with big hearts, open minds and a God-given passion to bring Hope to the world will: 

  • Receive a Hope College education with tuition fully-funded by the generous gifts of others
  • Participate in the Hope Forward cohort ɫɔ to prepare yourself and other Hope Forward students to pursue lives of impact in the world
  • As alumni, graduates of this program will commit to paying it forward ɫɔ donating to Hope College so that future students can have the same transformational experience

Program Details

GENERAL INFORMATION
The Hope Forward Program equips students to bring hope to the world by pursuing a life of positive impact. The program will provide experiences for learning, reflection and growth focused on the three pillars of Hope Forward ɫɔ community, access and generosity. As a community of learners, the cohort will attend seminars, take a course together, and participate in retreats and service learning.
EXPECTATIONS
Students can expect to commit 5ɫɓ10 hours a month to the Hope Forward Program, with programming spanning the duration of a student's college experience. Students are also highly encouraged to complete one semester of off-campus study.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Some highlights of the Hope Forward program include dinner with the president, off-campus retreats, the development of a portfolio, mentorship and active participation in campus-wide traditions like One Big Weekend, Time to Serve and Day of Giving.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  • Participation in the Hope Forward Program does not inhibit participation in other programs (Phelps Scholars, Day 1 Watershed, athletics, dance, etcɫɦ ).
  • The Hope Forward Program is not a living-learning community. Students may live in any residential housing unit of their choice/assignment.
  • We hope students graduate from the program with a commitment to:
    • Be a lifelong learner active in their communities
    • Engage with areas of hopelessness out of a personal hope and abundance
    • Generously give to create positive impact locally, globally and at Hope College

Learn more about the Hope Forward student experience 

Questions?