This annual report is a recap of the progress Beacon of Hope has made in our mission to inspire, invest, and equip Lynchburg's students to achieve their dreams!
ANNUAL REPORT LYNCHBURG BEACON OF HOPE 2023-2024
LYNCHBURG Beacon of Hope
2023-2024
At Lynchburg Beacon of Hope, our mission is to inspire Lynchburg’s youth to pursue post- secondary education or training, invest in their potential, and equip them to become contributing individuals to the betterment of our community.
Our purpose is to instill in all Lynchburg City Schools students the aspiration to attain post- secondary education and to provide the tools and resources to do so.
TT T History
INCEPTION A product from Lynchburg's Dialogue on Race and Racism in 2008, Lynchburg Beacon of Hope is the actualization that education is key to a more successful future for the city and community at large. 2011-2015 Lynchburg Beacon of Hope launched the Future Centers in 2012 in E.C. Glass and Heritage High School. Following the success of the Future Centers, Beacon implemented programming in middle schools (2013) and elementary schools (2015). 2016-2020 Lynchburg Beacon of Hope continued to evolve programming to support students at every stage. In 2016, Beacon partnered with Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) to create a bridge of resources for Lynchburg City School graduates from high school to community college--laying the foundation for the Future Center currently at CVCC and the Stay Close, Go Far Scholarship. 2021-PRESENT Since the launch of the Stay Close, Go Far Program, Beacon has continued to grow. The Office of College and Career Success has supported over 1,200 students through programming and scholarships. In addition, Beacon has created programs and initiatives, such as the Summer Internship (2022), to meet the current and ongoing needs of students and our local workforce.
TABLE OF Contents
1
A Note from the Executive Director
2 3
A Transition in Leadership
Who’s Who at Beacon of Hope
Beacon’s Board of Directors 4 Kindergarten through 8th Grade Programming 5 8th Grade College and Career Readiness Symposium 6
7
Future Centers
9 11
Summer Internship
Office of College and Career Success
13 15 16
Donor Recognition
Finances
How to Get Involved
DID YOU KNOW?
Our Stay Close, Go Far Promise Scholarship was the first universal promise scholarship program in the state of Virginia! That means a student will qualify for support, regardless of income or GPA.
A NOTE FROM THE Executive Director
Dear Friends of Beacon,
As one school year ends and another begins, I want to take the time to reflect and share that despite all the changes education has seen since the pandemic, Beacon’s mission and vision has stayed the same. Our commitment to Lynchburg’s youth is as strong as ever, inspiring our students to chase their dreams and preparing our community for the future. This annual report aims to bring you up to speed, shed light on our current efforts, and offer a transparent look at how your investment in Lynchburg’s students is yielding remarkable results. Since inception, over 1,200 students have utilized our Stay Close, Go Far and Commonwealth Scholarships. Hundreds of Heritage and E.C. Glass High School students have attended college with less or no debt. This underscores the profound impact of our programs and the community's belief in their future through Lynchburg’s Promise in Stay Close, Go Far. Our work is crucial from an economic standpoint as well. The goal of creating a pipeline from Lynchburg City Schools to local colleges and, ultimately, into local businesses or organizations is coming to fruition. We have students employed at businesses such as Jamerson-Lewis Construction, Southern Air, Centra, Framatome, and BWX Technologies. Our young people are taking charge of their future and laying a foundation for their career right here in our community. It is a privilege to work alongside these young people, to aid in the betterment of our community, and to continue the meaningful work supported by many dedicated community members. We invite you to join us in this mission, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or financial support. Together, we can continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of Lynchburg’s students.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
Leidra McQueen Leidra McQueen Executive Director of Lynchburg Bacon of Hope
Leidra McQueen was appointed Executive Director of Lynchburg Beacon of Hope in April 2024.
