Elevate USA is a national network of community-led nonprofits working to build long-term, life-changing relationships with young people — in 20 cities across America.
Equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community.
Relationships change everything.
Through full-time Teacher-Mentors, year-round programming, cross-age mentoring, and a long-term relational approach.
Since 1982, that approach has stayed consistent. The cities, the staff, and the number of students we reach have grown; what hasn't changed is the belief that a caring adult who refuses to leave is the most powerful intervention in a young person's life.
We believe that every child is of great worth and has the desire and potential to succeed.
We believe that long-term, 24/7 relationships with caring adults have proven positive outcomes in the lives of our youth.
We believe that a holistic approach is essential for a strong and healthy future for our youth.
We believe that full-time, salaried Teacher-Mentors who come from similar backgrounds as the students can have a positive influence and make all the difference.
We believe that servant leadership, creating a culture of selflessness and service, is the foundation for leadership.
We believe in the intrinsic dignity of every person and act accordingly.
We believe that collaboration yields the best long-term results, acknowledging that the complex work in our urban centers cannot be done single-handedly.
Dr. Kent Hutcheson founds Colorado UpLift in Denver as a summer jobs program for inner-city youth.
The strategy shifts from summer jobs to character and life-skills instruction inside Denver public schools — from 2nd grade through college.
The Colorado UpLift model replicates outside Colorado for the first time. Elevate Phoenix follows in 2009, Elevate New York in 2010.
A national organization is established in January 2014 to support the growing network. Colorado UpLift refocuses on Denver.
Indianapolis becomes the next city in the network, bringing the model to the Midwest.
Boston-area programming opens, extending the network into New England.
Elevate St. Louis, Elevate Jacksonville, and Elevate Dallas all launch in the same year.
Kansas City and Savannah join the network, deepening roots in the Midwest and Southeast.
A new affiliate opens in New Jersey — during a pandemic year that reshapes how mentoring happens.
Three affiliates launch in one year. Network expansion accelerates across the Southeast and Northeast.
Elevate Orange County opens on the West Coast; Elevate Navajo extends the network into Indigenous communities.
Three more affiliates launch, bringing the total network to its current count — and the work continues.
Elevate USA, a national nonprofit based in Denver, has been named the recipient of a $75,000 grant through the annual Chick-fil-A® True Inspiration Awards® program. This grant will help further Elevate USA's efforts in the community.
Elevate USA joins the first group of Catalyst Impact Partners, receiving management training, access to a new customer-first impact-measurement approach, and up to $300,000 in grants over the next three years.
Every dollar you give helps equip the next Teacher-Mentor in the next city that needs one.
Donate →Accredited classes, mentoring, adventure, and college & career — our four-part approach to showing up in a young person's life.
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