Celebrating the Spirit of Freedom Through the Voices of Our Youth
Join us in honoring America’s past & empowering its future through song, service, & the spirit of youth.
About
Hope of America is an inspiring initiative that brings together over 100 schools in Utah to celebrate the core values that make America strong. Each year, fifth-grade students unite in red, white, and blue to form a giant American flag, symbolizing the unity and spirit of our nation. The program serves as a platform for teaching young people about the importance of patriotism, family, faith, and freedom.
Through their activities, Hope of America aims to foster a sense of pride and respect for our country, its history, and the ideals that define us. The organization strives to create a lasting impact by instilling values of gratitude, service, and community involvement in the next generation.
6K–8K Students Annually
Established in
1995
100+ Schools Participating
It's Community Favorite
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Inspiring Patriotism Among Thousands of Young Americans
6,000–8,000 Students Annually
Each year, between 6,000 and 8,000 school children from more than 100 schools participate in the Hope of America event.
Established in 1995
The program was created by Kathy McDonald in 1995 with the support of America’s Freedom Festival in Provo, marking over 29 years of celebrating American freedom
and unity.
100+ Schools Participating
More than 100 schools come together annually for this powerful
performance.
Community Favorite
The event is attended by over 10,000 parents, extended family, and military guests
each night, highlighting its popularity and community support.
Hope of America : A Nationwide Celebration of Patriotism
The "Hope of America" program is a distinguished event that unites students from various regions to honor
and celebrate the nation's core values through music and performance.
Utah County
Heart of the original Hope of America event
Thousands of 5th graders participate each year
Hosted at BYU Marriott Center in Provo
Features vibrant student-led performance.
Davis County
Strong and growing participation
Schools showcase patriotic spirit and unity
Community engagement through song and choreography
50 States
Inspired similar programs across the U.S.
Promotes national pride and civic responsibility
Unites students from diverse backgrounds
Celebrated as a model for youth patriotic education
Instilling pride, patriotism, and a deep respect for the ideals that
unite us all.
Bringing schools, families, and communities together to
celebrate the spirit of unity.
Teaching our youth the importance of faith, freedom, and responsibility through education.
Building strong, supportive families that nurture the next generation
of leaders.
Encouraging community involvement and service through volunteerism, making a lasting impact.
Providing opportunities for students to participate through generous sponsorships
When I sit in the Marriott Center and sing patriotic songs with the children I am filled with such positive feelings. I hear it in their voices and see it in their faces that they are learning to love their country and are learning basic principles that will be a benefit in their future and ours.
This program was a great way for our students to see our U.S. history core curriculum in action, with reinforcement of patriotic ideals.
We absolutely love adding Hope of America to our core curriculum in 5th grade! So many of my students said this program helped them realize how important it is for us to have our freedoms and how lucky we are to truly be free. I love the feeling that comes each year from going to Hope of America and it truly is a special experience for us.
I recently moved to Nebo District as a citizen of another country. This is my first time hearing about and participating in the Hope of America production and I thought it was fantastic. What a great opportunity to have students participate in such a patriotic event and a great culmination of a year of American History lessons on freedom, gratitude and patriotism. I learned all the songs and was proud to stand and sing them with my class and as a brand-new citizen of this country.
I have had a lot of parents say this was one of the greatest performances they have ever been to. They loved the fact that it focuses on America, and they loved what it taught both their children in the performance and the children in the audience.
One student's parent told me, "I know my daughter will never forget this. Thank you so much for giving her this opportunity of a lifetime and an unforgettable experience.
I have been doing Hope of America for years, and I am always blown away by how amazing the experience is. Every year I am brought to tears by the power of the songs. My students love it and remember this night for years. I am grateful to have something that brings so much joy and pride to my students
I love it when parents tell me stories of when they themselves performed in Hope of America. They tell me they love to sing along when their child practices at home.
I was in HOA myself when I was in 5th grade. It was an amazing experience that has stuck with me ever since. I always look back on the memory fondly. When I became a teacher this year and was invited to participate in HOA, I couldn't say no. I remember how much it impacted my life as a student, and how much my teacher's enthusiasm excited me. I wanted to be part of it again, and create wonderful memories for the students that I got to work with this year. Thank you for keeping the tradition alive.
The kids LOVE Hope of America! They felt a lot of pride for their country and in learning and singing these songs. They were excited to sing for the military and first responders as well. They also think the big flag is, in their words, "So cool!"
I loved Hope of America as a student, and I love it even more as an adult. This is an incredible way to help teach students about the country that they live in and all of the amazing qualities that it has. It goes effortlessly with the 5th grade curriculum, and the students absolutely love it. Seeing students from different backgrounds and cultures singing about their love of this country is nothing short of miraculous.
It is phenomenal that this extravaganza gets pulled off. For so many years, it has brought inspiration and appreciation of country to students and their families. Music sinks messages into the heart in ways nothing else can. In our current society where the belief that America is still a "light on a hill," this effort is absolutely vital and worth every ounce of effort.
Teaching U.S. History to 5th grade students, I can share with my students my heartfelt thoughts about the importance of being a voice and an example for those who need it. I love that I can teach them that although we all have challenges, sometimes the struggle helps us value our triumphs so much more. The American people throughout our history have learned this truth. My students may have struggles in the future, but can reflect back on our country's patriots and know that they can do hard things to bring about much good!
I love Hope of America because it gives me, as our school's music teacher, a collaborative curriculum that helps me interact with the general education teacher and draw in the music-hesitant students. I wish this had been around when I was in the 5th grade.
FAQs
Your Questions Answered, Ensuring Clarity and Confidence
What is the Hope of America program?
The Hope of America is a patriotic event that brings together thousands of fifth-grade students from over 100 schools to perform songs celebrating hope, patriotism, and service. The performances take place over three days at the Marriott Center.
Who can participate in the Hope of America event?
The program is designed for fifth-grade students, as the songs and themes correlate with the fifth-grade state core curriculum.
How much does it cost for a student to participate?
The participation fee has been $10 per student for many years. This registration is typically paid online by individual parents directly to the Hope of America organization.
What materials are provided to participating students?
Each participating student receives a Hope of America T-shirt. Additionally, schools are responsible for providing an 8” x 12” flag for each student and teacher.
How can schools register for the Hope of America event?
Schools interested in participating can register through the official Hope of America website. It's recommended to review the FAQs page and download the Teacher Timeline to get an overview and outline of expectations.
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