Bighope

What Bighope does

BigHope Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in South Dallas, Texas, founded by former NFL player Oren O'Neal. The organization delivers STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, mentorship, and wellness programming to Pre-K through 5th grade students enrolled in Title I elementary schools in South Dallas. Programming is delivered through an embedded school-based model that places curriculum and instructors inside partner schools rather than through a standalone facility.

The foundation's core product is a multi-component youth development program that bundles hands-on STEAM curriculum — including coding and robotics — with mentorship and wellness support. The operational stack is instructor-led and classroom-based, with the 2026 launch of the Steam Up Summer Camp extending delivery into an out-of-school summer format. Corporate partners such as Optiv and Equnix contribute volunteer engagement and in-kind support, while the NFL Foundation and other foundations provide grant funding.

BigHope's business model is donation-based, consistent with its tax-exempt status. Revenue sources include foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations. The organization is small — with an estimated 1-10 employees — and concentrates delivery within the Dallas Independent School District. No fee-for-service pricing model is indicated; access for students is structured through school partnerships rather than direct-paid enrollment.

Name

Bighope

Legal name

BigHope Foundation

Website

https://thebighope.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

BigHope Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by former NFL player Oren O'Neal that delivers STEAM education, mentorship, and wellness programs to Pre-K through 5th grade students in South Dallas Title I schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth STEAM Education Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Grantmaking Foundations (813211)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

STEM, Digital Literacy & Maker Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Robotics, Engineering & Makers Camps (EDAMALAE), STEM & Science Camps (Biology, Chemistry, Space, Lab Science) (EDAMALAC), After-School, Tutoring & Academic Enrichment Nonprofits (BPAGADAC)

Keywords

• STEAM education programs
• Youth mentorship services
• Mental wellness programs
• After-school enrichment
• Community education nonprofit

Headquarters

HQ city

Frisco

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual and corporate donations at various levels ($50-$10,000) fund STEAM labs, programming, and student support
2. Summer Camp Registration: Fee-based summer camp programs for grades 1-5 at $225 per camper per week
3. Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships: Partnership funding from companies like Optiv, NFL Foundation, and others to support STEAM programs and events
4. Board & Community Fundraising: Events like '46 for 46 Night' and North Texas Giving Day campaigns

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

BigHope Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers hands-on STEAM education, mentorship, and mental wellness programming to Pre-K through 5th grade students in Title I elementary schools in South Dallas. The organization installs fully equipped STEAM Makers Labs in partner schools, runs in-school instruction, after-school programs, STEAM events, and a seasonal summer camp, complemented by family workshops and resources to support whole-community learning.

Product overview

BigHope is a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of STEAM education programs and delivery formats for youth in South Dallas. The core offerings include STEAM Labs & School Partnerships (fully equipped makers labs installed in elementary schools), Mentorship for Growth & Guidance, Mental Wellness Tools for Youth, and Family Resources & Enrichment Camps. These programs are delivered through multiple formats: In-School Instruction during the regular school day, After-School Programs, STEAM Events, and the seasonal 2026 Steam Up Summer Camp. All programs serve Pre-K through 5th grade students in Title I schools and align with TEKS standards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• STEAM Labs & School Partnerships Fully equipped STEAM Makers Labs installed in South Dallas elementary schools, providing hands-on learning environments with cutting-edge tools for science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education, including coding, robotics, engineering challenges, and astronomy projects. Designed for Pre-K through 5th grade students at Title I schools.
• Mentorship for Growth & Guidance Mentorship program pairing youth with purpose-driven mentors who inspire confidence, character, and long-term vision, helping students build self-worth and leadership skills through sustained one-on-one relationships.
• Mental Wellness Tools for Youth Emotional wellness resources and safe spaces providing tools that help students manage stress, build resilience, and develop self-worth, supporting both in-school and out-of-school wellbeing.
• Family Resources & Enrichment Camps Whole-family support through seasonal camps, workshops, and resources that strengthen community and encourage continued learning at home for parents and caregivers of students in BigHope programs.
• 2026 Steam Up Summer Camp Summer camp for grades 1-5 offering hands-on STEAM projects, creative problem-solving challenges, and team-based activities. Week 1 runs June 15-18, Week 2 runs June 22-25, 2026, at $225 per camper, with all materials, project supplies, and experienced STEAM instructors included.
• In-School Instruction Program Interactive, educational in-school programs for elementary students designed to support academic learning in a dynamic way during the regular school day through hands-on STEAM activities at partner school sites.
• After-School Programs Enriching after-school activities allowing students to explore interests through hands-on STEAM activities that foster creativity and critical thinking at partner elementary schools.
• STEAM Events Community STEAM events that ignite curiosity and hands-on learning for elementary students through real-world problem solving and creative projects, supporting fundraising and awareness building.