NEW LEADERSHIP, SAME MISSION
02
Beacon of Hope embarked on a significant leadership transition in April of 2024. Laura Lacy Hamilton, the founding Executive Director, led the organization with passion and a hands-on approach for 14 years. Laura's tenure is marked by a steadfast commitment to empowering Lynchburg City School students and bridging the gap between high school and higher education or career pathways. Under her guidance, Beacon of Hope not only provided scholarships but also created innovative programs that have gained national recognition. Effective on April 15th, Leidra McQueen, a dedicated member of the Beacon team for over a decade, took the helm as the new Executive Director. Leidra's connections to the Lynchburg community and Beacon of Hope run deep—she is a graduate of Heritage High School, and her career has been a testament to her commitment to college access and success for Lynchburg's students. From her early days as a College Access Adviser to a Future Center Director at Heriage, and her recent role as Deputy Director, Leidra consistently demonstrated her ability to execute the organization's vision with excellence. Together, with the support of the Board of Directors, Laura and Leidra have moved towards this leadership transition in lockstep. Leidra’s responsive leadership, with Laura’s visionary approach as a foundation for the organization, ensures that Beacon of Hope will continue to thrive. Beacon of Hope remains flexible to meet the needs of students and responsive to the community’s vision for the future of the Lynchburg region. The vision for Beacon of Hope remains unchanged.
From Future Center Director to Executive Director Leidra McQueen’s appointment as the second Executive Director of Beacon of Hope was a natural choice for the Board of Directors. Joining Beacon of Hope as Heritage High School’s Future Center Director in the fall of 2014, Leidra spent the next five years expanding outreach and piloting programs to increase student participation and engagement. In 2019, Leidra became the Director of College Success with the advent of the Stay Close, Go Far Promise Scholarship and creation of the Office of College and Career Success. Her adaptive leadership style, which balances systems and structure with deep relationships and authenticity, allowed her to excel in this role. Consequently, in 2021, she transitioned to the role of Deputy Director. This pivotal position leveraged her extensive knowledge of Beacon’s programs, providing her the ability to oversee policy and strategic planning under Laura’s leadership.
Staff From three former teachers to a former Commonwealth scholarship recipient, our staff is truly a representation of the community we serve. Of our eleven staff members, eight are directly student-facing and part of the day-to-day support of Lynchburg’s students.
Leidra McQueen Executive Director
Macey Normyle Director of Operations
Virginia Scott Director of Communications and Development
Dennis Coan Director of K-12 Programming
Noah Winton Future Center Director Heritage High School
Kara Douglas
Patty Worsham Future Center Advisor
Future Center Director E.C. Glass High School
Maegan Fallen Director of Office of College and Career Success
Rachel Madigan CVCC Site Director
Breanna Pannell
Shiniya Scott Programs and Operations Coordinator
Pathways Advisor
LYNCHBURG BEACON OF HOPE
PEGGY ANDREWS DESHA BEST DR. VERONICA BEVERLY DR. TERRY BRENNAN DR. JOHN CAPPS JOHN CROS STEVE CRANK GARY RAULERSON Board Chair MARGARET SCHMITT Board Vice Chair BOARD OF DIRECTORS
04
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Beacon of Hope was born out of the community’s Dialogue on Race and Racism in 2011. From the beginning, our Board members have been and continue to be incredibly active, generously donating their time and monetary support to further our mission. This year, we are excited to welcome two new members to our Board of Directors: Billy Hansen and Kathleen Davis. Both of whom you may have seen on the stage at this year’s HOPEx event!
TAB CULBERTSON DR. TOM DELANEY BETSY GARRARD KELLEA HOGAN KEVIN HOOPER HANK HUBBARD DR. GEORGE HURT MICHAEL MADDEN YVETTE MILLER PEGGY NOLLEY DR. MARI NORMYLE GLORIA PRESTON MARY JANE PRYOR LUCY ROSS KEVIN SMITH AMANDA SMITHSON JAMISON SPINNER JEFF THOMPSON KENNON WHITE MARTY WRIGHT HEATHER ZIPPEL
2024-2025 INCOMING DIRECTORS KATHLEEN DAVIS BILLY HANSEN MURIEL MICKLES
K-8 Programming
KIDS TO COLLEGE
Beacon of Hope's Kids to College Program is designed to inspire early college awareness. The program has three core goals: Cultivate future awareness by helping students visualize their path to graduation and college readiness 1. Foster resourcefulness and relationship-building within Lynchburg City Schools 2. Broaden awareness of diverse post-secondary paths, including 4-year degrees and technical certifications 3. All 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes at Perrymont Elementary went through a revamped college and career curriculum, designed by the elementary school counselors, and teachers lead the activities.
