Who We Are

Our Story, Mission & Team

We are a passionate group of educators, mentors, and advocates united by one belief: every student, regardless of financial circumstance, deserves the chance to soar.

Students learning in a classroom setting
Our Story

A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Built on Hope

S.O.A.R. Hope is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 2023 that pursues and develops educational sponsorship projects for elementary to high school students around the world.

We partner with local project leaders to connect with local resources and passionate experts to help financially support students and families in need for their educational expenses — while providing them hope that reaching their educational and career goals is a realistic possibility.

What S.O.A.R. Stands For

S
Succeed
O
Opportunity
A
Achieve
R
Reached
Our Purpose

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

The Mission of S.O.A.R. is to inspire and guide students in need across the world, guiding them through high school and college, and assisting them in discovering and achieving their career goals.

Our Purpose

To provide educational assistance and support to students in need around the world. To provide resources in the form of books, supplies, food, and after-school support services to guide elementary to high school students that are in need — helping them discover and achieve their educational and career goals.

How We Work

Our Approach

We believe in a holistic, student-centered approach that addresses the full spectrum of barriers facing young people today.

Identify High-Need Regions

We set up projects around the world within regions with high poverty and low student participation rates. We connect with local educational experts to help select students and families that are in the most need.

Raise & Deploy Funds

We raise funds to support at least 15 students within an identified region for at least an entire year. Funding goes directly to the school for each student — covering tuition, fees, and/or books. No cash in hand. Full transparency.

Provide Ongoing Support

We provide support and mentorship to students to help guide them with their education and advise them on promising career paths — connecting them with passionate local experts and professionals.

Keep Donors Connected

Donors receive quarterly updates on the student(s) they are sponsoring — including pictures and progress reports — and the opportunity to mentor students 1:1 or in groups.

The People Behind S.O.A.R.

Our Team

Passionate individuals united by a shared purpose — to open doors for students who deserve a chance to succeed.

Sudhakar Kanagarajan
Sudhakar Kanagarajan
Co-Founder · President, Board Director

Sudhakar leads technology and operations for S.O.A.R. He is an IT and technology executive delivering leadership and process change for Fortune 500 organizations. Sudhakar earned an Executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a Master's in Computer Information Systems from Kingston College.

Daniel Hodo
Daniel Hodo
Co-Founder · Treasurer, Board Member

Daniel leads strategy and ministry development for S.O.A.R. He is a sales and strategy executive with experience at both startups and Fortune 500 organizations. Daniel earned an Executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a B.S. in Finance from the University of Illinois.

Kanecia Hodo
Kanecia Hodo
Board Member · Secretary

Kanecia is an educational technology professional in sales and customer success, and a former school teacher. She holds a Master of Education in Secondary Education, a Master of Arts in Counseling, and a B.A. in Religious Education, and is pursuing an Ed.S. in K–12 Leadership.

Shailaja Sudarsan
Shailaja Sudarsan
Board Member

Shailaja is an IT professional with expertise in web-based applications, project management, and quality assurance. She holds an MBA in Business Administration and Management and a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Join Us

Help Us Write the Next Chapter

Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word — your support directly impacts the lives of students around the world.

Donate Now → Get Involved