Hope in Christ
Summer Programs

Each summer, selected students will be able to participate in our 9-week summer enrichment programs.
World Seekers is for 2nd-5th graders, and our award-winning World Changers program is for 6th-9th graders. Information and QR Codes are below.
REGISTRATION FOR 2026 WILL BEGIN APRIL 13, 2026

Hope in Christ
World Changers & World Seekers
Service, Leadership, and Learning Explorations for 26 Select Students

Gaston Hope in Christ, which has offered award-winning tutoring for 25 years, provides a summer leadership, service, learning, and fun experience for 13 rising 6th-9th grade students (2026-2027).

We recognize that while there are activities, summer leadership, learning, and service opportunities are limited, and some students want to learn and grow in the summer. So we developed World Changers. Responding to incredible demand, we have started our World Seekers program for 2nd-5th graders.

WORLD CHANGERS

Since 2021, World Changers has prepared students to be agents of change in our community, connecting them with leaders, mentors, and others to grow and improve their character, competence, and leadership for life.

On Wednesday and Thursday, staff, volunteers, and guests engage teens with

Service Opportunities to help others each week
An interview with a community leader each week
Significant trips and experiences in the area for learning and fun.
Directed and selected reading time and participation in the library's summer reading program
Interactive learning games, foundational reading and math exercises, and educational experiences aimed at enhancing character, study skills, and academic growth.
Mentoring Relationships can provide another caring adult in our lives and become a lifelong support.

This is designed for a select group of students transitioning into 5th-9th grade, ensuring their social, character, and academic needs are met in a supportive and engaging environment. We want students who want to learn and grow, help others, and learn about our community.

Students and parents will have Interviews after applying. Our goal is to ensure we all understand what is involved before selection, so we have the right students to succeed in our program.

Applications will be accepted beginning April 13.
Student and Parent Interviews will be held on May 12-14
The final selections will be announced on May 19.

WORLD SEEKERS

To provide a similar but less intense program for elementary students, we have "World Seekers", a Tuesday & Wednesday program for rising 2nd-5th graders. This will also include service opportunities, fewer community leader interviews, games, teamwork exercises, and learning trips. All students will have reading and math coaching and special times to learn and explore many subjects.

This is designed for students who may need academic coaching, but are also ready to have fun, explore, grow, and help others.

Applications will be accepted beginning April 13.
Student and Parent Interviews will be held on May 12-14
The final selections will be announced on May 19.

For more information, contact Gaston Hope in Christ. Email Joe@GHiC.us. Phone 980-785-4442 Tuesday through Thursday, 11 to 6.

Community Leaders World Changers Met in 2021-2025

Jeff Booker, Gaston County School Superintendent
Chris Peak, CaroMont Health CEO
Brandon Bellamy, Honey Hunters Owner
Walker Reid, Gastonia Mayor
Gaston Business Association COO Steve D'Avria
Brookside Elementary School Principal Jaime Wallace
Eastside Church Music Director Robby Davis
Gastonia Police Chief Travis Brittain
Donyell Barber, KIntegra Health and Gastonia City Council
Salvation Army Major David Phelps
Veterinarian Dr. Mark Epstein
State Farm Insurance Agent Anthony Gallant
Tindol Ford Owner Natalie Tindol
Contractor Ray Hammam
JPDavis Owner and Speaker Jennifer Davis
Teacher and Board Chair Mr. Sam Walton
Rev. Lauren Vanacore with the Community Foundation
Rev. Rodney Freeman with Mt. Zion Restoration Church
City Councilman Mr. Robert Kellogg
Olivia Barnes, Movie Maker
Author Reggi Broach
Pastor Dwayne Burks, Gateway Gaston, and Gastonia First Baptist Church
Chief Synthia Kearney, Gastonia Fire Department
Pastor Obie Batista, City Church, Unity Consulting, and Launch Gaston
Mrs. Roxann Jimison, CEO of Dream Center Academy
Mrs. Beth Canipe, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer of CaroMont Health
Pastor Jeff Wilson, Freedom House Renewal Programs