Generation Hope Laptop Program 2012 Annual Report

Board of Directors

Roy Charles Brooks

President Tarrant County

Commissioner

William Meadows

Secretary Rigg Group

Dionne Bagsby

Treasurer Former Tarrant County

Commissioner and

Educator

Charles Powell Bank of Texas

Krystal L. James Office of Tarrant County

Commissioner Brooks

Michael Board AT & T

Royce Brooks Attorney

Cathy A. Young Secretary to the Board

Shannon D. Fletcher Executive Director

Letter from the President

Dear Friends,

As President and Founder of the Generation Hope Laptop Program, I take

great pride in sharing with you the impact this program is having on the

children of our community. I believe that each of us has a responsibility to

reach out to our young people and provide them with opportunities to grow,

and learn, and prosper. We must expose them to the possibilities that are

ahead of them, no matter their current reality. The Generation Hope Laptop

Program offers a way for many students to reach their potential and shows

them how to reach their dreams.

Generation Hope Laptop Program began as a STEM-based afterschool

program, but as the years have passed, it has developed into so much more.

The Program builds upon the needs of the whole child. It introduces the

student to the world outside their neighborhoods; to different peoples, cultures

and settings as well as to the academics needed for success. It develops the

student’s confidence in their abilities and potential.

I am pleased to say that the 2011-2012 school year was a success. Our first

class graduated in May. I watched these students mature over the last three

years and transition into the roles of responsible, hard-working, young people.

I could not be more proud. They have successfully completed the curriculum

and are models for our younger students. It is very gratifying to know that our

Program is helping students become successful students and leaders in their

communities. Thank you so much for supporting us.

Sincerely,

Roy Charles Brooks

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the President 1 Program Overview 3 Devoted to Success 5 Curriculum 6 TAME 8 Honoring Our Founder 8 Graduation 9 College Tours 10 Science 12 Technology 13 Engineering 14 Mathematics 15 Community Service 16 Fort Worth Sister Cities 17 STEM Train 17 College for Kids 18 Devon Energy 19 GeNEXT 20 Year in Review 21 Partners and Sponsors 22 Generation Hope Staff 23

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Achieving Academic Success through STEM

Generation Hope Laptop Program is a science,

technology, engineering, and mathematics or

STEM-based program that provides technology

and a structured curriculum to economically

disadvantaged students in

Tarrant County.

Generation Hope was

founded by Tarrant

County

Commissioner Roy

Charles Brooks who

had the vision to

provide students within

his area of Precinct One

with laptops and a STEM-based education. In an

effort to reduce the high school dropout rate,

Generation Hope offers students an intensive

curriculum designed to enhance student’s

knowledge, perception and overall skills as well

as with the necessary skills to succeed in life

and be better prepared for college. Generation

Hope Laptop Program serves as a program that

provides technology and a structured curriculum

to students to advance their academic success.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

STEM Focus

The purpose of Generation Hope is to supplement

middle school education with a more concentrated

focus on STEM. The program serves as a three-

year college preparatory where students

participate in various activities designed to

reinforce students’ core curriculum, and perform

enrichment activities to further strengthen their

outlook on STEM. Of Texas high school

graduates, only 41% are ready for college-level

math (algebra) and only 24% are ready for

college-level science (biology). Through intensive

support and effective interventions, this program

will ease the transition for middle school into high

school, reduce the high school dropout rate, and

increase student motivation and understanding of

STEM.

Middle School Concentration

Generation Hope Laptop Program is a college

readiness program designed especially to help

students ages 10 through 14. Students enter

their 6th grade year and graduate from the

program at the conclusion of their 8th grade year.

Generation Hope begins with middle school

students because it is known that middle school

is a critical time in a student’s life where high

school dropout rates are significantly

determined. As of 2009, there is a 31% non-

graduate rate. If these middle school students

receive support during this transition, they are

less likely to drop out and more likely to commit

to educational goals. It is our goal to provide a

curriculum and support needed to engage the

students in their use of technology to improve

test scores expand knowledge and access

culture outside their individual communities.

Currently, Texas rates 43rd in high school

graduation rate with 61.3%. Texas’ overall

graduation rate is among the lowest nationwide.

It is our goal to provide curriculum and support

needed to engage the students in their use of

technology to improve their academic

performance.

