Philadelphia, PA –We are thrilled to share an exciting update from I Choose To Win’s Empowered Uth: Cultiv8 Hope Initiative! What began as a bold vision to activate youth voices and redefine narratives of hope among Philadelphia-area BIPOC high school students has grown into a vibrant, living movement. Not only did we meet our goal of registering 50 students—we exceeded it. More than 50 young changemakers have now joined us on this storytelling journey, each one carrying a unique perspective and a powerful message about what HOPE means to them.
And this is only the beginning.
At the heart of this initiative is the belief that storytelling is not just a creative outlet—it’s a transformational tool. Through the Cultiv8 Hope storytelling competition, students ages 13–18 are reflecting on their lived experiences and shaping narratives that illuminate their dreams, their challenges, and the critical role adults play in supporting their growth.
We now have a dedicated home for this work: the Cultiv8 Hope Headquarters—a safe, welcoming space where students gather for hope-building workshops, peer dialogue, and creative exploration. Here, stories unfold. Confidence blooms. And community takes root.
One recent session reminded us why this work matters so deeply.
During our third gathering, we welcomed a remarkable student from Simon Gratz High School—a gifted visual artist and creative storyteller whose presence immediately illuminated the room. Her storytelling project explored profoundly personal themes: social isolation, narcissism, and mental health—topics often left unspoken, yet deeply felt by many of her peers.
What made her participation especially impactful wasn’t just her talent—it was who came with her.
She arrived with her father, who chose to stay for the full two-hour session. While his daughter worked with focus and determination, he remained in a nearby room—quietly present, unwavering in his support. He didn’t interfere, didn’t interrupt. He simply held space. For two hours, he watched hope being cultivated—in his daughter’s hands, and in her voice.
That moment embodies everything Cultiv8 Hope stands for.
We believe hope isn’t something built in isolation. It grows in relationship—in classrooms, in communities, and most powerfully, in families. This father’s steadfast presence reflected a truth we hold dear: Parental engagement is a vital ingredient in a young person’s creative and emotional development.
In fact, research from the National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education shows that students with engaged families are more likely to earn higher grades, attend school consistently, and pursue higher education. Just as importantly, they feel more confident, more motivated, and more connected to the world around them.
The father-daughter duo from Simon Gratz reminds us that this work is not just about youth—it’s about partnership. Intergenerational, communal, and rooted in trust.
As I Choose To Win continues to cultivate space for youth storytelling and self-expression, we remain committed to walking alongside families, educators, and community allies. Because hope is not handed down—it’s grown together.
We are so proud of all the students in the Empowered Uth: Cultiv8 Hope Initiative and look forward to sharing more stories, more breakthroughs, and more light as their journeys unfold.
Together, we choose to win.
About Cultiv8 Hope: An initiative reaching high school students age 13-18, grades 8 – 12, with an opportunity to activate youth voices by weighing in on what HOPE means to them, what gets in the way of their hope and ways the adults in their lives can support their hopes and aspirations.
Stay tuned for more information on the closing ceremony scheduled for June 2025.