PROMISE PALS
During the 2024-2025 school year, Beacon is excited to pilot a new program, Promise Pals , at Perrymont Elementary School. A Beacon of Hope Scholar will serve as a pen pal to an elementary class each month and write letters about their journey to and experience in high school, college, and beyond. Beacon will coordinate visits while the scholar is home from college as well. The model is designed to connect students with real-life experiences and foster awareness of pathways beyond Lynchburg City Schools. The Promise Pals pilot program also aligns with the goals of Lynchburg City School’s Comprehensive Strategic Plan to infuse college and career activities and experiences into the elementary curriculum to bolster drop-out prevention strategies and increase post-secondary success.
LYNCHBURG BEACON OF HOPE
06
8TH GRADE Symposium
Since 2015, Lynchburg Beacon of Hope has hosted a three-day 8th Grade College and Career Readiness Symposium. The Symposium offers an in-depth look at life in college and beyond for over 600 Lynchburg City Schools middle school students each year.
With their respective middle school, Lynchburg City eighth graders spent six hours immersed in the campus environment at one of our local colleges, moving from one academic building to another for 40-minute sessions focusing on relevant aspects of college and career life.
This year’s sessions included:
An interactive exploration of the impact of GPA and extracurricular activities on college admissions and questions and answers panel with Admission representatives College 101 A questions and answers panel with Lynchburg City School alumni and current college students Navigating High School and Beyond A split session exploring post-high school career pathways with Centra Health and Lynchburg Fire Department Careers and More An interactive game for students to explore finances in real-life context in high school and beyond Fab Life
THE IMPACT
87% of students this year expressed that the experience improved their understanding of college and future careers.
FUTURE Centers
Lynchburg Beacon of Hope operates a Future Center inside each of Lynchburg’s high schools, E.C. Glass and Heritage. WHAT IS THE FUTURE CENTER? Working in conjunction with the school’s counseling department, these Future Centers serve as college and career access and readiness hubs. They operate during school hours and offer extended hours to accommodate working families. Each Future Center is staffed by a full-time director who serves as a navigator for students and families.
Viable post-secondary plans are a significant indicator of success post-high school. Since the launch of the Future Centers in 2012, the percentage of Lynchburg City Students graduating with a post-secondary plan has increased from 57% to 81%--a 24% increase.
81%
Setting Up For Success
The Future Centers offer programming for students throughout their entire high school experience. Partnering with the school faculty and administration, Future Center Directors are able to aid and support freshmen just entering high school, all the way to seniors trying to determine their path after graduation. Future Centers serve the entire student body with a universal approach by grade level and individual need. Students are able to meet and get to know their Future Center Director through class visits and appointments during the school day.
The Future Center supports: Scholarships Financial Aid Assistance Resume Development Application Support SAT/ACT Prep
Entrance Exam Prep Campus Visits College and Career Research Job Interview Practice
THE FUTURE CENTER IMPACT
058
Since 2015, the Future Centers have offered SAT and ACT preparation for free to Heritage and E.C. Glass students. In the 2023-2024 school year, the Future Centers saw over 300 attendees. SAT/ACT Preparation saw an improvement in their score. 104 Virginia College Application Week (VCAW) provides high school seniors with the opportunity to complete and submit college applications at no cost. During this week, the Future Centers host one-on-one student support, application workshops, and an on-site admissions day to help students navigate the college application process. Virginia College Application Week A majority of the Class of 2020 took the PSAT in their sophomore year, funded by GEAR UP, enabling a three-year study of SAT improvement. The students that participated in SAT Prep averaged an increase of 104 points on the test. Students across the GPA spectrum
VCAW by the Numbers
440 Total applications submitted at E.C. Glass and Heritage High School during Virginia College Application Week
Nearly a quarter of the total senior class met with at least one college admissions or career representatives on on-site admissions day. 79% of those students left with at least one on-site acceptance.
