The Elevated Hope Project
The Elevated Hope Project, hosted by Elevated Education, is a podcast discovering the stories and journeys of the success stories from Elevated Educations' Arizona-based charter schools: EastPointe HighSchool, Elevated Academy, and Accelerated Learning Centers.
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Education That Puts Kids First with Matt Gress
01/09/2026
Education That Puts Kids First with Matt Gress
What does it actually mean for a student to be “ready” for the future? In this episode of the Elevated Education Podcast, we sit down with Matt Gress, Arizona State Representative and Chair of the House Education Committee, for a candid and deeply personal conversation about education, accountability, and what our systems are truly preparing students for. Matt shares his journey from growing up in a single-wide trailer in rural Oklahoma to becoming a teacher, budget director, and state education leader. Drawing from firsthand experience in the classroom, public policy, and mentorship, he challenges conventional definitions of readiness and calls out the gaps between spending, outcomes, and accountability in K–12 education. This episode explores why proficiency matters, why kids must come before adults, the long-term impact of COVID-era decisions, and the critical role of caring adults, mentors, and human connection in re-engaging disconnected students. From literacy and chronic absenteeism to alternative education and real accountability, this conversation cuts through the noise to focus on what actually helps students succeed. If you care about education that works, leadership that listens, and preparing students for real life, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
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From Hoops to Hustle: RaSean McMiller’s Pivot Into Entrepreneurship
12/12/2025
From Hoops to Hustle: RaSean McMiller’s Pivot Into Entrepreneurship
What do you do when the dream you built your whole identity around gets taken away? In this episode of the Elevated Hope Project, we sit down with RaSean McMiller, a former high-level basketball recruit who had to make a hard pivot after injury and setbacks changed his path. Instead of isolating, RaSean chose action. That decision started with something simple, selling socks at 17, and turned into a whole new mindset: solve problems, add value, and keep moving. RaSean shares how he went from growing up outside Chicago with big NBA dreams to launching a hair care brand (inspired by his grandmother, Eula) and getting it into beauty supply stores. Then he takes us into his newest venture, Flash Path, a golf swing training aid built to give beginners immediate feedback while saving time and money. Along the way, he breaks down what he learned from bootstrapping, building a team, using mentors, and putting himself in rooms that force him to grow. If you are a student, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone trying to recover after life forces a pivot, this conversation will hit you right where you are. Key themes: resilience, discipline, mentorship, momentum, entrepreneurship, and turning setbacks into purpose.
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The Truth About Grief and Growing Up: Mayson's Story
11/25/2025
The Truth About Grief and Growing Up: Mayson's Story
Today on The Elevated Hope Project, we are honored to share Mayson's remarkable journey. A graduate of Accelerated Learning Center in Phoenix, Mayson has lived through more loss in her young life than many face in a lifetime. Yet through every hardship, she remained grounded, compassionate, and determined to move forward. In this candid conversation, Mayson reflects on her upbringing, the challenges her family faced, the heartbreak of losing her sister and later her mother, and how ALC became a safe place to heal, grow, and rediscover her strength. Now working, building her own independence, and exploring her future, Mayson shares heartfelt advice for any young person dealing with grief: “Just look forward. Don’t let your trauma define who you are or what your future holds.” This episode is a testament to resilience, supportive school communities, and the hope that can rise from even the most difficult seasons. We hope her story inspires you the way it inspired all of us.
