Latest news with #OperationHOPE
Business Wire
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Operation HOPE and Georgia State University Launch Groundbreaking AI Literacy Program for Underserved Youth
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Operation HOPE and Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business today announced the launch of the first pilot program of the AI Literacy Pipeline to Prosperity Project (AILP³): a first-of-its-kind summer program to equip Atlanta-area youth with the technical, entrepreneurial and financial-literacy skills required to thrive in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Launched in December 2024 at the HOPE Global Forums Annual Meeting, AILP³ is a 'K-to-College' collaboration between Operation HOPE and Robinson College of Business created to give students from underserved backgrounds a direct pathway into the opportunity-rich AI workforce. The inaugural week-long summer camp—slated for July on Georgia State's downtown campus—marks the project's first on-the-ground activation, kicking off a multi-year plan to scale across Georgia and ultimately the nation. The camp will run July 7 –11, 2025, hosting rising 9th–11th graders from Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding districts. Participants in the AILP³ summer camp can expect a transformative experience designed to prepare them for success in an AI-driven economy through: Bridging digital and economic divides. Participants will explore core AI concepts, ethics and real-world applications while receiving Operation HOPE's signature financial-literacy coaching. Hands-on learning. Programming includes coding labs, design-thinking sprints, career panels with AI professionals, and 'build-a-bot' challenges. Workforce alignment. Corporate partners drawn from Operation HOPE's AI Ethics Council will provide mentors and potential internship pipelines. 'Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, but access to AI education is not yet equal, and we look forward to working with Operation HOPE to helping close that gap. True to our Georgia State University DNA, we are committed to ensuring all our students, who now include AILP³ camp students, receive the experiences, resources and support they need to realize their full potential,' said Richard D. Phillips, dean of the Robinson College of Business and member of the AI Ethics Council powered by Operation HOPE. 'For more than 30 years, Operation HOPE has delivered financial dignity to millions. AILP³ extends that mission into the AI era—ensuring young people can not only use these technologies, but profit from them,' added John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE. About AILP³ Comprehensive scope: AILP³ is developing a range of programming to support Georgia's youth including K-12 immersion programs, AI-focused scholarships, apprenticeships and family support for workers displaced by automation. Scalable model: The Atlanta pilot will inform a template that partners can replicate nationally. Community impact: AILP³ will leverage the resources of Operation HOPE, which has already directed more than $4.2 billion in economic activity to underserved communities through its HOPE Inside platform. ABOUT OPERATION HOPE, INC. Since 1992, Operation HOPE has empowered more than 4 million individuals with financial literacy, credit and money management coaching, home ownership, and small business support—advancing 'silver rights' to help low- and moderate-income Americans achieve economic dignity. Through its award-winning HOPE Inside model, the organization has helped generate over $4.2 billion in economic activity. We operate in nearly 300 cities serving 1500 locations throughout the United States. Learn more at ABOUT GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY'S J. MACK ROBINSON COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Founded in 1913 and boasting close to 85,000 alumni, Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business is one of the largest business schools in the U.S. The college offers 11 undergraduate majors, 12 specialized master's, and two MBAs as well as Ph.D. and practitioner doctorate (DBA) programs. A four-time recipient of AACSB's Innovations That Inspire award, Robinson's unique interdisciplinary culture and groundbreaking co-curricular and immersive experiences equip students with the critical skills employers seek in new hires. Consistent with Georgia State's award-winning student success model, Robinson works to ensure that students from all backgrounds can succeed, whether pioneering new businesses or leading established organizations. More Georgia executives hold advanced degrees from the Robinson College of Business and Georgia State University than any other school in the U.S.
