Mission:

Hope University, home of the Hi Hopes, is a fine-arts infused day-program for adults with developmental disabilities. Individuals attending our program have the opportunity to participate in and develop their talents in the visual and performing arts while developing their social, behavioral and cognitive skills.

History:

When Hope University opened in 1979, it became the first institution of its kind to offer "arts-infused" curricula for adults with developmental disabilities having high degrees of talent and motivation in the fine arts. Its slogan is to "train the talent and diminish the disability".

Using the fine arts as therapy in a supportive and creative environment, Hope University's highly-qualified staff teaches students social, behavioral, and cognitive skills, which they apply in real life and in musical performances, art exhibitions, and stage productions for community organizations and sponsors. This innovative approach has proven successful in developing whole-person growth and building self-esteem.

Hope University actively reaches out to the community and assumes a vital role in educating the community about developmental disabilities. Through public performances of music, drama, and art, Hope University showcases the remarkable talents of its students and demonstrates the potential for adults with developmental disabilities to contribute and to assume wide, integrated roles within the community. Hope University students inspire the human spirit and render hope to those whose loved ones may have similar disabilities.

Hope has received much acclaim on television. Magazines including Time and People have told our story. Former President George Bush sent a congratulatory letter on our work. "Extraordinary People: Understanding Idiot Savant" by Dr. Darrold Treffert, and "Everyone Can Win" by Anne and George Allen are books recommending Hope University.