Hope Squad
Hope Squads, Inc. is a nonprofit that delivers a peer-to-peer, age-differentiated K-12 suicide prevention curriculum through the proprietary HOPE Approach, operating in 1,600+ US and Canadian schools via subscription licensing, foundation funding, and a regional sales team.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersProvo, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Hope Squad does
Hope Squad is a private nonprofit (Hope Squads, Inc.) that delivers a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program to K-12 schools across the United States and Canada. The company provides an age-differentiated curriculum covering elementary, junior high, and high school students, anchored by the proprietary HOPE Approach (Heads up, Offer support, Provide resources, Empower peers) gatekeeper methodology, and supported by certified advisor training, structured student nomination frameworks, and school-wide culture-change activities. The core product is delivered through a web-based Leader Portal and Member Portal, complemented by the My Ascension documentary and the annual Hope Week awareness campaign.
The business model is primarily a subscription-based school licensing model with multi-year terms (3-4 years recommended) and annual auto-renewal at inflation-indexed price increases. Secondary revenue streams include foundation and corporate sponsorship funding (e.g., Jackson County MS corporate coalition, Jordan Elizabeth Harris Foundation) and branded merchandise. Sales are executed through a combination of direct sales by Regional Outreach Directors to school districts, channel partners including health foundations and community organizations, and community-led advocacy via a National Council of student leaders. The customer base is highly fragmented across 1,600+ school locations, with named district-level adoption cases in Utah, Texas, Mississippi, Idaho, and Massachusetts, plus adapted programs for older adults, corporate workplaces, and veterans populations as new vertical extensions.
Hope Squad firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Hope Squad
- Legal name
- Hope Squads, Inc.
- Website
- https://hopesquad.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Hope Squads, Inc. is a nonprofit that delivers a peer-to-peer, age-differentiated K-12 suicide prevention curriculum through the proprietary HOPE Approach, operating in 1,600+ US and Canadian schools via subscription licensing, foundation funding, and a regional sales team.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Hope Squad industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Youth Suicide Prevention Programs
- NAICS
- Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Crisis Response & Threat Assessment (Suicide Prevention, Violence Prevention) (EDAJAIAH)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Suicide Prevention, Self-Harm Prevention & Threat Assessment Programs (EDAKAMAI), Crisis Intervention & Suicide Prevention Services (EDALAFAD)
Keywords
Where Hope Squad is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Provo
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Hope Squad business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- School Program Licensing: Schools pay an annual license fee to access the Hope Squad curriculum, training materials, advisor certification, and ongoing support. The program operates on multi-year terms (3-4 years recommended) with automatic renewal. Fee increases are aligned with national inflation rates.
- Foundation and Corporate Funding: Partner organizations including health foundations, corporations, and community groups provide funding to implement Hope Squads in schools. Funding covers training, curriculum, and program support.
- Merchandise and Apparel: Hope Squad operates an online store selling branded apparel and merchandise to support program awareness and fundraising efforts by local squads.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Annual School License - Program licensing for K-12 schools to implement Hope Squad |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Advisor Training and Certification |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Hope Squad product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Hope Squad delivers a K-12 peer-to-peer suicide prevention program licensed to schools and districts, consisting of an age-differentiated curriculum (Elementary, Junior High, High School), the proprietary HOPE Approach gatekeeper training, certified advisor training, and a digital platform (Leader Portal, Member Portal) for program administration. Schools pay an annual license fee for multi-year access to curriculum, training, ongoing support, and program materials, with implementation supported by Regional Outreach Directors and Customer Success staff.
Product overview
Hope Squad is a comprehensive peer-to-peer suicide prevention program delivered as a unified K-12 curriculum and training platform. The core product is the Hope Squad Program, which consists of age-differentiated curriculum modules for Elementary, Junior High, and High School students, anchored by the HOPE Approach Gatekeeper Training. Supporting the curriculum are Advisor Training, the Leader Portal for program administration, and the Member Portal for student access. The program is complimented by the My Ascension Documentary—a feature-length film used for advocacy and awareness—and Hope Week, an annual celebration week. Hope Squad also operates an e-commerce store for branded merchandise. The organization has developed adaptations of its core model for Older Adults, Corporate, and Veterans populations, expanding beyond school settings. All offerings are delivered through Hope Squad's web platform and associated portals.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Hope Squad Program A K-12 peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that equips student-nominated members to recognize warning signs and connect struggling peers to trusted adults. Includes evidence-based curriculum, advisor training, and school-wide activities.