The mission of Generation Hope Laptop Program

is to nurture, empower and develop the whole

child by leveraging mathematics, science and

technology with computer involvement and global

awareness to brighten their life possibilities.

Mission Statement

Texas ranks 43rd

in high school

graduation rate with 61.3%.

Of Texas high school graduates,

41% are ready for college-level

math (algebra) and 24% are ready

for college-level science (biology).

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AN ORGANIZATION DEVOTED TO SUCCESS

Afterschool Hours

Generation Hope is an after-school program

that meets twice a week for 3 hours per week

and once a month on Saturday’s. Studies show

that more than 15 million children in the United

States are unsupervised between the hours of

3 p.m. and 6 p.m. every day. Additionally,

studies show that youth are at greater risk of

involvement in crime, drug abuse, and other

destructive behaviors during these hours.

Generation Hope addresses this issue by

offering a safe and stimulating environment

where they can reinforce classroom learning

materials while introducing students to high-

level STEM curriculum.

Application Process

To be eligible for the program, students

must meet the qualifications for free and

reduced lunch set forth by the Texas

Education Agency. Students are selected

based on social-economics, academic

performance, and at-risk behavioral

factors. All interested students must

complete and submit a formal application

to apply and be admitted into the

program. The application process

includes essays, teacher and counselor

recommendations.

Participating Schools

Dunbar Middle School Glencrest 6th Grade Center

Handley Middle School McLean 6th Grade Center

Mclean Middle School David L. Walker Intermediate

Benbrook Middle School Leonard Middle School

(Sponsored by Devon Energy Corporation)

H.F Stevens Middle School Johnson 6th Grade Center

Charles Baxter Junior High School

Million or more children in the U.S. are unsupervised

between the hours of 3p.m.

and 6p.m. every day.

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Advancing Students to the Next Level

The Generation Hope Laptop Program curriculum was carefully designed to

introduce advanced techniques and education to students. The program

provides interactive, hands on programming and curriculum which engages

students in learning. The main priority of our curriculum is to enhance

student’s knowledge of STEM using the latest technological advances and

innovations. It is our goal that by the conclusion of the program students

have a thorough knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math

and are capable of applying their knowledge to real life situations.

To ensure that students are learning the essential material, the curriculum

has been designed to correlate with the Texas Essential Knowledge and

Skills (TEKS), the standard state education system. Students learn with

traditional lectures as well as with new innovative technology utilizing a web-

based learning management system. Texas Wesleyan University, Texas

Christian University, and Tarrant County College serve as vital higher-

education partners to help develop curriculum and their students serve as

program instructors.

CURRICULUM

Generation Hope means an opportunity to get out of your community and the chance to

do something with your life.”

-Kyle Thomas, Dunbar Middle

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CURRICULUM

Math Google docs

Science Audio/video editing

Computer Fundamentals Web design/HTML code

Word Processing Robotics

Excel Computer Information Systems

Digital animation Leadership development

Prezi online presentations Problem Solving

Blogging TAME Competition

Engineer design technology Cultural Exploration

Health and nutrition Cyberbullying

Public speaking Financial literacy

Wiki pages PowerPoint

College and Career preparedness Decision Making

Keyboarding Internet Ettiquette

STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

“We've learned about robotics,

blogging, wiki, binary, and computers. Also, the events we go to are both fun and interesting. Personally my favorite one is the TCU trip and the Ripley's Believe It or Not trip. It’s cool to meet new people in the program, outside of

the kids in my school, because you know it gets a bit boring with the same people over and over again at school. When I grow up I want to be a physicist, so engineering might help a little.”

-D'Angelo Forbes, Baxter, 8th Grade Student

“This year in generation hope we have learned how to act on the internet while interacting with others. We also learned all the parts of the computer. I like generation

hope because it gives you the opportunities to participate in activities that we likely wouldn’t get. When I grow up I want to be a Doctor, and I’m so grateful that generation hope has given me opportunities to get scholarships and learn more about this career.”

