About Us

Preparing for Success Beyond School

Our Refining Leaders program brings together trusted partners and expert-designed classes to equip middle and high school students with the skills and mindset needed for lasting success. Through leadership development focused on purpose, integrity, emotional awareness, and community, combined with practical financial literacy rooted in timeless wisdom, students build a strong foundation for adulthood.

With added support like exam prep and dual credit options (coming soon), this program prepares young leaders to confidently navigate college, careers, and life. We welcome new partnerships that share our commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.

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STRIVE NOW

PURPOSE EVERY DAY.

Founded by Israel Castro — a West Point grad, Army veteran, and dedicated El Paso leader — Strive Now is committed to helping youth not just succeed, but thrive.

Strive Now empowers teens to live with purpose by connecting character, career, and community. Through mentorship and meaningful experiences, we help young people discover their 'why,' break down barriers, and build the confidence to thrive in life, not just succeed, all while equipping them to become community leaders who make a lasting impact.

WHY STRIVE NOW?

Because teens deserve more than just a career path.

They deserve purpose, every day.

Because soft skills and strong character outlast test scores.

We build leaders, not just résumés.

Because mentorship changes everything.

One caring adult can shape a lifetime.

Because confidence and community go hand in hand.

We don’t just teach leadership—we grow it for the long haul.

Because values, grit, and purpose don’t happen by accident.

We help teens build them on purpose.

HIGHER GROUND FINANCIAL FREEDOM

Combat Veteran to Financial Educator: Meet Dwalyn Dasher

Meet Dwalyn E. Dasher — an innovator in developing the next generation of financial educators and future leaders. As the founder of Higher Ground Financial Freedom, Dwalyn is passionate about helping others pursue their goals and live their best lives.

His expertise spans across insurance, cryptocurrency, real estate, LLC formation, tax strategies, credit restoration, debt consolidation, and the full journey to financial freedom.

A natural leader and gifted educator, Dwalyn has a powerful way of simplifying complex financial concepts to empower others—and he equips his clients to do the same for their communities.

Dwalyn is a decorated U.S. Army Combat Veteran and holds two master’s degrees: one in Adult Education from Penn State University and another in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University. He’s also certified in Online Teaching.

We are thrilled to welcome Dwalyn to ITAV as he customizes his powerful financial literacy program just for our students!

Leadership Meets Financial Freedom

Higher Ground Financial Freedom is a Veteran-owned company dedicated to helping people gain financial freedom because everyone deserves control over their future. Financial literacy is the key that unlocks opportunities, giving you the power to make choices that can change your life and build a legacy for generations to come.

Refining Leaders Program

Enrollment is for the entire semester of classes. Withdrawing early does not relieve you from tuition commitment. If you pay monthly, tuition payments will be billed on a monthly basis, similar to a subscription. This means you will be billed in 30-day increments. Every student must make a one-time registration fee that covers the entire year.