The Elevated Hope Project

James Meehan
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

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.

  1. JAN 30

    The Real Meaning of "Ready" with Kylene Nosewicz

    Kylene, better known as "Cupid," joins The Elevated Hope Project to share a story that is equal parts raw and relentlessly hopeful. From growing up in a chaotic home environment to battling chronic health conditions, severe depression, and the constant pressure of simply getting through the day, Cupid explains what it felt like to live in survival mode while still trying to stay in school and keep working. This episode highlights the turning point, her move to East Point High School, where flexibility, structure, and a mentor who truly met her where she was helped her rebuild momentum. You will hear how she managed work, health appointments, and credits, what it took to finish multiple courses in a short window, and why compassion and community are not extras, they are the difference. Cupid also shares what she would tell her 12-year-old self, why advocacy matters in education and healthcare, and how she is now building a future at the University of Arizona with a clear mission: become a general practice PA who listens, believes patients, and helps change the course of someone's life early.

    50 min

  2. JAN 9

    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.

    1h 39m

  3. 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.

    42 min

  4. 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.

    40 min

  5. 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

    1h 16m

  6. 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

    47 min

  7. 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.

    33 min

  8. 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

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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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