Tampa Bay Academy of Hope was founded in 1996 by James Evans on the premise of helping those in need in the community.
As a former at-risk student, James Evans was no stranger to the need to rise above obstacles. He was the seventeenth of twenty-one children in his family, growing up in the poverty of rural Alabama. He didn't know who his father was, but early exposure to sports by a caring high school coach propelled him away from a life of delinquency. This caring mentoring relationship brought to the light the importance of youth having mentors to Mr. Evans.
After leaving football, James focused his attention on helping youth in the community who were at-risk of dropping out of school. In July, 1996, he founded Tampa Bay Academy of Hope. Later, he contracted with the Hillsborough County School District to provide counseling for at-risk youth. School officials began referring at-risk youth to the program.
Since 1996, more than 2,000 youth have received mentoring and counseling through Tampa Bay Academy of Hope. Perhaps the greatest testament to the success of the program are the exceptionally high rate of students who have pursued post-secondary education. Between 2006-2008, all graduating seniors participating in the program were admitted to and enrolled in college. Many of these students were the first in their families to attend college.