Business Wire
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
Operation HOPE Founder John Hope Bryant and Business Leader Chaitra Dalton-Bryant Honored with Medal of Valor by Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Operation HOPE is proud to announce that its Founder, Chairman, and CEO John Hope Bryant, alongside his wife, entrepreneur and philanthropist Chaitra Dalton-Bryant, have been awarded the Medal of Valor by the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation (AJCF). The prestigious award was presented at AJCF's 2025 Annual Gala in New York City, in recognition of their leadership, compassion, and commitment to building bridges between Black and Jewish communities, and to combating hatred in all its forms. The Bryants were honored alongside a distinguished cohort of changemakers, including Grammy-winning artist Victory Boyd, activist Malynda Hale, Pastor Carl Day, and entrepreneur Raymond Leon Roker. All were recognized for their participation in the AJCF-EXODUS Delegation to Poland, a powerful pilgrimage earlier this year commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Led by Van Jones—Emmy Award-winner, CNN commentator, and founder of The Dream Machine—the January 2025 delegation journeyed through Holocaust memorial sites in Auschwitz, Kraków, and Warsaw, engaging with survivors, educators, and Jewish leaders. The experience emphasized the enduring need to fight antisemitism, anti-Black racism, and bigotry through truth-telling, education, and cross-community solidarity. 'This honor underscores the importance of our shared humanity,' said John Hope Bryant. 'In the face of rising hatred and division, we must remember the lessons of history and work together to build a world rooted in dignity, empathy, and justice.' Chaitra Dalton-Bryant, founder and Chief Wellness Officer of The Art of Wellness and Chair, National Minority Health Association, added: 'As an African-American woman and business leader focused on healing and wellbeing, I believe deeply in the power of courageous conversations and collective healing. This award reflects a call to action for all of us to lead with love.' John Hope Bryant founded Operation HOPE in 1992 to expand economic opportunity and financial literacy in underserved communities. Through its national network of HOPE Inside locations, the organization has served more than 4 million individuals and continues to champion what Bryant calls "Silver Rights"—economic empowerment as the civil rights issue of our time. The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation's Medal of Valor is awarded to individuals who exemplify moral courage, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to fighting hatred. This year's gala also marked AJCF's 25th anniversary and celebrated 20 years of its American Service Academies Program (ASAP), an educational initiative for future U.S. military leaders focused on the lessons of the Holocaust and ethical leadership. 'We are deeply honored by this recognition and humbled to be part of a long-standing tradition of Black and Jewish partnership,' said Bryant. 'Together, we must continue to stand up, speak out, and lead forward.' About Operation HOPE: Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to "silver rights" with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $4.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. About the Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation: The Auschwitz Jewish Center Foundation is dedicated to combating antisemitism and bigotry through Holocaust education and remembrance. AJCF operates the last remaining synagogue in Oświęcim, Poland and reaches global audiences through programs that promote tolerance, ethical leadership, and historical truth.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Los Angeles City Council Recognizes Operation HOPE Founder John Hope Bryant for His 33 Years of Commitment to Helping Angelenos Secure a Better Economic Future
Operation HOPE also Awarded $1.25 Million in Scholarships to Council District 10 - Represented by Councilwoman Heather Hutt - through its One Million Black Business Initiative, Empowering Local Entrepreneurs to Start, Grow, or Scale their Businesses LOS ANGELES, June 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Operation HOPE and its Founder, Chair, and CEO John Hope Bryant were recognized by the Los Angeles City Council on May 9, 2025 for their 33 years of commitment to improving the economic and financial outcomes for underserved communities in Los Angeles. Councilwoman Heather Hutt (Council District 10) sponsored the proclamation on behalf of the City Council and was joined by Mr. Bryant as they shared remarks during the Council's public session. In addition, Mr. Bryant announced that Operation HOPE would be offering up to $1.25 million in scholarships for its services through its One Million Black Businesses (1MBB) initiative for Council District 10, which includes the community of Leimert Park, home to Operation HOPE's first location opened in 1994. Following the City Council ceremony, Councilwoman Hutt and Mr. Bryant toured the Leimert Park business district, where they met with a number of local entrepreneurs driving the revitalization of the area, including many who received early support services from Operation HOPE. Awarded scholarships will support local entrepreneurs seeking to start, grow, or scale their