– Duba Gimah, Baxter, 8th Grade Student

Generation Hope Laptop Program meets twice a week for 3 hours per week after school and

once a month on Saturday’s. Learning of course materials is evaluated daily with review

sessions. Classroom instruction is reinforced through various games, class activities and

projects. Students are graded on quizzes, projects and homework given throughout the

school year. Formal evaluation is also included. Additionally, students work both in small

groups and individually, performing operations using technology, the promethean board and

online instruction and curriculum. The 2011-12 course curriculum is as followed:

2011 – 2012 Generation Hope Curriculum Outline

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Students Excel in State Competition

Generation Hope is an active participant of the Texas

Alliance for Minorities in Engineering competition, also

known as TAME. This esteemed

competition, a statewide non-profit

STEM-based organization, challenges students from

across Texas in the fields of math and science. The

competition began in 1976 as a way of increasing

awareness of STEM , strengthening math and science

education and promoting good test-taking skills. The

competition contains individual testing and team

challenges. Students compete according to their grade

level. At the end of the competition, the top-scoring

students are recognized for their test-taking skills at the

awards ceremony.

In the spring, Generation Hope students excelled at

TAME in both regional and state competitions held at

University of Texas at Arlington and Texas A&M

University, respectively. To prepare for the competition,

students spent up to 3 hours every Saturday practicing

math and science concepts over a 5-month period.

In the regional and state competition Dainyl Cua, 8th

grade student at Charles Baxter Junior High School,

placed first in the math division and Duba Gimah also 8th

grade student at Charles Baxter Junior High School

placed third in science. Other noteworthy participants

include Christopher Barron, 7th grade student at Charles

Baxter and Mathew Vasquez, 7th grade student at

Handley Middle School.

State Competition Dainyl Cua, 1st Place, 8th Grade Math, Baxter Duba Gimah, 3rd Place, 8th Grade Math, Baxter

Regional Competition Daiynl Cua, 1st Place, 8th Grade Math, Baxter Duba Gimah, 2nd Place, 8th Grade Math, Baxter D’Angelo Forbes, 3rd Place, 8th Grade Math, Baxter Christopher Barron, 2nd Place, 7th Grade Math, Baxter Jacobi Green, 3rd Place, 6th Grade Science, Dunbar Jacobi Green, 3rd Place, 6th Grade Math, Dunbar

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

HONORING OUR FOUNDER Generation Hope Founder and President,

Commissioner Roy C. Brooks received the

Lone Star Award from the Texas Credit

Union Marketing Council for Generation

Hope’s partnership with the Tarrant County

Credit for its financial literacy curriculum.

The project was designed to utilize

technology to provide financial education to

low-income students in Tarrant County,

Texas. The project teaches young people

the fundamentals of personal money

management and promotes habitual savings

in the classroom and life.

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GRADUATION

Generation Hope Graduates 1st Inaugural Class

In May, families and friends gathered at the Texas

Wesleyan Martin Hall auditorium to celebrate

Generation Hope’s first graduating class. As

graduates of Generation Hope, these dedicated

students successfully completed the full three years of

STEM curriculum and the required community service

in order to graduate from the program.

Generation Hope Graduating Class of 2012

Charles Baxter Jr. High Matthew Sims Justin Williams

Angie Anchondo Ohnysy Steadman Quenzel Williams

Michael Boone Cierra Taylor McLean Middle School Brizonia Brown Dunbar Middle School Esperanza Cantu

Nathan Campbell Quadry Alexander Isabel Cantu

Dainyl Cua Deisy De la Torre Zulema Rivas

D’Angelo Forbes Roche’ Espadron Beatriz Santillan

Landon Franklin J’Licia Griffin Merrick Vargas

Dumdubabari Gimah Erica Mack H.F. Stevens Middle School Angelica Hernandez Ciarra McGaskey Jasmine Alexander

Pamela Hernandez Anthony Moffett Elizabeth Balcom

Carrington Hollins Steven Tate Christian Brown

Julia Lamberti Kyle Thomas Zaria David

Jaleeia Luckey Kendra Turner Reed Hyatte

Ray Mar Handley Middle School Eric Luna

Quanisha Preston Keuna Chatman Matheus Nascimento

George Roam Corina Smith

Christopher Ruiz Micah Vasquez

To showcase the curriculum and knowledge learned from our program, Gen Hope graduates

prepared a Generation Hope Wikipedia article, a Wikispace, and an online time capsule using

“prezi”. They presented their projects during the graduation ceremony. Students also devoted a portion of

the celebration to individually thank their teachers and staff for sharing their knowledge and support. Key

Generation Hope partners including Texas Wesleyan University, Tarrant County College, Everman, Fort

Worth and Crowley Independent School Districts were in attendance.

