In about a week, Hope College will welcome our newest and largest Hope Forward cohort — 40 bright freshmen ready to embark on their college journey. This milestone marks a significant chapter for Hope Forward because the 2024–2025 academic year will be the first time we will have on campus four full cohorts — 120 students from freshmen to seniors. As we prepare to start this exciting new chapter, we pause to celebrate our incredible Hope Forward students!
A Community as Diverse as it is Driven
Students are the heart of Hope Forward, representing a remarkable diversity of backgrounds, experiences, upbringings and passions. Among our 120 students, 20% are the first in their families to attend college, highlighting the opportunities Hope Forward creates. They come to us from 23 states across the U.S. and 18 countries globally, including Afghanistan, Ghana, Haiti, Malaysia and Ukraine. Their interests and majors span a wide spectrum, from biochemistry and global health to computer science and English.
Despite their unique paths, these students share a common commitment to use their gifted education to bring hope to areas of hopelessness both nationwide and around the world. They embody a spirit of generosity and a commitment to leadership and service, preparing to make a meaningful impact in their communities and fields of interest.
Committed to Learning and Leading
These students are deeply committed to their studies, with an impressive average GPA of 3.47. Beyond their achievements, what truly stands out is their curiosity and excitement for learning. This past year alone, 16% of the students studied abroad or off-campus in places like Greece, Japan and Ecuador.
They are also actively engaged in campus life, with 91% participating in co-curricular activities such as Dance Marathon, Multicultural Student Organizations, Nykerk and the Pull. Leadership comes naturally to them, with nearly half stepping into leadership roles in organizations like Student Congress, Greek Life and Campus Ministries, including Bible study leaders and members of the worship team.
Living Out the Values of Hope Forward
We’re excited about how Hope Forward prepares students for lives of purpose and impact. Last year, 98% of our students reported that being part of the Hope Forward program deepened their understanding of generosity, and 96% said it has positively impacted their sense of belonging on campus. They’re not just learning in the classroom, they’re learning from each other, too. All 100% of the students reported that they’ve grown through engaging with diverse perspectives, which embodies the culture of care, gratitude and generosity they are building together.
The development of virtues like generosity (96%) and gratitude (94%) among our students is truly inspiring. Even as they pursue their studies, they are already planning their future contributions, with 98% intending to give back to Hope College after graduation and 100% of our seniors indicating that annual and generous giving to Hope College is part of their financial plan for the future.
Our students are not only growing individually and as a cohort, but they are also shaping our campus community with their commitment to generosity and service. As one student said, “I am trying to foster a mindset of abundance as well as a worldview of service to others. I am trying to incorporate respecting, honoring, and most of all serving others into all aspects of my life, specifically how I spend my resources and what opportunities I will choose to pursue.”
Looking Ahead: Welcoming a New Class
The excitement is palpable as we eagerly anticipate the start of the year. Our sophomores, juniors and seniors are ready to warmly welcome the new cohort of 40 freshmen with handwritten welcome notes, informal mentoring, and student-led worship during their cohort kickoff event. There is so much good ahead!
Join Us in Supporting Our Students
The success of our students reflects the collective effort of everyone at Hope College: faculty, staff, alumni, donors, parents and families. Hope Forward students wouldn’t be here without your support. We invite you to stay engaged and connected as Hope Forward grows:
– Learn more about our students by reading their stories on the Hope Forward Blog.
– Stay informed and inspired by exploring hope.edu/forward.
– Lead by example. Our students are deeply influenced by the generosity and kindness of those around them.
– Share your Hope Forward experiences within your community.
– Reach out to us with your questions or ideas to help us shape the future of Hope Forward. Email hopeforward@hope.edu anytime.
Our students are doing incredible things, and we’re grateful to have you alongside us on this journey. Thank you for being a part of the Hope Forward family. Here’s to another year of growth, learning and generational generosity.
Looks like another great year coming up!