Beacon of Hope has the mission to instill in all Lynchburg City Public School students the aspiration to pursue and to provide them with the tools and resources to attain a post-secondary education. As it works toward the creation of “last-dollar-in” scholarships, the program looks to provide college opportunities for those would not be able to attend college otherwise and to change the culture in the Lynchburg community to a PreK-16 initiative.

Clearly focused on FAFSA awareness and completion through the Beacon of Hope Future Centers located at the schools, the organization had a shot in the arm earlier in 2014 when retail giant Walmart contributed $50,000. “I believe any time you invest in our youth or in education, it helps the community and the young person,” said George Joyner, Walmart’s market manager for Central Virginia.

Beacon of Hope –— with most of its funding coming from individuals, foundations and corporations in the community — has put into place two “Future Centers,” one at each public high school. This kind of programming is on the radar in Richmond, Va., as well.