- Elementary Hope Squad Curriculum Age-appropriate lessons for elementary students covering mental wellness, anti-bullying, resilience, empathy, relationship-building, and help-seeking behaviors.
- Junior High & High School Hope Squad Curriculum Deeper curriculum covering suicide risk factors, warning signs, emotional intelligence, constructive choices, and connecting peers to trusted adults for older students.
- HOPE Approach Gatekeeper Training A foundational lesson designed to equip individuals with skills for recognizing and responding to mental health concerns, forming the core of Hope Squad's gatekeeper training.
- Advisor Training Program Training for school staff to become certified Hope Squad advisors, including expert-led training options and ongoing professional development.
- Leader Portal A web-based portal for Hope Squad advisors and school leaders to access curriculum, manage programs, track student engagement, and administer the Hope Squad initiative.
- Member Portal A web-based portal for Hope Squad student members to access resources, training materials, and program content.
- Hope Week An annual celebration week where schools promote mental health awareness, connection, and hope through organized activities and events.
- My Ascension Documentary A feature-length documentary chronicling Emma Benoit's journey after a suicide attempt at age 16 and her mission to bring Hope Squad to Louisiana and schools nationwide.
- Hope Squad Store An online store offering Hope Squad-branded merchandise including apparel and promotional items for schools and supporters.
- Hope Squad for Older Adults An adaptation of the peer-to-peer suicide prevention model for older adult populations and senior communities.
- Hope Squad for Corporate Settings An adaptation of the peer-to-peer suicide prevention model for corporate and workplace environments.
- Hope Squad for Veterans
Quantifiable outcome
- 95% of referrals come from non-Hope Squad members, showing effective peer-to-peer gatekeeper training
- +9 more outcomes
Companies that use Hope Squad
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Hope Squad technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Hope Squad partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- Jackson County Chamber of CommercecoreLocal chamber that championed Hope Squad implementation in Jackson County, Mississippi after attending Mental Health Summit. Led effort to provide funding for 14 schools and advocated for statewide funding.
- University of UtahcoreAcademic research partner collaborating on suicide prevention research. Dr. Douglas D. Gray from University of Utah serves as a Mental Health Advisor, studying suicide completers and risk factors.
- Brigham Young UniversitycoreResearch partner contributing to the evidence base for Hope Squad programming through academic research and evaluation.
- University of CincinnaticoreAcademic research partner collaborating on program evaluation and suicide prevention research.
- Missouri State UniversitycoreAcademic research partner contributing to program evaluation and research on Hope Squad effectiveness.
- University of Texas ArlingtoncoreResearch partner collaborating on suicide prevention research and program evaluation.
- UT Southwestern Medical CentercoreMedical research partner contributing expertise in mental health and suicide prevention research.
- Dr. Douglas D. Gray, MD (University of Utah)coreMental Health Advisor specializing as a suicidologist. Studies suicide completers to understand risk factors and develop prevention programs using psychological autopsies, genetics, and toxicology methods.
- Elizabeth Feil, LCSW (Wasatch Mental Health)coreMental Health Advisor and Therapist Supervisor at Wasatch Mental Health. Trained in EMDR, crisis intervention, and trauma-focused CBT. Supervises youth therapy services.
- Dr. Juergen Korbanka, PhD (Wasatch Mental Health)coreMental Health Advisor and CEO of Wasatch Mental Health. Licensed Psychologist and Approved Clinical Supervisor specializing in evidence-based treatment programs.
- Hope4UtahcoreGrass roots nonprofit specializing in suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. Collaborates with schools, communities, and mental health agencies to change the conversation about suicide and mental health.
- The Jordan Elizabeth Harris FoundationcoreFoundation created to honor Jordan Harris, focusing on depression and suicide research and awareness. Works with schools in Tarrant County, Texas. Saw 70%+ reduction in youth suicides in their service area.
- Elyssa's MissioncoreNonprofit providing resources to help prevent teen suicide. Provides hands-on support to public and private schools to educate students, staff, and parents on recognizing and assisting at-risk teens. Has educated over one million people since inception.
- The Speedy FoundationcoreFoundation created in memory of Olympian Jeret 'Speedy' Peterson, who was a champion for mental health. Works across the lifespan to elevate mental health and prevent suicide through advocacy, conversations, and education.