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Earning Respect, Finding Hope: Mike Broomhead on Resilience, Trades, and Changing the Story
10/31/2025
Earning Respect, Finding Hope: Mike Broomhead on Resilience, Trades, and Changing the Story
Radio and TV host Mike Broomhead sits down with The Elevated Hope Project to talk about the mentors who shaped him, the brother he lost, and why earning a young person’s respect matters more than any lecture. From a father-absent childhood and a GED to leadership in the trades and a media career, Mike shares honest lessons on discipline, community, and second chances. We dig into school choice, parental involvement, the social cost of tech, and how coaches and teachers can turn rebellion into leadership. If you work with at-risk students, are raising teens, or simply believe every kid has a diamond inside, this conversation will encourage you to keep mining. Proudly sponsored by Elevated Education, serving at-risk students through EastPointe High School, Elevated Academy, and Accelerated Learning Center. Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction to the Elevated Hope Project 1:55 – Mike Broomhead’s Background and Career Journey 4:46 – Early Life and Education 14:00 – Transition to the Trades and Leadership 27:21 – Impact of Family and Community 30:59 – Transition to Media and Advocacy 39:36 – Challenges and Opportunities in Education 39:52 – Personal Reflections and Future Goals 41:10 – Impact of Technology and Social Interaction 41:23 – Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks 43:05 – School Days and Community 1:05:04 – Human Interaction and Relationships 1:06:44 – Teamwork and Vulnerability 1:08:47 – Modern Distractions and Isolation 1:12:02 – Positive Influences and Resilience
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Setting the Temperature with Uriah Grissom on Purpose, Positivity and Leadership
09/30/2025
Setting the Temperature with Uriah Grissom on Purpose, Positivity and Leadership
In this episode of The Elevated Hope Project, community leader and longtime team member Uriah Grissom shares how a mindset of steady positivity can break through resistance and help students see their potential. From being the sixth of eleven homeschooled children in rural Arizona to guiding at-risk teens in alternative education, Uriah unpacks lessons on resilience, setting the tone, and “mining for diamonds” in every student. He reflects on family, faith, and mentors, and explains why purpose often grows out of pain—and why leadership means doing your part, staying level under pressure, and believing in people even before they believe in themselves. Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Positive Outlook 0:47 Welcome to The Elevated Hope Project 2:25 Uriah Grissom's Background 3:38 Challenges and Opportunities in Education 10:14 Building a Career in Education 12:02 Impact on Students and Community 20:39 Personal Growth and Leadership 28:18 Philosophy on Education and Leadership 44:04 Influence of Mentors and Colleagues 46:24 Final Reflections and Gratitude
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From the South Side to Success: Sincere Townsend’s Journey of Resilience and Renewal
09/17/2025
From the South Side to Success: Sincere Townsend’s Journey of Resilience and Renewal
In this powerful episode of The Elevated Hope Project, we sit down with Sincere Townsend, a Chicago native whose story embodies resilience, transformation, and the pursuit of hope. Growing up on the South Side, Sincere navigated the challenges of street culture, violence, and limited opportunities. By middle school, he faced a life-altering choice: follow the path of friends who ended up in jail or worse—or carve out a different future. His decision set him on a journey defined by education, entrepreneurship, and faith. But the road wasn’t easy. In high school, Sincere was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder, leaving him unable to walk for nearly four years. Against all odds, he finished high school, pursued graphic design, and launched a creative career that’s already included collaborations with brands like Dickies, Zoomies, and Alamo Records. Now pursuing his master’s degree at Arizona State University, Sincere is building a design agency, mentoring others, and proving that past trauma doesn’t define your future. This episode is a testament to what happens when courage meets opportunity—and why resilience can transform even the hardest circumstances into a story of hope.
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From Rock Bottom to Resilience: Olivia’s Story of Hope and Grit
06/04/2025
From Rock Bottom to Resilience: Olivia’s Story of Hope and Grit
In this powerful episode of The Elevated Hope Project, we sit down with Olivia, a graduating senior from Accelerated Learning Center in Phoenix, Arizona. After losing nearly everything to the ripple effects of the pandemic—including her health, her education, and her confidence—Olivia made the bold decision to take back control. With the support of her family, her teachers, and her own unshakable willpower, she completed 26 classes in a single year, rebuilt her life, and found her voice. This is more than a comeback story—it’s a testament to what’s possible when students are met with opportunity, empathy, and belief. Sponsored by Elevated Education, this episode reminds us all that with the right support system, healing and hope are not only possible—they’re within reach. 🎓 Brought to you by Elevated Education—reimagining schools for students who need a second chance. ⏱️ Chapters: 00:10 - Olivia's Introduction and Background 02:19 - Olivia's Struggles During COVID-19 04:45 - Support Systems and Transition to ALC 09:00 - Olivia's Future Plans and Aspirations 14:51 - Lessons Learned and Gratitude 20:33 - Impact of Community and Family 23:53 - Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