Quantifiable outcome

• All programs align with TEKS standards ensuring academic relevance
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• OptivsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology cybersecurity company partnering with BigHope as a supporter and community partner, contributing to STEAM education and youth development programs in South Dallas.
• Above All ThingssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization partnering with BigHope to expand STEAM access and support youth across South Dallas through collaborative programs.
• EqunixsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology company supporting BigHope's mission to provide STEAM education and youth development opportunities in underserved communities.
• CISOsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCybersecurity industry partner supporting BigHope's educational programs and community initiatives.
• Bold IdeacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner focused on youth innovation and entrepreneurship, aligned with BigHope's mission to inspire the next generation of builders and leaders through STEAM education.
• Wireless PSCsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerWireless technology company supporting BigHope's STEAM programs and educational initiatives.
• STEM-It UpcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSTEM education organization partnering with BigHope to enhance STEAM learning experiences and expand access to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education.
• Dallas ISDcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary school district partner operating STEAM Labs and programs in Title I elementary schools across South Dallas, serving Pre-K through 5th grade students.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Code.org: Major nonprofit driving computer science education in K-12 schools. Comparable in delivering coding curriculum to Title I schools, but at national scale rather than community-embedded delivery.
• FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology): Established youth robotics nonprofit running FIRST LEGO League and related programs in schools worldwide. Overlaps with BigHope's robotics/coding curriculum but operates at much larger national scale.
• 4-H: Largest youth development organization in the U.S., delivering STEM, leadership, and mentorship programs in schools and communities. Comparable in combining STEAM with mentorship and youth development, though at vastly larger scale.
• Girls Who Code: National nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology through after-school clubs and summer programs. Comparable in STEM access for underrepresented youth, though K-12 focus is broader than BigHope's elementary-only scope.

Direct peers

• Maker Ed: National nonprofit that supports maker education in schools and informal learning environments, including maker labs and educator training. Directly comparable in the STEAM makerspace/lab installation model.
• Black Girls CODE: Nonprofit introducing girls of color to technology through workshops, hackathons, and summer camps. Comparable focus on minority youth STEAM access and camp-style delivery format.
• Iridescent: Nonprofit focused on family engagement in STEM for underserved communities, combining hands-on learning with parent/family involvement. Closely matches BigHope's whole-family STEAM engagement model and underserved-youth focus.
• Citizen Schools: Nonprofit providing after-school enrichment and career-connected learning for underserved middle schoolers. Comparable nonprofit model delivering supplemental programming to Title I-style student populations.
• STEM NOLA: New Orleans-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit delivering hands-on STEM programming to underserved K-12 youth through community events, camps, and school partnerships. Directly comparable nonprofit model, target demographic, and STEAM delivery approach.
• After-School All-Stars: Nonprofit offering free after-school programs to underserved youth across the U.S. Comparable in targeting Title I-equivalent populations with multi-format enrichment programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TheBigHopeOrg
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@bighope1441
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bighope
• Instagraminstagram.com/thebighopeorg
• TikToktiktok.com/@bighope_nonprofit

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bighope