Our Nonprofit

KIDZ 'N BIZ CAMP

Program Details

Your child will be a part of our inaugural cohort of students to participate in this unique program.
Young scholars take on the fun challenge of tackling real world business problems. Their job is to assist small business owners by providing them with workable solutions to problems that they encounter during the daily operations of their business.
Students have fun while building 21st century skills such as collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to utilize technology and are assisted by a STEM Connextion facilitator. There are no exact answers or perfect solutions. However, students are encouraged to ensure that solutions are feasible.
Scholars thrive in a fun, open ended environment where they can learn, share ideas, and give back to their community through intellectual contributions and collaboration with local businesses.
Each student will have an opportunity to present their ideas to business owners along with their collaboration groups.

HOMELESS OUTREACH PROGRAM FOR EDUCATION (H.O.P.E.)

H.O.P.E. PROGRAM GOALS/OBJECTIVES:

Increase student achievement of students affected by homelessness in math and reading by one grade level each year of the student’s participation in the program
Increase the number of high school students affected by homelessness who are college ready through successful completion of ACT/SAT Prep program.
Improve student self-efficacy and attitude about their own abilities to achieve academic goals.

WHY IS THE H.O.P.E. PROGRAM NEEDED?

There are 3500 homeless children in Dallas Independent School District and the number is increasing yearly.
Students from families completing transitional housing programs could benefit from ongoing, long-term academic support that extends well beyond their temporary housing placement. This support increases the likelihood of students graduating from high school and attending college.
Homelessness is considered an Adverse Childhood Experience (A.C.E.). Studies show that an adverse childhood experience can have long term effects on students academically, socially, and emotionally. STEM Connextion addresses the need for long-term academic support for students who have experienced an A.C.E. by providing a safe haven for academic and emotional support for the duration of their K-12 educational journey.
The probability of breaking the cycle of poverty increases when barriers to tools that can lead to academic success are removed. These tools include access to long-term private tutoring, technology, and a caring adult community and support system. With the academic resources provided by STEM Connextion, the playing field is leveled, and students have access to educational resources that they might not otherwise have access to.