our mission
Building long-term, life-changing relationships with youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community.
our history
Fall 2019
Founded ELEVATE Savannah
ELEVATE’s parent organization, Colorado Uplift, was founded in 1987 in Denver, CO. In 2008 Colorado Uplift launched its Model Replication Program, which gave birth to the first affiliate Elevate Orlando. As other affiliates expanded across the country, Colorado Uplift advocates created Elevate USA in 2014 to lead the replication program. In 2019 Elevate Savannah was founded and became the 11th affiliate of Elevate USA.
SPRING 2020
Launched First Class at Beach High School
In January 2020, we began offering two Elevate classes to 10th and 11th grade students.
FALL 2021
Added Additional Classes to the Beach High School
In August 2021, we added Intro to Elevate, an all-freshman class, and Elevate Beyond, an all senior class, to our course offerings. In September 2021 we started Little Elevate, at Hodge Elementary School.
FALL 2022
Expanded to DeRenne Middle School and Completed the BHS Pipeline
In August 2021, began offering two Evolution classes to 8th grade students.
our history
FALL 2019
Founded ELEVATE Savannah
ELEVATE’s parent organization, Colorado Uplift, was founded in 1987 in Denver, CO. In 2008 Colorado Uplift launched its Model Replication Program, which gave birth to the first affiliate Elevate Orlando. As other affiliates expanded across the country, Colorado Uplift advocates created Elevate USA in 2014 to lead the replication program. In 2019 Elevate Savannah was founded and became the 11th affiliate of Elevate USA.
SPRING 2020
Launched First Class at Beach High School
In January 2020, we began offering two Elevate classes to 10th and 11th grade students.
FALL 2021
Added Additional Classes to the Beach High School
In August 2021, we added Intro to Elevate, an all-freshman class, and Elevate Beyond, an all senior class, to our course offerings. In September 2021 we started Little Elevate, at Hodge Elementary School.
FALL 2022
Expanded to DeRenne Middle School and Completed the BHS Pipeline
In August 2021, began offering two Evolution classes to 8th grade students.
what makes us unique
our staff
board members
| Pastor Da’Henri Thurmond | Pastor, St. Paul CME Church |
| Judge J. F. Bass | Judge, Chatham County Superior Court (Retired) |
| Judge Lisa Colbert | Judge, Chatham County Superior Court |
| Cydney Cunningham | Community Partner |
| Christian Demere | President, Colonial Group, Inc. |
| Dale Holloway | CEO, Maloney’s Landscape |
| Paul Meyer, J.D. | Co-Founder, Meyer and Sayers, LLP |
| George Oelschig | Founder, Safemark (Chairman) |
| Karen O’Brien | Real Estate Development |
| Jim Trolinger | Former CEO, Swagelok (Retired) |
advisory board members
| Cliff McCurry | Seacrest Partners Inc. |
| Curtis Lewis III | J.C. Lewis Ford Savannah |
| Dr. Paul Pressly | Former Headmaster, Savannah Country Day School |
| Jay Thompson | Founder, EXCEL |
| Pastor Thurmond Tillman | Pastor, First African Baptist Church |
| Paul Hinchey | President & CEO, St. Joseph's/Candler |
- We believe that EVERY CHILD is of great worth and has the desire and potential to succeed.
- We believe that LONG-TERM, 24/7 RELATIONSHIPS with caring adults have proven positive outcomes in the lives of our urban youth.
- We believe that a HOLISTIC approach is essential for a strong and healthy future for our youth.
- We believe that FULL-TIME, SALARIED TEACHER-MENTORS WHO COME FROM SIMILAR BACKGROUNDS as the students can have a positive influence and make all the difference.
- We believe that the SERVANT LEADERSHIP, creating a culture of selflessness and service, is the foundation for leadership.
- We believe in the intrinsic DIGNITY of every person and act accordingly.
- We believe that COLLABORATION yields the best long-term results, acknowledging that the complex work in our urban centers cannot be done single handedly.