What Is Operation Project H.O.P.E.
Leadership Academy (OPHLA)?
​

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” - Rumi

If someone has asked you to join, it means they see love and great potential in you.

2025 OPHLA Team 10 Application

OPHLA TESTIMONIALS

Testimonials stress me out, especially for something I love and hold dear. I could write a novel about all the  superlatives that describe Operation Project H.O.P.E., so I'll break it down a bit. The yearly School Beautification Project allows me to give from my heart to the children and teachers that will shape our future leaders. OPH Leadership Academy brought out the best and most loving parts of me; it re-opened my closed off heart to receiving and wholeheartedly giving love and  support to those who want and need it. 

I went into the organization thinking it was one thing; it proved it was and continues to exceed expectations. You want to volunteer for a project? Great, you're a volunteer and by the end of the project day, you're one of the tribe eating tacos and dancing at one of the board member's backyard. You want to grow your business and expand your contacts in our self growth program? Awesome, you participate in Leadership Academy to accomplish your goals and also earn the love, friendship, and respect of the most genuinely loving people on the planet! I can seriously go on. OPH is like that shot of espresso you need to wake up in the morning. However, the high you feel by participating with OPH persists, is constant, consistent, and will leave you positive and hopeful for anything life brings.

Because of all that, I'm committed for life."

Paolo Paredes 
OPHLA Team 2 Graduate, Dedicated Volunteer, Board Member, Lover of Tacos

​As a mother of four I had been looking for an organization of volunteers with like-minded individuals that help children. When I heard about OPH through a conversation, I immediately was drawn to its purpose. I applied for the leadership program thinking that I would gain skills and knowledge to be able to be of service to others. I wanted to help children believe in themselves, in love, and hope. Little did I know that this program would be teaching me how to believe in myself and to love myself. How could I ask someone else to believe in themselves when I didn’t believe in myself? I now fully understand that you must fill your cup in order to fill someone else’s. This program helped me to reveal and heal in order to become a better version of myself. I have a deep admiration for the amazing support system that OPHLA provides and I am forever grateful!

Our project at Aragon Elementary was so rewarding. Knowing that you can plant a seed of Hope in at least one child is a wonderful feeling. This is a true example of “Givers Gain”.

And I gained more that I could have ever expected. The fulfillment of making a difference in a child’s life, deeper and more meaningful relationships, new friendships, and an extended family all of which has given me the Hope I needed. I am forever grateful!"

-Cecilia

As someone who has sought stability and security her whole life, I was hesitant to committing my time to OPHLA when I was first provided with an opportunity to join. I knew very little about the organization and had a general distrust for anything outside of my comfort zone. Some very important people in my life asked me to join because they saw something in me that I could not see myself and they knew OPHLA would help me find the tools I needed to do so. Choosing to give it a shot was the best decision of my life!

Thanks to the experience and contributions from every individual in the O.P.H. community I have found someone I love and value in ME and am forever grateful for that!

I have grown tremendously as an individual and attribute a large part of it to the challenges and support I received during the leadership academy. Now I get to take what I have learned and give it back to my community, family and friends whole heartedly. My favorite part of this experience is witnessing what the power of LOVE can do. Thank you O.P.H.!

Jenny Romero
OPHLA Team 6 Graduate
O.P.H. Board Director

Click for more Testimonials

​WHY A LEADERSHIP ACADEMY?

Longevity for Operation Project HOPE
The OPH Leadership Academy (OPHLA) was developed to ensure that the mission of Operation Project Hope, world peace one child at a time, has longevity through the strengthening and empowering of individuals.

Establishing an ever ready pool of leaders has provided OPH with a strong group of supportive individuals ready to help with OPH projects and continue the OPH legacy. New leaders will not only sustain the growing organization, it will ensure that OPH continues to be relevant, cutting edge and about the children.

AFTER YOU COMPLETE THE OPHLA PROGRAM we ask a commitment of 2 years community service to Operation Project HOPE. This helps to continue the OPH legacy and gives you an opportunity to put what you have learned through OPHLA into action. 

​HOW?

The Operation Project HOPE Leadership Academy (OPHLA) is a 4-month leadership program designed to develop leaders, empowered by their wholeness to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.

Join us in creating brighter futures! Become part of a dynamic team transforming schools into inspiring learning spaces through Operation Project HOPE (OPH). Together, we'll revitalize campuses with painting, landscaping, and cleaning projects that have empowered hundreds of volunteers. While making a difference in children's lives, you'll also embark on a personal growth journey. Benefit from monthly team-building weekends, weekly team meetings, and personalized coaching to achieve your goals, both professional and personal.

OPHLA: Beyond the Surface. We don't just teach leadership; we cultivate it from within. By focusing on both doing and being, we empower individuals to become exceptional leaders in all areas of life.

WHAT YOU GAIN

How we help you reach your goals

•  SUPPORT & RESOURCES:  For 4 months, you will have a strong and diverse support system consisting of your team, advisors and mentors who have experienced personal and professional success in a variety of ways. The support you will gain is immeasurable.
• WE WANT SUCCESS FOR YOU: Each team member creates their own personal goals in the categories of physical, spiritual, emotional and mental. You will have your own personal coach as well as a variety of advisors and mentors to provide support in reaching your personal goals.
• PERSONAL COACH: You will be matched with your own coach and will have one-on-one weekly calls in support of your goals.
• PERSONAL GROWTH & A CHANGE IN PERSPECTIVE: Each weekend serves participants in exploring their limiting beliefs about themselves, other people and the world.

What will you learn & experience? Just like life, you get what you put in
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You will be working with a diverse group of people, many of whom will be different from you. This is an experience to learn how to come together, collaborate and rejoice in the value of creating a community with the focus of improving the lives of children and making this society a better place for everyone.

• Leadership skills
• The importance of commitment and service
• Self-empowerment
• The power of giving to others
• The value in resources and support
• Put into practice daily responsibility and accountability
• Creating an environment of collaboration, empathy, synergy and communication
• A change in perspectives on mindset and beliefs
• Find your Value, essence and truth

CLICK FOR OPHLA REQUIREMENTS + DATES

WHO BENEFITS?

The children, their families, the school's faculty, the community and everyone involved and every person in your life. Here at Operation Project HOPE we believe in the ripple effect. We believe that if an individual is good within themselves, they will increase their capacity and open their heart to do good for others.

With this mindset, we give to you the OPH Leadership Academy in hopes that you will want to make a change within yourself, with the intention of Helping Other People Everyday for the rest of your life. This is one part of our strategy in how we continue to create a world where people matter, society is enhanced, and HOPE grows.

APPLY NOW

AFTER OPHLA PROGRAM

AFTER YOU COMPLETE THE OPHLA PROGRAM we ask a commitment of 2 years community service to Operation Project HOPE. This helps to continue the OPH legacy and gives you an opportunity to put what you have learned through OPHLA into action.  Below are photos of all the individuals that have grown through our program and have continued their support of Operation Project HOPE.​

OUR OPHLA TEAMS

​Each and every one of these people committed their time, effort and heart to helping themselves, children and H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everyday).

It's a commitment worth making, it's a lot of fun & you make friendships that can last a lifetime - All while helping children have better lives.