Students Get a Taste of College

During the student’s final year in the program, Generation

Hope students have the opportunity to visit various local

college campuses as part of the college and career

preparation curriculum. These visits are to encourage all

the advantages of going to college such as obtaining a

higher education degree, unique experiences and overall

college life. Generation Hope students have the opportunity

to meet with college representatives and current students

to hear about the “real life” experiences; which include

students visiting the College of Business, Engineering,

Natural Sciences, dormitories, and student life centers.

College and career topics include the importance of college

education, early awareness and tracking, goal setting,

college and career exploration, and a segment on how to

get financial aid. In 2012, Generation Hope students visited

the University of North Texas, the University of Texas at

Arlington, Texas Christian and Texas Wesleyan

Universities.

of high school grads of low-income families enroll in college right away.

of high school grads of middle income families enroll in college right away.

of high school grads of high-income families enroll in college right away.

Minority enrollment in undergraduate programs in the nation.

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COLLEGE AND CAREER

SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING MATH

SCIENCE Exploring the World of Science

Students are assigned various activities

where they can apply their knowledge of

science and explore new experiements,

such as lab procedures, science bingo,

jeopardy and scientific method. One

particular example is an elephant toothpaste

experiment where students students mix

hydrogen peroxide and potassium iodine for

a decomposition reaction.

Students are also taught at higher education

levels learning material that high school

students study, including physics and

rocketry.

At the 6th grade level, students are introduced

to topic areas which include matter, energy

and force. By 7th grade students review past

material in addition to learning engineering,

and pre-phyics topics. Finally in 8th grade,

students combine all previously learned

material with new science techniques and

applications which include advanced

engineering and environmental sustainability.

In February, as part of our National Engineers Week,

students visited The Fort Worth Museum of Science and

History. Students experienced the DinoDig® exhibit, an all-

time favorite where students can act as paleontologists to

uncover and excavate fossils. Students also had a chance to

watch a film on the IMAX 3-D screen and experience the

flight simulator. The museum trip allowed students to explore

science topics while having fun at the same time.

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Technol ogy Raising the Bar with Technology

At Generation Hope, students are taught

the latest in technological advances.

Because technology is essential in the

21st century, our curriculum places an

acute emphasis on developing the

student’s technological skills to the

fullest extent. It is our goal to make sure

all students are computer savvy by the

conclusion of the program. Students

begin by learning a general history of

computers and its basic mechanics.

After the basic overview they are then

trained in operating systems, software

and hardware.

The second half of the

curriculum is devoted to teaching

students about the most up-to-date

websites and web design. Students learn how to

manage and create Wiki pages; they practice

their writing skills to adapt to blogging; they are

trained to design HTML websites and they are

even educated in digital animation including

graphics and audio/video quality. Upon mastering

these skills students will be more equipped and

valuable in the workforce.

St udent Lapt ops

As an organization focused on the growing power of technology, Generation Hope has

a 1:1 ratio where each student enrolled in the program is provided with their own

personal laptop to complement classroom instruction. The laptop model, Companion

PC 10.1 by Intel® manufactured by M&A Technology, was designed specifically for

children K-12. This model has all the essential features for beginning laptop users and

is the ideal model for the growing child. Laptop features include:

Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote)

2 Gigabyte memory

Changeable Touchscreen tablet

2 USB Portals

Webcam

10-13” monitor

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ENGINEERING Applied Knowledge

Engineering is a critical component of today’s

society. Without it we would not have the life-

saving equipment, communication tools,

transportation and computer software that we

need. For this reason, it is important that

students grasp a clear and precise concept

of engineering and develop the necessary

skills.

Throughout the year, students learn the

fundamentals of engineering then later move

to more advanced concepts. The course is

designed to provide students with a broad

exposure to the variety of engineering

disciplines plus related topics in chemistry

and physics through team activities and

projects. The material students learn consists

of Newton’s Three Laws, inertia, motion,

force, pressure, tension, torque, velocity, etc.