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Yes, You Can: Sean Strickland’s Journey from Adversity to Impact
05/28/2025
Yes, You Can: Sean Strickland’s Journey from Adversity to Impact
In this heartfelt episode of The Elevated Hope Project, we sit down with Sean "Tarzan" Strickland—not the UFC fighter, but the equally tough and inspiring special education teacher at Elevated Education. From childhood surgeries and leg braces to bench pressing 400 pounds and mentoring students who’ve survived unimaginable hardship, Sean shares his journey of resilience, perspective, and unwavering commitment to the power of community. We dive deep into how his own challenges shaped his mindset, his passion for working with at-risk youth, and why he made the bold leap from IT director to special ed teacher. Sean opens up about the strategies he uses to build trust, keep students on track, and help them believe in their potential—even when the world tells them they can’t. This episode is packed with powerful moments, heartfelt stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to lead with hope, empathy, and relentless support. Whether you're an educator, parent, or student, Sean’s story will leave you inspired to show up, do the work, and be the person who says, “Yes, you can.” 0:00 – Introduction and Welcome 4:05 – Sean's Background and Early Life 20:54 – Impact of Community and Support 21:10 – Sean's Teaching Philosophy and Strategies 29:46 – Challenges and Resilience 30:04 – Sean's Journey into Special Education 34:41 – AI in Education 41:58 – Inspirational Student Stories 45:18 – Final Reflections and Gratitude
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Leilani – A Story of Grit, Grief, and Growth
05/20/2025
Leilani – A Story of Grit, Grief, and Growth
In this moving episode of the Elevated Hope Project, we sit down with Leilani Billy, a senior at the Accelerated Learning Center, whose story embodies resilience, cultural pride, and unshakable perseverance. From growing up on the Navajo Nation to navigating academic struggles, profound personal loss, and the challenges of urban life in Phoenix, Leilani opens up about her journey toward graduation — and the determination it took to overcome every obstacle in her path. As she prepares to graduate and pursue a career in the trades, Leilani reflects on reconnecting with her Navajo heritage, the vital support of her school community, and the importance of using her story to inspire others. Her message to students facing grief, hardship, or feeling behind: you are not alone, and you are not done yet. This episode is a tribute to the mission of Elevated Education — to provide second chances and spark transformation through schools like East Pointe High School, Elevated Academy, and the Accelerated Learning Center. 0:00 Leilani's Introduction and Background 2:18 Navajo Culture and Traditions 5:09 Challenges in School and Personal Losses 10:20 Transition to Accelerated Learning Center (ALC) 15:10 Positive Experiences and Teacher Connections 19:48 Future Plans and Community Support
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A Life Story That Speaks For Itself FT. KarIn
04/03/2025
A Life Story That Speaks For Itself FT. KarIn
In this episode, KarIn, a staff member at Elevated Education, shares her powerful story of resilience. Growing up in poverty and homelessness with an unstable father, KarIn's life began with immense hardship. Her mother instilled hope by exposing her to a better world through church, and a caring third-grade teacher changed her life by investing in her personally. Despite starting school late and unprepared, KarIn developed a deep love for learning and, alongside her sisters, broke the cycle of poverty through education. Now working in student enrollment, KarIn connects with struggling students and families, offering hope, guidance, and a reminder that your past doesn’t define your future. Social Development and High School Experience (0:00) Karen's Early Life and Family Background (1:41) Impact of Education and Teachers (6:52) Challenges and Opportunities in Education (16:02) Personal Growth and Career Path (16:25) Impact of Mentorship and Role Models (16:37) Current Role and Responsibilities (36:47) Advice for Students and Parents (37:02) Final Thoughts and Reflections (37:28)
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A Story Of Determination FT. Jazmine
03/27/2025
A Story Of Determination FT. Jazmine
Everyday in high school was survival mode. The fights, the drama, the bullying at school that followed you home through a screen. You knew exactly who you were and what you wanted, but the world around you didn’t get it. In this episode of The Elevated Hope Project, you’ll meet Jazmine, a resilient young woman who went from feeling hopeless and overlooked to building a life of purpose and success. Through her raw and honest story, you’ll hear how one conversation at a nail salon, one teacher who saw her potential, and one choice to never quit changed everything. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, Jazmine’s journey will remind you that there’s always another chapter waiting to be written. Jasmine's Early Life and Struggles (0:00) Jasmine's Early Life and Struggles (0:00) Transition to East Point High School (9:52) Impact of Mr. Lloyd and Academic Progress (14:46) Post-Graduation and Personal Growth (21:00) Future Aspirations and Role Model (21:14) Advice for Young Girls and Final Thoughts (33:43)