79%
The Future Center team served the entire senior class through 1:1 meetings and application and career workshops during the first two days of Virginia College Application Week. The Directors and Near Peer Advisors spent over 400 hours supporting the 270+ students that requested a 1:1 meeting.
100%
Future Fridays and Career Conversations
Future Fridays and Career Conversations connect students with community members and business leaders across Lynchburg. Speakers are invited to share about their backgrounds and the pathways that led them to their current career. This initiative introduces students to jobs they may have never considered!
FAFSA Nights
Each year the Future Centers host FAFSA Nights to support students and their families completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and secure funding for the student to receive scholarships and grants! Local college Financial Aid professionals are on hand to support students and families throughout the entire process.
SUMMER Internship
In Summer 2022, Beacon of Hope piloted the High School Summer Internship program to connect students with businesses and industries across the city through a paid, experiential opportunity.
The internship is structured into three modules:
Job Readiness Students complete a full training module prior to being on-site. Training topics include professional identities, professional dress, communication and conflict resolution, strengths and personality assessments, resume development, establishing a strong financial foundation, and networking. On-Site Experiences Students spend approximately 50 hours on-site at their internship location, shadowing professionals and learning about the industry as a whole. Based on the company, students either receive a holistic view rotating through different departments or specialize on a project within a specific department. Conclusion and Reflection A core part of the program is the opportunity to share and reflect with other interns. Beacon of Hope Near Peer Mentors and staff guide reflection activities designed to strengthen the interns’ professional development and share more about each industry to the at-large group. Interview Process To ensure the best internship experience for both student and business, students participate in an Interview Day. After students indicate interest in their application, they are scheduled for small group interviews for their top five businesses. At the end of the Interview Day, students and businesses are asked to preference their choices. The Beacon team then matches them accordingly to create the best matches across the board. Mentorship
Beacon hires former Lynchburg City School students and current Scholars to serve as mentors for high school students. The implementation of these mentors in Summer 2023 was pivotal for the program. Not only does it provide an additional connection for the intern, but it provides leadership and professional development for the mentor as well.
THE INTERNSHIP IMPACT SUMMER 2024
10
The GPA range of students in the Internship program is from a 0.8 to 4.5. The program is GPA-blind. Students of all academic levels are encouraged to apply and are successful.
0.8 - 4.5
There were over 600 interviews on Internship Interview Day this year. In Summer 2024, Beacon had over 200 applicants for the 80 spots available. Even for students that ultimately were not selected, they received the valuable interviewing experience. 600+
Internship Feedback 97% of interns felt that the Summer Internship helped clarify their future career goals and prepared them to take the next steps towards their future career goals. 97% of interns also felt that the program gave them a greater sense of confidence in themselves and ability to navigate through their future.
Since the Summer of 2022, Beacon of Hope has shepherded nearly 250 interns and mentors through the Summer Internship Program--with a 99% completion and graduation rate.
This program would not be possible without the incredible support of our internship business and community partners.
SUMMER INTERNSHIP PARTNERS
OTHER PARTNERS
Launched in 2019 with the Stay Close, Go Far scholarship, the Office of College and Career Success serves as the bridge for high school students as they graduate and transition into further education and the workforce. WHAT IS THE OFFICE OF COLLEGE AND CAREER SUCCESS? THE OFFICE OF College and Career Success
11
Whether a student is pursuing college, certification, or a career pathway, the Office of College and Career Success supports:
Mentoring Networking FAFSA Support
LinkedIn and Resume Development Employer Connections Individualized Support
Through campus visits, mid-semester check ins, programming and networking events during breaks, and individualized support, the Office of College and Career Success helps students stay on track for the future. To and Through College and Beyond
COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP
The Commonwealth Scholarship is a competitive scholarship open to any Lynchburg City School senior. Students apply and interview for the scholarship and can use it at any college or university in the Commonwealth, outside of the Stay Close, Go Far region.
