HOPE Students in Pueblo Raise Over $34,000 to Support Teen Mental Health, Gang Prevention, and Substance Abuse Services

HOPE Students in Pueblo Raise Over $34,000 to Support Teen Mental Health, Gang Prevention, and Substance Abuse Services

At HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op, student leadership isn’t just a concept—it’s an active force creating meaningful change in local communities. This year, students at HOPE at Alpha Learning Academy in Pueblo raised an impressive $34,597 for local nonprofit organizations supporting teen mental health, gang violence prevention, and substance abuse disorder services.

Nine standout students were selected to participate in the Pueblo Youth Action Council (PYAC), a youth-led leadership and philanthropy program coordinated by the Packard Fund for Pueblo in partnership with Youth Roots. This nine-month program empowers students to become the next generation of community leaders and philanthropists by identifying local needs, raising funds, and awarding grants to impactful nonprofits.

Guided by Joey Williams (HOPE Social Worker) and supported by Gina Lopez Ferguson (Caring for Colorado), the student team conducted in-depth research to assess gaps in the community—particularly focusing on urgent needs related to mental health support, substance abuse services, and gang prevention for Pueblo youth. Their creative, student-driven fundraising efforts included operating the YAC-sponsored store (YAC Shack), hosting fundraising events at Panda Express and Chipotle, organizing burrito sales and concessions, and engaging Community Impact Partners.
Empty heading

Spotlight on Luis Perez Arias: Leadership, Resilience, and Giving Back

Among the student leaders, Luis Perez Arias stood out for his remarkable commitment, passion, and leadership. A hardworking and determined senior at Alpha Learning Academy, Luis has been an integral part of the Youth Action Council for two years, playing a key role in raising over $10,000—an impressive contribution to the council’s overall fundraising success.

Luis’ journey at HOPE has been one of growth and perseverance. Like many students, he faced challenges with motivation and procrastination, but with the guidance of his mentor, Alyssa, he developed strategies to overcome obstacles and stay on track. Luis learned to break overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable pieces—a mindset that has shaped not only his academic success but also his approach to leadership and life.

For Luis, participating in PYAC has been his greatest high school achievement. Through countless hours of work, outreach, and advocacy, he has helped raise awareness around critical youth issues in Pueblo, inspired his peers, and demonstrated the power of student-led change. Luis’s leadership is deeply rooted in accountability and positive influence; he prioritizes surrounding himself with supportive peers and avoids negative pressures, crediting HOPE’s close-knit environment for allowing him to stay true to himself.

Luis strongly connects with HOPE’s mission tobelong, believe, and become. To him, “belong” means feeling valued and supported in his community, “believe” reflects the encouragement he has received to reach his goals, and “become” symbolizes the growth and achievements he’s earned through hard work and determination. With graduation on the horizon, Luis has not only completed his high school journey but also some college coursework—laying a strong foundation for his next chapter. As he prepares to graduate at Memorial Hall, Luis looks forward to continuing his leadership journey and making a meaningful impact on the Pueblo community.

This achievement by Luis and his fellow students is a powerful example of what happens when young people are given the tools, support, and platform to lead. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and grateful for the mentors, families, and partners who continue to help HOPE studentsbelong, believe, and become.