businesses, including through access to Shopify's e-commerce platform. Services offered include one-on-one consultations with Operation HOPE small business specialists; support with developing business plans, marketing strategies, and accessing capital; access to Shopify's network of resources, including e-commerce training, a complimentary website, and peer support groups. Operation HOPE was founded by Mr. Bryant on May 5, 1992, in response to the civil unrest in the wake of the Rodney King trial. In the midst of the turmoil and with parts of the city still on fire, Mr. Bryant organized his first "Banker's Bus Tour" through South Central Los Angeles, making the business case for investment in underserved communities. Since that day, Operation HOPE has grown its reach with offices in 300 cities across the U.S., serving over 1,500 locations, helping more than four million individuals, and directing over $4.2 billion in capital into underserved communities throughout the country. "It is always an honor and a privilege to be recognized for our contributions to our home city," said Mr. Bryant. "Operation HOPE began with a simple idea in response to the upheaval in my community – that everyone deserves the opportunity to fully participate in the greatest economy the world has ever known. That idea began and was nurtured in Los Angeles, thanks to so many prominent leaders like Mayor Tom Bradley, Rev. Dr. Cecil Murray, and Peter Ueberroth, who helped mentor and guide me as this idea expanded far beyond the borders of Los Angeles." Over the past decade, Operation HOPE has delivered measurable, life-changing results across Los Angeles, empowering individuals and families through financial literacy, coaching and access to opportunity. The organizations' impact includes: Serving more than 24,000 unique clients across Los Angeles Delivering more then 117,320 financial services including education, coaching and referrals Facilitating 2,000+ financial workshops Providing one-on-one financial coaching to more than 10,500 clients Issuing 7,700+ referrals to banking products, promoting financial inclusion Helping 62% of clients improve their credit score by an average of 38 points Supporting 78% of clients in increasing their savings, with median growth of $800 Facilitating more than $46 million in loan applications, resulting in $27 million funded – including $43+ million in home loans applied for and $25+ million in home loans funded Supporting the creation of 111 new businesses, fueling local economic development About Operation HOPE, 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to "silver rights" with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $4.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts Operation HOPE Contact: Bill Mendel, Mendel Communicationsbill@ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
05-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Los Angeles City Council Recognizes Operation HOPE Founder John Hope Bryant for His 33 Years of Commitment to Helping Angelenos Secure a Better Economic Future
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Operation HOPE and its Founder, Chair, and CEO John Hope Bryant were recognized by the Los Angeles City Council on May 9, 2025 for their 33 years of commitment to improving the economic and financial outcomes for underserved communities in Los Angeles. Councilwoman Heather Hutt (Council District 10) sponsored the proclamation on behalf of the City Council and was joined by Mr. Bryant as they shared remarks during the Council's public session. In addition, Mr. Bryant announced that Operation HOPE would be offering up to $1.25 million in scholarships for its services through its One Million Black Businesses (1MBB) initiative for Council District 10, which includes the community of Leimert Park, home to Operation HOPE's first location opened in 1994. Following the City Council ceremony, Councilwoman Hutt and Mr. Bryant toured the Leimert Park business district, where they met with a number of local entrepreneurs driving the revitalization of the area, including many who received early support services from Operation HOPE. Awarded scholarships will support local entrepreneurs seeking to start, grow, or scale their businesses, including through access to Shopify's e-commerce platform. Services offered include one-on-one consultations with Operation HOPE small business specialists; support with developing business plans, marketing strategies, and accessing capital; access to Shopify's network of resources, including e-commerce training, a complimentary website, and peer support groups. Operation HOPE was founded by Mr. Bryant on May 5, 1992, in response to the civil unrest in the wake of the Rodney King trial. In the midst of the turmoil and with parts of the city still on fire, Mr. Bryant organized his first 'Banker's Bus Tour' through South Central Los Angeles, making the business case for investment in underserved communities. Since that day, Operation HOPE has grown its reach with offices in 300 cities across the U.S., serving over 1,500 locations, helping more than four million individuals, and directing over $4.2 billion in capital into underserved communities throughout the country. 'It is always an honor and a privilege to be recognized for our contributions to our home city,' said Mr. Bryant. 