be light in
a dark place.
this way
Our work in Nicaragua began in 2007, as captured in our film Ileana’s Smile. Since then, our goal has been to amplify the stories of vulnerable children and create safety and hope through the transformational power of education.
We founded Ileana’s School of Hope in 2018, a primary school K-6th grade, where every child has the opportunity to dream, learn, and write their own story.
lleana’s School of Hope enrolls approximately 200 students annually. We are currently raising funds for a campus expansion including an arts center, sports complex, and high school so our students can attend K-11th grade and graduate at Ileana’s School!
We are also expanding our Love Light + Melody Scholarship Program to allow students to further their education from graduation to the university level.
Ileana’s
School of Hope
Take a peek at the
expansion plan here:
Our work in Nicaragua began in 2007, as captured in our film Ileana’s Smile. Since then, our goal has been to amplify the stories of vulnerable children and create safety and hope through the transformational power of education.
We founded Ileana’s School of Hope in 2018, a primary school K-6th grade, where every child has the opportunity to dream, learn, and write their own story.
lleana’s School of Hope enrolls approximately 200 students annually. We are currently raising funds for a campus expansion including an arts center, sports complex, and high school so our students can attend K-11th grade and graduate at Ileana’s School!
We are also expanding our Love Light + Melody Scholarship Program to allow students to further their education from graduation to the university level.
Take a peek at the CAMPUS
expansion plan here:
A Film to
Build A School
Our documentary film Ileana’s Smile is truly “A Film to Build a School” as all proceeds from the film fund the operation and expansion of Ileana’s School of Hope.
the Love Light + Melody scholarship program
Since our current school campus enrolls up to 6th grade, we also established a high school and university scholarship program in 2012 for students who expressed a desire to continue their education. Since then, we have granted scholarships to 400+ students, many of whom are the first in their families to graduate high school or university.
the Love Light + Melody scholarship program
Since the current school only goes up to 6th grade we also established a high school and university scholarship program in 2012 for students who expressed a strong desire to continue their education, yet lacked the financial means to do so. Since then, we have granted scholarships to 30 students, many of whom are the first in their families to graduate high school, or university.
The impact of ileana's school
203
Currently
Enrolled for 2025
32
Scholarship Recipients for 2025
73
6th Grade
Graduates Since 2021
.jpg)
Currently
Enrolled
for 2025
203
Scholarship
Recipients
for 2025
32
6th Grade
Graduates
Since 2021
73
.jpg)
MAY 2006
brad + taxi driver bismark meet ileana
summer 2007
first "day of light"
community celebration
SPRING 2007
love light + melody founded
Tracking our journey
february 2011
ileana's passing
spring 2012
scholarship program
implemented
spring 2014
Kickstarter campaign
for ileana's smile
winter 2015
land for ileana's school of hope purchased
spring 2017
school music
program created
MARCH 2023
high school and campus
expansion plan designed
for ileana's school
2025
ileana's smile
film release
october 2009
ileana's sister
mercedes' passing
february 2018
ileana's school of hope
opens 1st - 6th grade
October 2005
founder brad corrigan’s first trip to nicaragua