A Phoenix-based program that encourages children to reach for success, is serious about the concept that hope can be taught.

Founder Rick Miller is doing that with at-risk kids he prefers to describe as Kids at Hope.

The CEO said the not-for-profit’s development model has been instituted in 18 states and Canada and by more than 100 Arizona schools, communities and police departments.

Miller and the staff firmly believe in the company motto, “All children are capable of success, no exceptions!”