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A Story Of Determination Ft. Gabrielle Valero
03/20/2025
A Story Of Determination Ft. Gabrielle Valero
In this episode of The Elevated Hope Project, we share the inspiring journey of Gabby, a graduate of one of our Phoenix schools, who overcame adversity, dropping out, and uncertainty to find hope, return to education, and thrive at Scottsdale Community College. Sponsored by Elevated Education, this podcast celebrates stories of resilience and transformation, highlighting the impact of schools like East Pointe High School, Elevated Academy, and Accelerated Learning Center. Gabby’s story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of a supportive community. From struggling with self-doubt and difficult life circumstances to earning a scholarship and excelling in college, her journey proves that with determination, the right support, and a mindset shift, anything is possible. Tune in to hear how Gabby turned challenges into opportunities and built a brighter future. Gabby's Introduction and Background (0:00) Gabby's Early Life and Family Dynamics (3:20) Challenges at Desert Mountain and Saguaro High Schools (6:00) Discovery of Accelerated Learning Center (ALC) (9:09) Turnaround and Academic Success (12:55) Current Academic and Career Aspirations (21:11) Advice for Others and Final Thoughts (28:55)
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From Lost To Found FT. Ariel Harlow
03/13/2025
From Lost To Found FT. Ariel Harlow
This podcast celebrates stories of resilience, transformation, and second chances. In this episode, I’m honored to share the incredible journey of Ariel Harlow, our first staff interview and someone whose life was changed by one of our schools. Ariel opens up about her challenging upbringing, the struggles she faced in school, and how finding the right support system helped her turn things around. She shares how a strong community, dedicated mentors, and her own determination led her from nearly dropping out to graduating high school, earning a college degree, and now working to support students who are walking a similar path. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact of perseverance, mentorship, and second chances. Let’s dive in! (0:00) - Ariel's Struggles and Early Life (1:38) - Gift and Introduction of Ariel (3:50) - Ariel's Early Life and Family Dynamics (6:04) - Adoption and High School Struggles (10:31) - Transition to Elevated Education School (22:21) - Graduation and College Aspirations (23:21) - Balancing College and Motherhood (32:42) - Returning to Education and Career (37:25) - Reflecting on the Journey (41:12) - Future Hope and Impact
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From Homelessness to Hope: Ty’s Journey of Resilience and Redemption
03/05/2025
From Homelessness to Hope: Ty’s Journey of Resilience and Redemption
Ty’s journey is one of struggle, transformation, and the power of unwavering support. From battling addiction and homelessness to finding mentorship, education, and a path forward, his story is a testament to the impact of second chances. In this episode of The Elevated Hope Project, we explore how a community of mentors, a school that believed in him, and his own resilience helped Ty overcome adversity and build a future he never thought possible. Tune in to hear his powerful story of redemption and hope.
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Welcome To The Elevated Hope Project - EHP001
02/26/2025
Welcome To The Elevated Hope Project - EHP001
Welcome to our first podcast! In this podcast, we're sharing incredible stories of resilience and transformation from current and former students who have faced and overcome tremendous obstacles. A year ago, I got excited about starting this and even bought all the equipment, only to let it sit collecting dust—typical me! But here we are, with the goal of inspiring teenagers, parents, and educators through stories of perseverance, hope, and personal growth. These stories highlight not just academic struggles, but the journey of overcoming challenges and finding success through hard work, patience, and dedication. We'll also dive into the significance of alternative education programs and dropout recovery efforts, showing the powerful impact they have not only on individuals but on society and the economy as well. It's about creating communities of support and connection, where students learn life-changing skills beyond academics. If you’re a current or former student with a story to share, we’d love to hear from you. (0:00) - Intro (1:03) - Gratitude (6:54) - Introductions (13:35) - Why??? (18:33) - Why stories matter (25:16) - How we help - mentors/teachers/faculty (29:04) - Transformation (32:50) - Conclusion Elevated Education is committed to providing disengaged teens with hope, opportunity, and support to re-engage in their education and pursue their dreams. Connect with us on social media:
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