CLASS OF 2024
Beacon awarded over $90,000 to Commonwealth Scholarship recipients in the Class of 2024. In addition to the scholarship funds, these students will also receive support from the Office of College and Career Success throughout their time at school.
STAY CLOSE, GO FAR
12
Stay Close, Go Far is a universal last-dollar scholarship available to any student who attended Lynchburg City Schools all four years of high school. Students can attend Central Virginia Community College, Centra College of Nursing, Liberty University, Longwood University, University of Lynchburg, Randolph College, and Sweet Briar College. While the scholarship is what the program is designed around, the support from the Office of College and Career Success and Future Center at Central Virginia Community College has been crucial to student success.
Stay Close, Go Far by the Numbers
382 In Fall 2024, 382 Lynchburg City School graduates are set to attend one of the 7 partner schools on a Stay Close, Go Far scholarship. In total, these students are recieving over $250,000 in scholarships and related institutional aid. 78% From the years of 2019-2022, retention rates of students attending CVCC on a Beacon of Hope scholarship bested the retention rates of LCS graduates not on a Beacon of Hope scholarship.
Stay Close, Go Far Scholars at one of the four-year partners have a Fall-to-Fall retention rate of 90% , compared to a national retention rate of 82% 90%
STAY CLOSE, GO FAR STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Riley is a 2023 graduate of Heritage High School and currently enrolled at Longwood University. After studying English Literature, she plans to get her master’s degree in Library Science. She credits the Future Center for the support she received on college applications and essays to be chosen for the Honors program at Longwood.
“It makes me feel really supported to know that the community I grew up in and that shaped me supports me even after high school.”
Supporters We are deeply grateful for the generous contributions from our community; the support of the following individuals are vital to the mission of Lynchburg Beacon of Hope. July 2023-June 2024
Anonymous* Ellen and Lloyd Agnew Sharon and Sandy Ainslie James Alexander Jennie and Bill Allman Naomi Amos Mary Anderson Billy and Peggy Andrews* Lisa Ardery Judy and Angie Arthur* Jeff Aultice Laura and Robert Bailey Narcissa Basten Betsy and George Beam Tim Beatty Desha and DJ Best Ronnie and Clinton Beverly Betty and Bob Bibee Jane Black Robin and William Blackman Shelley Blades and Thomas Brennan John Blanks
Trudy and James Davidson Lyons Davidson III Rosemary and George Dawson Tom Delaney* Georgia and Al Delbridge Cynthia Deutsch Wendy Devening Irene Devine Tara and Meg Dillon Elizabeth Doan Kara Douglas Patricia and Charles Driscoll Gray Duerson Georgie Easter Julie and Reid Ebert Annette Eccles Ann Echols Margaret and Cap Eschenroeder
Eric Harrison Becky Hawkins* Sarah and Timothy Hellewell W Scott Hengerer Stanley Hoffberger Kellea Hogan Jane and Ronald Hood Christie and Kevin Hooper Beverly and Jay Hopkins Mary Ann Hoss Hank Hubbard Megan and Matthew Huffman Cinda and George Hurt** Phoebe and Scott Hyman Libby Jarrett Robert Johnson Betsy and Hugh Jones Jackie and Roger Jones Ula and Alan Kauppi Marie Kavanaugh Mary Ann Lacy* Anne Langley Tracey Langseth Melody and James LaPrade Elizabeth Laundon Betsy and Allen Layne Kenneth Layne Mollie and Thomas Ledford Judy and Doug Lee H Gordon Leggett Jr Lemuel Lewis Danielle and Chris Lewis Margaret Lippard Elizabeth and Lloyd Lipscomb Jesse Lipson Dianne and Dave Locascio Robin and Richard Loving