'Operation HOPE began with a simple idea in response to the upheaval in my community – that everyone deserves the opportunity to fully participate in the greatest economy the world has ever known. That idea began and was nurtured in Los Angeles, thanks to so many prominent leaders like Mayor Tom Bradley, Rev. Dr. Cecil Murray, and Peter Ueberroth, who helped mentor and guide me as this idea expanded far beyond the borders of Los Angeles.' Over the past decade, Operation HOPE has delivered measurable, life-changing results across Los Angeles, empowering individuals and families through financial literacy, coaching and access to opportunity. The organizations' impact includes: Serving more than 24,000 unique clients across Los Angeles Delivering more then 117,320 financial services including education, coaching and referrals Facilitating 2,000+ financial workshops Providing one-on-one financial coaching to more than 10,500 clients Issuing 7,700+ referrals to banking products, promoting financial inclusion Helping 62% of clients improve their credit score by an average of 38 points Supporting 78% of clients in increasing their savings, with median growth of $800 Facilitating more than $46 million in loan applications, resulting in $27 million funded – including $43+ million in home loans applied for and $25+ million in home loans funded Supporting the creation of 111 new businesses, fueling local economic development About Operation HOPE, Inc. Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to "silver rights" with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $4.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Business Wire
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Operation HOPE and Financial Literacy for All Celebrate Record-Breaking Success of Green Socks Day Challenge
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Operation HOPE and Financial Literacy for All (FL4A) announced today that they achieved record-breaking impact following this year's inaugural Green Socks Day Challenge, which mobilized corporate partners and drove a surge in new clients seeking Operation HOPE's no-cost financial coaching services. Launched to celebrate the advancement of financial literacy as a national priority during Financial Literacy Month, the Green Socks Day Challenge took place on April 30, with individuals, organizations and businesses across the country participating by wearing green socks, taking the Financial Literacy Quiz, and sharing their stories on social media. A total of 52 Operation HOPE corporate partners and members of the FL4A initiative joined the Green Socks Day Challenge, helping to embed financial literacy into workplace culture and conversation. Participating partners included: Walmart, MasterCard, US Bank, Truist, Huntington Bank, iHeart Media, Delta Airlines, MLB, MLS, Nascar, Nasdaq, NBA, NHL, Shopify, OpenAI, and UPS, among other prominent organizations. These partners activated employees, customers and communities through financial literacy events, in-office campaigns, and digital engagement strategies – demonstrating a shared commitment to building a more financially empowered nation. Lastly, Operation HOPE saw an meaningful increase of new client enrollments for its no-cost financial coaching programs with more than 6,700 new client sign-ups in April. The #GreenSocksDay social media campaign generated over 1 million impressions and top posts were featured on Nasdaq's Times Square Tower in New York City, creating a powerful visual moment that amplified the call to action to promote financial literacy. FL4A and Operation HOPE plan to continue this annual tradition and build on this momentum throughout the year to provide free access to financial coaching, educational programs, and corporate partnerships to build a more financially empowered America. For more information or to get involved, visit About Financial Literacy for All (FL4A) Launched in 2021, Financial Literacy for All (FL4A) is a national initiative co-chaired by John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE, and Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart. FL4A is dedicated to embedding financial literacy into American culture, ensuring that financial education becomes a lifelong learning priority for individuals, families, businesses, and communities. FL4A is backed by leading corporate partners committed to making financial literacy accessible to all. For more information, visit About Operation HOPE, Inc. Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been a driving force in economic empowerment, shifting America from civil rights to "Silver Rights"—a movement to ensure free enterprise and capitalism work for all. Through its award-winning HOPE Inside model, which received American Banker's Innovator of the Year recognition, Operation HOPE has impacted over 4 million individuals, directing more than $4 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities. With a mission to turn check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into entrepreneurs, and minimum-wage workers into financially independent individuals, Operation HOPE continues to redefine economic inclusion. The organization recently earned Fast Company's "World Changing Ideas" Award and has been recognized with ten consecutive 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator for fiscal transparency and accountability. For more information, visit and follow the conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