Their projects include constructing bridges

made out of Popsicle sticks, designing a

virtual house and roller coaster, constructing

a Lego robot and later working with binary

codes to power on the robot. These

assignments provide students with a hands-

on opportunity to build, design and

conceptualize engineering projects. Students

also learn the history and philosophy of

engineering, the design process,

mathematical engineering tools, use of

computers in engineering including hardware

and software concepts, engineering ethics

and career preparation for various types of

engineering.

Engineering is a very

exciting career that offers

a lot of different opportunities.

As part of the engineering

curriculum, students are

given the task of researching

engineering fields such as

mechanical, chemical, civil, aerospace,

biomedical, architectural, and computer

engineering. While conducting their research

students discover the amount of education

needed to become an engineer, the skills set

they should acquire, the salary an engineer

makes and the work environment engineers

work in. At the conclusion of their research,

students have a better understanding of the

role of engineering and begin to view it in a

much wider scope.

During the month of February, an entire week

is devoted to the career of engineering,

“National Engineer Week”. This is the time

when students dedicate a significant portion of

their studies to better understanding the

importance of engineering and further

strengthen their skills.

“To me, Generation Hope is a place where I can come to get extra help in S.T.E.M

related topics and learn a lot about college plans and aspirations!”

- Kendra Turner, Dunbar Middle

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Mathematical Comprehension

A significant portion of today’s workforce

contains a mathematical basis, even non-

STEM related careers carry some sort of

mathematical aspect. Math is not only

needed in the workforce, it is also

fundamental in the activities of our

everyday lives. Daily activities such as

cooking, travel, shopping, household

maintenance and of course, finances

require mathematical problem-solving

skills. One of the projects students work on

during the fall semester is a fantasy football

assigment that uses statistics and

probability to predict outcomes proving that

math is indeed everywhere, even in

football.

Additionally, Generation Hope offers

informative and interactive lectures to teach

student’s about the benefits of

understanding math. In the spring, students in the program

presented group projects discussing

financial literacy to the Tarrant County

Board of Directors. This special project was

sponsored by Tarrant County Credit Union.

The purpose of this lesson was to involve

and motivate students in the classroom to

demonstrate principles of financial literacy.

Through the project students set academic

and financial goals and then formulated a

plan demonstrating how they can achieve

those goals. The project included a

segment on defining needs verses wants,

allowances, credit scores, and interest

rates. The project also consisted of

hypothetical financial exercises including

planning for college and purchasing a car.

It is therefore crucial that our students

receive the help they need in order to

develop a good relationship with math

that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Knowing the important role math plays

in society, Generation Hope goes the

extra mile to ensure all students obtain

all the necessary tools they need to

expand their education. The curriculum

is shaped to enhance student’s skills in

an enjoyable manner to really engage

students.

“I think that it’s great that Gen Hope prepares us for college and helps us with our career goals.”

-Roche’ Espadron, Dunbar Middle

15

MATHEMATICS

Learning Through Service

Community service is a major component of

the Generation Hope Laptop Program. In fact,

students need to complete a service project

every year to qualify for graduation and earn

ownership of their laptops.

Each year Generation Hope partners with an

outside organization to plan an opportunity for

students to serve the community. Last year

Generation Hope partnered with SLANT 45,

which stands for, Service Learning

Adventures in North Texas. They are an

historic youth

education

program that

offers

profound

challenges

and rewards

to its young

participants.

The service

project was a technology-based project called

Operation E-Connect where students

prepared “How to” powerpoint presentations

to present to senior citizens.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

These presentations provided instructions on

using 21st century technology to enhance their

internet and computer literacy. Students

effectively educated the elderly on how to

properly use computer softwares.

This year’s service project had a more

environmental approach. Generation Hope

partnered with Community Cultivators, an

environmental organization, at the East Fort

Worth Montessori Academy to provide

students a chance to learn about

sustainability, conservation and biology by

using a hands-on approach. In addition, Gen

Hope students helped build community

gardens, cared for plants and animals, and

learned how to make choices that positively

impact the ecosystem. This service project

supplemented the sustainability portion of the

curriculum.

