Building Hope Highlights Award Winners for 2025
Building Hope has proudly recognized twelve exceptional charter schools for their outstanding efforts in community engagement, educational innovation, student empowerment, and leadership. These awards, part of the fourth annual Building Hope IMPACT Awards, are crucial in honoring schools making significant contributions across various states.
The awards celebrate the transformative power of education to change lives and communities. Recognizing that each environment plays a vital role in a child’s success, Building Hope is committed to supporting schools that foster a positive learning atmosphere.
Winners were celebrated at the grand IMPACT Summit Awards Gala, where a substantial funding of $160,000 in grants was allocated to these schools. The schools received awards in four specific categories, each highlighting key attributes that contribute to a quality educational experience.
Recognizing Exceptional Contributions in Education
The nominees included numerous charter schools from which the following received accolades:
S. Joseph Bruno Charter Leadership Award
- East Mountain High School, Sandia Park, New Mexico
- Sallie B. Howard School of Arts & Science, Wilson, North Carolina
- SouthTech Schools, Boynton Beach, Florida
Community Engagement Award
- Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Island Montessori, Wilmington, North Carolina
- Middleburg Community Charter School, Middleburg, Virginia
Educational Innovation Award
- Le Monde International School, Norman, Oklahoma
- M?lama Honua Public Charter School, Waimanalo, Hawaii
- Reaching All Minds Academy, Durham, North Carolina
Student Empowerment Award
- Avalon School, St. Paul, Minnesota
- Northeast Academy for Aerospace and Advanced Technologies, Elizabeth City, North Carolina
- Polaris Charter Academy, Chicago, Illinois
These schools serve as inspiring models within the charter school community, showcasing how dedicated leadership and innovative strategies can uplift students, families, and communities. Building Hope’s President and CEO, William D. Hansen, expressed pride in honoring such formidable educational institutions and their respective impacts on student success.
Impact on the Community
The impact of these schools extends beyond the classroom. Each award highlights a unique story of how educational innovation and community involvement work to create a better environment for learning. Building Hope's Chief Impact Officer, Sherilyn Moore, emphasized that these educational models are shining beacons of hope for future generations.
The winners, gathered together at the IMPACT Summit, had the opportunity to share their journeys and plans for utilizing the awarded grants to further bolster their programs, ensuring that they continue to make a significant difference in their communities. The grants awarded were tailored to support each school's specific initiatives, helping enhance their educational offerings.
Acknowledgments and Support
Gratitude extends to the sponsors of the Building Hope 2025 IMPACT Summit, whose support makes these awards possible. The commitment from sponsors at various levels reflects the importance of investing in education and fostering these vital community institutions.
Title Sponsor
- American Student Assistance
Platinum Sponsors
- PNC
- Risk Strategies
Gold Sponsors
- Dynamic Network Solutions
- Florida Charter Institute
- Raymond James
- STIFEL
Silver Sponsors
- East West Bank
- Key Construction
- National Alliance for Public Charter Schools
- UMB
- Ziegler
Building Hope is a national nonprofit with a mission to support advancements in education. Their commitment to charter schools ensures that facilities are never a hindrance to a child's access to quality education. With over $1 billion invested in the development of school facilities in their 21-year history, Building Hope continues to foster educational opportunities across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the IMPACT Awards?
The IMPACT Awards are an annual recognition given to charter schools for their excellence in community engagement, educational innovation, and student support.
Who sponsors the IMPACT Summit?
The IMPACT Summit is sponsored by various organizations that believe in enhancing educational opportunities for charter schools.
Where will the awards ceremony take place?
The awards ceremony will take place at the Building Hope IMPACT Summit, held in Miami.
What is the total grant amount awarded?
A total of $160,000 in grants will be distributed among the award winners.
Who can attend the IMPACT Summit?
The IMPACT Summit is open to charter school leaders nationwide, fostering collaboration and idea sharing among participants.
