New Study Chronicles Success of the HOPE Toledo Promise Program Northwestern University Publishes Second Implementation Study 

Toledo, Ohio, Oct. 20, 2022 — HOPE Toledo is thrilled to share that a new study chronicles and further demonstrates the success of the HOPE Toledo Promise program, the first fully funded, two-generation scholarship program in the United States. 

Northwestern University recently published findings based on its 2022 implementation study, the second study it has conducted on the HOPE Toledo Promise program. “These new findings suggest that the program’s novel combination of dollars, coaching supports, and direct involvement of parents seems to be moving the needle for the educational success of its scholars. The program is living up to its promise,” said Principal Investigator, Research Professor and Director of the Northwestern University Two-Generation Research Initiative, Teresa Eckrich Sommer, Ph.D.

The study cites the following key indicators of the HOPE Toledo Promise program’s success: 

● Jesup W. Scott High School has seen an approximate 70% increase in high school graduates enrolling in a postsecondary education program. 

● Cohort One (2020 high school graduation year) has seen a 43% persistence rate through two years of postsecondary experience. 

● Cohort Two (2021 high school graduation year) has seen a 69% persistence rate after one year. 

● Seven students, including one parent, have already graduated from a postsecondary institution/program. 

HOPE Toledo Promise is a truly groundbreaking program as it’s the first fully funded, two-generation scholarship program in the United States. This means the high school graduate and one

parent or guardian can attend 4.5 years of university, community college or trade school for free, including tuition, room and board, books and fees. HOPE Toledo Promise also includes wraparound support services and coaching. 

“The wraparound services are key to the sustained success of our HOPE Scholars,” said Shawna Woody, vice president of operations for HOPE Toledo. “For many of them, they are the first in their family to pursue postsecondary education and there needs to be one-on-one attention and coaching with a focus on financial literacy, mental health, student life, career counseling and academic resources,” she said. 

Multigenerational education and community support are vital to the success of Toledo’s students, future workforce and a strong economy. “Like HOPE Toledo Pre-K, HOPE Toledo Promise makes education the vehicle to improve opportunity,” said Rev. John C. Jones, president and CEO of HOPE Toledo. “Additionally, HOPE Toledo Promise is working to develop additional opportunities for more Toledo high school graduates to pursue higher education.” 

This week, Rev. Jones will present the study’s findings and more information about the impact of the HOPE Toledo Promise program at the National Scholarship Providers Association Annual Conference in Chicago. 

For more information on HOPE Toledo, contact Rev. John C. Jones at john@hope-toledo.org.