HOPE HOUSE

Stanford Scholars Program

Since 2001, Hope House has collaborated with Stanford’s McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society and Stanford Continuing Studies to run the House House Scholars Program. This program provides a unique opportunity for the residents of Hope House to integrate college-level coursework into their curriculum while in treatment for their substance use disorders, offering a non-traditional approach to recovery. 

The Hope House Scholars Program is built on the belief that education should be accessible for all, irrespective of socioeconomic status, and provides meaningful opportunities to those for whom a liberal-arts education might otherwise be inaccessible. Upon successful completion of a course, residents receive a certificate of completion and each graduate is also awarded a voucher to access a future Continuing Studies course free of charge. 

Courses encompass themes such as ethics, social justice, and moral responsibility while being tailored to support the interests and aspirations of our residents. Co-coordinator Joan Berry, who has been involved with the program since 2004, says that the classroom gives Hope House clients a place to shine when they are struggling in other areas: "It gives them a positive learning experience and the confidence to share their thoughts and articulate in front of a group. You can really see their improvements and confidence grow as the course goes on."

Classes are taught by dedicated volunteers from Stanford and include faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and graduate students who often return for multiple classes and years. "Everyone involved, including the undergraduate tutors, participates because they really want to be a part of what the program offers and believe in the mission. It's an honor to be a small part of anyone's recovery story," says Program Co-Coordinator Michaela Hulstyn, Ph.D.

Around 700 Hope House clients have participated in the program and many continue their education after. Alex (pictured below) went on earn a bachelor's degree in Business Management from University of San Francisco and a master's degree in Community Health and Prevention Research from Stanford University's School of Medicine. For others, the program reignites a passion that supports their recovery.

"As a child I loved coming up with and writing stories. This is a passion I believed I lost completely in my active addiction. However, in this class, with every prompt, words poured out of me. I was able to realize that I am still whole, bruised certainly, but whole. It was like being reacquainted with a long-lost companion. I am very grateful for this experience and believe 100% that the Stanford Scholar's program will continue to benefit Hope House clients now and for the foreseeable future. I am humbled by the dedication of everyone involved and know that clients will continue to benefit from this program." - Cassie, Hope House Graduate

We’re incredibly proud of this collaborative effort and are forever grateful to Stanford University and our volunteers for generously devoting their time and energy to the Hope House residents. 

Alex, a Hope House graduate, participated in the Hope House Scholars Program and went on earn a bachelor's degree in Business Management from University of San Francisco and a master's degree in Community Health and Prevention Research from Stanford University's School of Medicine.