Anne Esposito Linda Eubank John Falcone Melissa Farley Marion Farmer Elizabeth Farnsworth Kathe and Ron Feinman Libby and Paul Fitzgerald Deidra and Terry Flavin Anne and Jack Flippin* Charlynne Flippin Jean and Kiah Ford Geralyn Fortney Linie and Mac Frankfort Judy and David Frantz Holly and Dan Frazier Edward Frisa Jr. Rachel and Ryan Gagen Amy Gallagher Mary Garbee
Nancy Bowles and Bev Jordan Debbie and Scott Brabrand Paul Bremer Terry and Bob Brennan Steven Brinly Nancy and Doug Brockman
Derrick Brown Sarah Brunson Hanna Burruss Kathy Busch Daryl Calfee
Elizabeth Callaham Parker Campanella Angie and Tim Campbell John Capps Candace and Peter Caprise Samuel Cardwell Dolly and William Cardwell Brian Carlton Amy and David Carrier Cameron Cawthorne Lisa and Michiel Cawthorne Bettye and Al Chambers Lynette Chivvis Janice Christian Melonie and Lynch Christian Joe Clark Irene and Gilliam Cobbs Wayne Coleman Kathy and John Comninaki Susannah and Chad Cox Connie and Steve Crank John Cros Tab Culbertson Valerie Cushman Kristin and Lewis Dabney Gena and William Davidson
Terry Lucas Joan Mabe
Diane Garmey Betsy Garrard Scott Garrett
Cecelia and Andrew MacCallum Catherine and Michael Madden Angela and Jeff Marciano Christine and Joe Marraccini Frances Marshall Zachry Martin Robert Martin Sandra and Aubrey Mason Sarah McBratney Abbey and Daniel McClanahan Anne Roberts McKenna Sharon and Ray McQueen Rodney Meek Louise Mekanik Patricia and Thomas Mignogna Denise and Gary Mignogna
William Gayle Jr. Anne Gianakos Frances Giles Sara and John Gilkey Jodi and Michael Gillette Helen Gilmer Veronica and Raymond Glover* Stephanie and Chris Glover Maureen Daly Goggin Kate Goodman Patrica and Tony Gowen Carey Gravely Elizabeth Green Roger and Winston Green Chris Grubbs Doni Guggenheimer Doris Hailey Laura and Tim Hamilton
Linda Milam James Milam Bonnie Miles Katherine and Blake Miles
Jarrett Millard Yvette Miller Rachel and Jake Mitchell Norman Moon Richard Morris Susan and Norwood Morrison
Melvin Pride Sarah Proctor Mary Jane and Charlie Pryor Janice Puckett JR Pugh Moira Rafferty and Rob Bass Geeta Rakheram Patricia Finn Rapiejko Heather and Gary Raulerson Michael Read Dana and James Redmond Christa and Gene Reed MaryAnn and Ervin Reid Katie and Tom Richards Ann Richards
Jamison Spinner Jennifer and Michael Staton Jean Hughes Stewart Shelley and John Stone Diane Stroud Joan and Ted Swanson
Gail and Frank Morrison Julie and Bob Morrison Ty Moseley Gail and Paul Mudrick
Mary Taylor Larry Taylor Lisa Taylor
Miriam Taylor Ruth Tergesen Nancy and Jeff Thompson Deborah Tosi Alice and Mark Townsend Kathy and Gary Urquhart Roger Vaden** Kay and Kent Van Allen Kim VandeBogart Margaret and Rob Vaughn Anne Vest Elizabeth and Scott Wade Jessica Bemis Ward Jeremy Welsh Patty and Ken West Kennon and Charlie White Jane and Kenneth White Chris Williams Rachel Willis Cissa Willman Janie and Preston Wilson Martha Wilson Noah Winton Denise and Matthew Woernle Anne and Bunny Wood Jennifer Woofter Patricia Worsham Betsy and Richard Worthington Marty and Jim Wright Beau Wright Lauri and Patrick Wynnyk Chuck Yarbrough Kathryn and Ryan Yarzebinski Nancy and Bill Young Gail Young Margaret Young Dorothy Ziegler Claire Zippel Heather and George Zippel
James Mundy Christian Neal Joanne and Letcher Newcomb Jessica and Alex Newmark Dorothy and Richard Niles Michael Nilles Peggy and Bill Nolley Ebbie and Chris Normyle Jennifer and Dennis Normyle Mari Normyle and Michael Bremer Gabriela Nosari Katy and Chal Nunn Ellen and Thomas Nygaard Margaret Nyhof Becky and Bobby O'Brian** Virginia O'Keefe Chantal and John O'Keeffe Joyce O'Quinn Kathleen Olinger Beth Packert Denise Palys Bill and Carter Paxton Lesley and Kimball Payne Ronnie Pazmino Kappa Peddy Nancy Peters** Ellen and David Petty Susan and Thomas Pettyjohn Purnell Pettyjohn Mary and Jack Pettyjohn
