Nonprofit Spotlight: Educational Services of Hampton Roads

Our nonprofit partnerships play an important role in helping build stronger communities. Through this Nonprofit Spotlight series, we will recognize the organizations we support and the amazing work they do in our communities. By sharing these stories, we aim to recognize the organizations making a difference and reinforce our commitment to giving back as a responsible community partner.

Empowering communities through education and opportunity

Educational Services of Hampton Roads was founded by Dr. Tyrone Davis with a simple but powerful goal: solving social and economic challenges through education, training and community-based solutions.

After spending his career in education at Old Dominion University, Dr. Davis retired but remained committed to addressing the barriers that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential.

"We look at social and economic problems and develop programs to solve them," said Dr. Davis.

Today, Educational Services of Hampton Roads focuses on helping individuals build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Whether supporting aspiring entrepreneurs, providing financial education or helping individuals reenter society after incarceration, Educational Services of Hampton Roads meets people where they are and helps them create a path forward.

"Economic development is woven into the fabric of what we do. The goal is to bring opportunities to ordinary people and help them build stable, successful lives."

Programs that create pathways to success

At the heart of the work are two flagship programs: the Aspiring Business Owner Project (ABOP) and the Fatherhood Mentoring Program.

The Fatherhood Mentoring Program supports individuals reentering society after incarceration. The program focuses on rebuilding family connections, increasing financial stability and helping participants become self-sufficient.

The Aspiring Business Owner Project helps entrepreneurs transform business ideas into viable companies through a free 10-week cohort program. Participants learn how to develop business plans, understand financial management, identify resources and prepare to launch and grow their businesses.

"Most participants are in the ideation stage. They have a vision for a business but may not know what tools they need or how to turn that vision into reality," said James Hinton, Vice President of Community Development in Virginia.

The program is particularly impactful for individuals from underserved communities who may not have access to capital, mentorship or entrepreneurial training.

Throughout the cohort, participants receive instruction from subject matter experts in areas such as marketing, human resources, accounting and banking. Rather than learning from textbooks alone, participants gain firsthand knowledge from professionals actively working in their fields.

"You have Fortune 500 marketing and HR professionals, financial institution representatives and CPAs coming in to teach. They're serving as instructors and mentors, providing real-world expertise to aspiring entrepreneurs," said James.

The program concludes with a Shark Tank-style pitch competition, where participants present their business plans and compete for seed funding. Winning entrepreneurs can receive up to $1,000 to help bring their ideas to life.

A life-changing impact

The success of Educational Services of Hampton Roads can be measured through the lives it has changed. Dr. Davis recalled working with one participant who had been incarcerated and lacked a GED despite being highly intelligent.

With support from Educational Services of Hampton Roads, the participant earned his GED, enrolled in college and pursued engineering studies through financial aid programs including Pell Grants and FAFSA assistance. Today, he works as an engineer.

"He had made poor choices, but we met him where he was," said Dr. Davis.

Another participant spent time studying law while incarcerated. After his release, Educational Services of Hampton Roads helped him continue his education, eventually earning a law degree.

"Our objective is to provide the educational foundation people need so they can become self-sufficient and support their families," Dr. Davis said.

For many participants, success takes a bit more time, but Educational Services of Hampton Roads is prepared to help people at any step of their journey.

James recalled one entrepreneur who participated in multiple ABOP cohorts and entered the Shark Tank competition several times before finally winning.

"Dr. Davis is meeting people where they are. Some people are not going to get it the first time, and that's okay," said James.

This commitment to persistence and opportunity is one of the qualities that makes Educational Services of Hampton Roads’s model unique.

Dollar Bank's growing partnership

Dollar Bank's relationship with Educational Services of Hampton Roads began in 2018 and has continued to evolve over the years.

Initially built through volunteerism, the partnership expanded as Educational Services of Hampton Roads expanded its programs. Today, the relationship includes financial support, financial education, mentorship and direct engagement with program participants.

Dollar Bank supports participants by providing financial education, banking services and guidance on building healthy financial habits. Every person who particpates in a program through Educational Services of Hampton Roads is encouraged to establish a banking relationship and begin building a stronger financial future.

According to Dr. Davis, these connections help participants move beyond short-term challenges and toward long-term stability.

"People who come through our programs learn about financial planning, saving and building financial stability. Dollar Bank helps create a pathway toward that stability," said Dr. Davis.

Hinton's involvement in Educational Services of Hampton Roads extends beyond classroom instruction. He serves on the organization's golf tournament committee, volunteers as a financial education instructor and oversees judging for ABOP competition.

The partnership has also earned national recognition. In 2025, Dollar Bank received an honorable mention from the American Bankers Association Community Commitment Awards for its support of Dr. Davis's Fatherhood Mentoring Program.

"It says a lot for a small nonprofit organization to receive that kind of national recognition. We're proud that Dollar Bank had the opportunity to be a partner in that work," said Hinton.

Innovation, entrepreneurship and community impact

The organization's free cohort-based model provides access to business education and mentorship that many aspiring entrepreneurs might otherwise be unable to afford. Through ABOP, participants gain practical knowledge, professional guidance and access to resources that help transform ideas into sustainable businesses.

At the same time, the programs offered by Educational Services of Hampton Roads strengthen families, create economic opportunity and help individuals contribute meaningfully to their communities — aligning with Dollar Bank's mission to support economic empowerment and strengthen the communities we serve.

"We are funders of the program, but we're also providing true community support through our products, services and expertise," Hinton said.

Looking ahead

As Educational Services of Hampton Roads continues expanding opportunities for entrepreneurs, families and individuals rebuilding their lives, Dollar Bank remains committed to supporting that work.

Together, the organizations are helping aspiring business owners secure the tools they need to succeed, guiding individuals toward financial stability and creating pathways to self-sufficiency.

For Dr. Davis, the mission remains focused on helping people realize their potential.

"It's about giving people the expertise, resources and opportunities they need to succeed," he said.

Whether through entrepreneurship, financial education or second chances, Educational Services of Hampton Roads is demonstrating that when people are given the right support, remarkable things are possible.

Thank you to James Hinton for his dedication to partnership and thank you to Dr. Davis and the entire Educational Services of Hampton Roads team for creating opportunities that empower individuals, strengthen families and build more prosperous communities.

About Dollar Bank

As the nation's largest independent mutual bank, Dollar Bank has been empowering the communities and customers we serve for 170 years. Our more than 90 locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Virginia provide a comprehensive range of personal, small business and corporate banking solutions. We continue to invest in our customers and strengthen our communities through financial education programs and partnerships with organizations who share our dedication to building opportunities for all. As of January 2026, Dollar Bank reported total assets of $12.5 billion, total loans of $9.6 billion, and total deposits of $9.7 billion. For more information, visit Dollar.Bank.