- LivingWorkscoreLeading suicide prevention training organization. Hope Squad is trusted by suicide prevention experts including LivingWorks, which provides training and resources for the program.
- QPR InstitutecoreSuicide prevention training organization whose Question Persuade Refer gatekeeper training is incorporated into Hope Squad advisor certification requirements.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Hope Squad competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sources of Strength: Direct peer-to-peer youth suicide prevention program for schools that trains student peer leaders and adult advisors, closely mirroring Hope Squad's model. Both programs target K-12 SEL and gatekeeper outcomes and compete for the same school district budgets.
- The Jason Foundation: Direct peer focused on youth suicide prevention and mental health awareness in K-12 schools. It provides student and staff training programs and competes directly with Hope Squad for district-level mental health curriculum contracts.
- Sandy Hook Promise: National school-based youth safety and mental health organization running the Say Something program and other K-12 prevention curricula. Targets the same school administrators and competes with Hope Squad for SEL and prevention budget allocations.
- Active Minds: Peer-led mental health and suicide prevention organization operating primarily in schools and colleges, with student-led chapters and curriculum. Direct overlap with Hope Squad's peer-nomination model and K-12 audience.
- The Jed Foundation: Nonprofit focused on teen and young adult mental health and suicide prevention, with programs that extend into K-12 settings. Serves as a comparable funding and awareness partner alongside Hope Squad for school-based mental health work.
- Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program: Community- and school-based youth suicide prevention program that trains students and adults to recognize warning signs and seek help. Competes with Hope Squad in the same K-12 gatekeeper training category.
Broad incumbents
- LivingWorks (ASIST): Established global suicide prevention training provider (ASIST, safeTALK) and one of Hope Squad's named partners/endorsers. It is a broader incumbent offering general gatekeeper training where Hope Squad offers a K-12-specialized peer-led curriculum.
- QPR Institute: Provider of the Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) gatekeeper training that Hope Squad requires its advisors to complete. Functions both as a partner and an adjacent incumbent whose training is a complement to — and competitor for — suicide prevention training budgets.
Emerging players
- Born This Way Foundation: Youth mental health nonprofit co-founded by Lady Gaga that funds peer-led and kindness-focused programming in schools. Comparable as a youth mental health peer-support ecosystem player with similar school channel and youth audience.
Others
- Crisis Text Line: National 24/7 crisis intervention texting service that connects to the same at-risk youth population Hope Squad members refer to trusted adults. Not a direct curriculum competitor but a key downstream resource in the youth suicide prevention ecosystem.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Hope Squad social profiles
Digital presenceHope Squad compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Hope Squad financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Hope Squad leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles23 records
Hope Squad funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Hope Squad M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Hope Squad
What does Hope Squad do?
Hope Squad delivers a K-12 peer-to-peer suicide prevention program licensed to schools and districts, consisting of an age-differentiated curriculum (Elementary, Junior High, High School), the proprietary HOPE Approach gatekeeper training, certified advisor training, and a digital platform (Leader Portal, Member Portal) for program administration. Schools pay an annual license fee for multi-year access to curriculum, training, ongoing support, and program materials, with implementation supported by Regional Outreach Directors and Customer Success staff.
Is Hope Squad a public or private company?
Hope Squad is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Hope Squad founded?
Hope Squad was founded in 2004. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Hope Squad based?
Hope Squad is headquartered in Provo, United States, in the North America region.
How does Hope Squad make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. School Program Licensing is the primary driver. The others are foundation and Corporate Funding and merchandise and Apparel.
Who are Hope Squad's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sources of Strength, The Jason Foundation, Sandy Hook Promise, Active Minds, The Jed Foundation and Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. Broad incumbents are LivingWorks (ASIST) and QPR Institute. Born This Way Foundation is listed as an emerging player. Crisis Text Line is listed as an others.
Does Hope Squad have an API?
No public API is recorded for Hope Squad.
What industry is Hope Squad in?
Hope Squad's product category is Youth Suicide Prevention Programs. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAJAIAH, Crisis Response & Threat Assessment (Suicide Prevention, Violence Prevention), with a secondary code of EDAKAMAI, Suicide Prevention, Self-Harm Prevention & Threat Assessment Programs. Its NAICS code is 6111 and its SIC code is 8200.