enduring impact
Deeper Support. Stronger Network.A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Kevin Byerley
In 2025, Elevate USA strengthened a national network of independently governed affiliates working in public schools across the country. What began as a single-city model is now a coordinated movement: 19 affiliates, 150 staff, and more than 200 local board members united by a shared commitment to long-term, life-changing relationships with students.
In 2025, Elevate USA shifted from rapid expansion to deeper support. Our focus: strengthening affiliate health, increasing program fidelity, and ensuring long-term sustainability across the network.
12 new Teacher Mentors trained through ASCEND (Teacher Mentor training)
115-point Organizational Progression & Fidelity Framework implemented
3 affiliates advanced along our Launch-to-Maturity Continuum
118 days on the ground with affiliates
4,836 hours of coaching and training delivered
Director of Learning & Innovation hired
Parent Engagement Model implemented across affiliates
$2.7M Stewarded in 2025
70% invested in affiliate support & launch
parents and grandparents:
Vital Partners in the Work
In 2025, Elevate USA deepened its commitment to family partnership through a national Parent & Family Engagement initiative. We reserve the word partner for only two relationships: schools and families — because both are foundational to a student’s success.
This year, affiliates launched Local Family Councils, strengthened two-way communication with caregivers, and provided practical tools to help parents support their children’s growth.
Local Family Council meetings held
%
of surveyed parents would recommend Elevate
coaching and training sessions delivered
%
reported understanding their role in their child’s development
When families are included and equipped, transformation extends far beyond the classroom.
We believe parent voices are essential to strengthening the Elevate model. Hear directly from a mom about what Elevate has meant for her family.
Listen to what one
Elevate mom has to say
As our infrastructure has strengthened, so has our national credibility. In 2025, Elevate USA gained recognition and collaborations that affirm the strength of our model and expand our reach.
Trusted Voices
Elevate USA selected as 1 of only 9 organizations nationwide in the Stand Together Foundation’s Trusted Voices Program
Grants:
Grants awarded from Americorps and OJJDP, strengthening our national capacity to support affiliates through leadership development and family engagement initiatives.
NFL Leaders Standing with Elevate
Tony Dungy, Derrick Brooks, Arik Armstead, and other NFL leaders lent their voice and platform in support of Elevate’s mission nationwide.
Research-Aligned Recognition
Dr. Henry Cloud publicly affirmed Elevate’s model as consistent with the science of human growth and long-term transformation.
Events:
Champion’s Summit: 101 leaders from 19 affiliates gathered in Atlanta
Staff Summit: 89 leaders from 17 affiliates gathered in Denver
run the rim:
When Champions Go the Distance
In October 2025, ultramarathoner Jeff Hirvela partnered with Elevate USA for the third consecutive year, running an ultradistance across the Grand Canyon to raise funds and awareness for the Elevate network.
For the first time, Elevate USA staff were on-site to support and document the effort. Twelve leaders and students from Elevate Navajo joined in person, strengthening the connection between national partners and local communities.
no one gets there alone.
The strength of Elevate USA is not only in its curriculum or systems, but in the leaders,
board members, mentors, donors, and champions who choose to invest for the long haul.
Together, we are building the relational infrastructure that shapes generations.