Lynda Robb Cary Roberts Lucy Guggenheimer Ross Tina Ross Anne and David Royer Carole Royer Lao Rubert and Stephen Schewel*
Francy Rubin Richard Rubin
Judith and Barry Rudacille Sherri and Peter Sackett Cathy and Matthew Sackett Julie Salmon Tim Saunders Susan Schewel* Margaret and Hal Schmitt Diamond Sciequan Martha and Paul Seufer Kris and Fred Shabestar Vicky and David Shackelford Susan and Jim Shearer Carolyn and Gerry Sherayko Jodi and Phil Showalter Virginia and Larry Shriver Janet and Julius Sigler Kate and Walker Sigler Jennifer and Shepherd Sittason Janeen and Kevin Smith* Rebecca Smith Margaret and Stephen Smith Amanda and Ian Smithson Eric Sorenson Sr.
Patricia Pletke Nicolas Plude Amy Poindexter Gail and Joe Pond William Powell William Pressly Jr. Gloria and Donald Preston
* - Individual Donors who have contributed $10,000 and above ** - Individual Donors who have contributed $20,000 and above
CORPORATE AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT
Ainslie Foundation | Associated General Contractors Central District | Easley Trust | GO Virginia | Hansen Realty Advisors Holy Trinity Lutheran Church | Merryman Charitable Foundation | Minnie & Bernard Lane Foundation | Rotary Foundation of Lynchburg St. Paul’s Episcopal Church | The Al Stroobants Foundation | The Boyd and Joan Kelley Charitable Foundation | Westward Properties
FINANCIALS Our work would not be possible without the community’s generous support. Thanks to the Lynchburg community, we have provided thousands of students with the vital tools and resources, removed barriers that hinder their success, and helped them pursue their pathways with confidence.
FUNDS RAISED The 2023-2024 fiscal year was a successful year of fundraising for Beacon. Funds raised through public support stemmed from grants and foundations (37%), corporate support (27%), individual giving (26%), and special events (10%). Funds raised beyond expenses were invested in the Stay Close, Go Far Program to continue to support the next classes of Lynchburg’s youth.
SPECIAL EVENTS 10%
CORPORATE 27%
INDIVIDUALS 26%
GRANTS AND FOUNDATIONS 37%
FUNDS SPENT
PATHWAYS
Of Beacon’s total operating budget, the far majority of funds were spent directly supporting students through the Future Centers, Office of College and Career Success, scholarships, and our new Pathways initiative. In addition, operational costs support effective delivery of programs.
K-12 PROGRAMS
SCHOLARSHIPS
Program Expenses Operations/Administration Fundraising
77% 15% 8%
OCCS
GET INVOLVED
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GIVE HOPE
Lynchburg Beacon of Hope is proud to be a resource to our community, privately funded by the Lynchburg community. Since 2011, we have raised more than $10 million in direct support for Lynchburg’s youth, but there is still more to do. Join your neighbors and friends throughout the community and donate to Lynchburg Beacon of Hope.
PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY Use your business to provide internships or experiential opportunities for our students through the High School Summer Internship program or the Workforce Pathways program.
INVEST YOUR TIME Invest in Lynchburg’s youth by investing your time. Participate in Future Fridays and Career Conversations exploring your own pathway with students interested in your field.
SAVE THE DATE HOPEx April 4, 2025 Academy Center of the Arts
In April, join Lynchburg Beacon of Hope for the fourth annual HOPEx, an evening of storytelling and connection. Our storytellers, young and seasoned alike, will leave guests feeling inspired, challenged, and motivated to affect change in our community.
P.O. Box 1261, Lynchburg, VA 24505
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