From Vision to Victory: How Calvary and Exousia Brought the S.O.A.R. Program to Life

When Calvary Christian School dreamed up the S.O.A.R. Program—an initiative to give students real-world support and direction beyond the classroom—they had heart, purpose, and a clear understanding of their students' needs.

But turning that vision into a fully funded, strategic program took more than inspiration.

It took the right partner—one with the insight, experience, and faith-based approach to match Calvary’s values.

That’s where Exousia came in.

What is Calvary's S.O.A.R. Program and How did Exousia Help Shape the Journey?

S.O.A.R. stands for Student Opportunity, Achievement, and Readiness. It’s a dynamic new initiative at Calvary Christian School that focuses on helping junior high and high school students prepare for life after graduation. The program includes:

• A dedicated Student Success Center with new furnishings and resources

• An on-staff Student Success Advisor to guide students one-on-one

• Events to help families explore college options, scholarships, and apprenticeships

• Support for students pursuing vocational training, ministry, military, or workforce entry

  
  

In short, S.O.A.R. is about more than academics—it’s about helping every student discover their calling and launch confidently into it.

Calvary’s vision for the program was clear. But they needed help developing a proposal that could secure competitive funding from the Lilly Endowment’s Indiana Youth Programs on Campus (IYPC) initiative.

That’s where Exousia stepped in—not just as a grant writer, but as a thought partner, strategist, and guide.

“We knew what we wanted the program to be,” said Katy Colins, one of the school leaders behind the project. “But Exousia helped us define our goals, identify our outcomes, and communicate the vision in a way that funders would understand and get excited about.”

Exousia provided:

• Hands-on coaching to sharpen the proposal’s focus

• Narrative support to craft a clear and compelling story

• Data insight to align with the funder’s priorities

• Strategic planning for both short-term implementation and long-term sustainability

“Exousia didn’t just write our application—they walked with us through the entire process. They asked tough questions, encouraged us to stay true to our mission, and gave us the confidence to dream bigger,” Katy shared.

A Grant Awarded—and a Dream Realized

Thanks to the collaboration between Calvary and Exousia, the school was awarded full funding to launch the S.O.A.R. Program.

The grant is already being put to work:

• A renovation is underway to convert an outdated library space into a welcoming student hub

• A new position has been created to provide students with academic and career mentorship

• The school is preparing for a series of college and career exploration events starting this fall

“This program is a game-changer for our students,” Katy said. “There’s a renewed energy across the school. Students are seeing new possibilities for their future, and staff are energized to support them in deeper ways.”

Why This Matters—and What’s Next

S.O.A.R. is more than just a program. It’s a reflection of what happens when faith, vision, and the right support come together. It’s also proof that small schools and churches can win major funding with the right tools—and the right team.

“Exousia gave us more than a grant application. They gave us clarity, structure, and belief in what we were building. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to any school or church with a big vision.”

Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?

Whether you're dreaming up a youth program, college readiness workshop, food ministry, or after-school support—you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At Exousia, we specialize in helping churches, Christian schools, and nonprofits secure funding for the programs that matter most. From research and strategy to full proposal writing and coaching, our services are tailored to help your mission grow.

👉 Book a free 15-minute consultation to explore your funding options

👉 Visit exousiagroup.com to learn more

📧 Prefer email? Reach out to info@exousiagroup.com

Let’s make your vision fundable.