Transforming Lives
In 2009, ELEVATE Orlando launched at Evans High School. We were the first to model a successful, holistic approach to equip urban youth to graduate with a plan for the future.
The Beginning
The ELEVATE model began in Denver, Colorado by Dr. Kent Hutcheson as a summer jobs program for urban, at-risk youth called Colorado UpLift. Dr. Hutcheson’s passion was to help urban young people find hope in hopeless circumstances. Due to poverty, violence, drugs, gangs, and dysfunctional family units, UpLift teenagers were entering the jobs program with negative social behaviors. UpLift quickly changed its strategy in 1987 to teach character qualities and life skills needed for longterm success, starting at a younger age.
The new strategy evolved into a “pipeline of influence” model, in which UpLift Teachers/Mentors now provide consistent instruction for students from
elementary school through college age and have a better chance to emerge as successful, productive young adults. The Teacher/Mentor relationship with the students provides the leverage needed to decrease the high school dropout rate and increase enrollment into post-secondary training.
The Article that Changed it All
Jack McGill read an article in the Orlando Sentinel that asked, “Can Evans High be Saved?” Inspired by the question, he began searching for an answer. Now, years later, we can reply that Evans High School students are thriving through ELEVATE Orlando, the nonprofit he launched in 2009 along with community leaders in the city.
A History of Impacting Orlando
The number of students who are being impacted by ELEVATE Orlando continues to grow each year.
Years of Meaningful Relationships, Opportunities, and Success!
Let's Connect!
Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or learn more about our program, we look forward to hearing from you.