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Expanding Student Life Possibilities Beyond Tarrant County

In addition to the STEM-based focus, Generation Hope also offers opportunities for

students to expand their cultural knowledge by communicating with other students in different

countries through Fort Worth Sister Cities International. Through our partnership with FW Sister Cities,

students communicate via webcam with partnering countries including Mexico, Germany, Indonesia,

Swaziland, and Italy. Selected students also participate in the Junior Leadership Academy

Program (Jr. ILA) during the summer to meet partnering international students.

In addition, students from partnering countries visit Generation Hope students for a cultural exchange.

During their visit, international students present brief presentations about their customs, traditions,

gourmet, history and much more. All of these international communication

projects are a great way for Generation Hope students to gain global

insight with the goal of leading them to develop an interest in the world

around them.

Generation Hope Laptop Program has definitely made a huge impact on

families and children and is introducing students to expand their

boundaries beyond Tarrant County – Precinct One.

FORT WORTH SISTER CITIES

STEM TRAIN HOSTED BY BNSF RAILWAY

On Track with the STEM Train

In partnership with BNSF Railway, The Fort

Worth Chapter of The LINKS, Incorporated

and Tarrant County College, Generation

Hope students participated in the “On

Track with the STEM Train” event this fall.

For most Generation Hope students it was

their first ever experience to ride the

historic BNSF train which boarded at the

Fort Worth Stockyards and took them on a

voyage to southern Tarrant County and

back.

While on the train, Generation Hope students

presented STEM-based activities which

included teaching binary code and robotics to

participants as well as testing their knowledge

by engaging adults in activities which included

calculating your name and age in binary code

as well as students performed live

demonstrations using LEGO robotics. Special

guests on the train included Congresswoman

Kay Granger, Tarrant County College

Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley and

Generation Hope Founder, Tarrant County

Commissioner Roy Charles Brooks.

17

COLLEGE FOR KIDS

Equipping Students for College

During the summer, students have the

opportunity to participate in the 4-week

College for Kids Summer Enrichment

program at Tarrant County College District-

South campus. This program began in the

summer of 2011 marking the beginning of a

long-term partnership with Generation Hope

and Tarrant County College District. In this

program students attend 3 classes a day,

enjoy complimentary breakfast and lunch,

and participate in various school activities.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students

to expand their knowledge, participate in

various educational activities and, most

importantly, be introduced to college life.

In the summer enrichment program students

are enrolled in advanced STEM classes

such as green technology, math enrichment,

math logics and applications, science and

technology, introduction to engineering, and

advanced engineering. The program also

includes high school preparation, career

preparation and cultural exploration courses.

TEXAS RANGERS

Generation Hope Partners with the Texas Rangers

This year, Generation Hope received a special visit

from Mike Bullock, Vice President of Information

Technology to the Texas Rangers. Mr. Bullock met

with Generation Hope students at the University of

North Texas while students were touring the

campus. Mr. Bullock gave students a presentation

explaining the role and benefits of being an

information technology worker at the Texas

Rangers. In addition, Mr. Breon Dennis, Assistant

Vice President of Community Outreach to the Texas

Rangers, visited one of the participating schools to

give students a presentation over the Texas

Rangers. He also generously handed out Elvis

Andrews figurines for all the students to keep. To

conclude our 2012 summer, students visited the

Texas Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for a tour of the

stadium and facilites.

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Devon Energy Goes Above and Beyond

Devon Energy, a leading oil and natural gas exploration and production

company, has been making a positive impact on Generation Hope since

the beginning of their sponsorship in the fall of 2010. Devon Energy’s

contribution has benefited students immensely. As an innovative

scientific-based company, the dedicated staff at Devon Energy

understand the importance in valuing a STEM-based education. That is

why they make sure our students receive the materials and attention

they need to complete their education. Devon Energy contributes to our

organization by serving as the official sponsor of Generation Hope at

Benbrook and Leonard Middle Schools in addition to supplying our

students with laptop cases, bags, T-shirts, and backpacks. They also

organize fun events for our students to participate in including a TCU pep

rally with “Superfrog” and TCU cheerleaders as well as providing us with

tickets to a TCU football game with a hospitality tent for a tailgate party.

Devon Energy staff also serves by acting as substitute instructors to

provide students with STEM curriculum and special projects, shadowing

a Gen Hope class, chaperoning field trips and/or service projects and

hosting Gen Hope students at the Devon Energy site. In 2011, Devon

Energy received the Communitas Award by the Association of Marketing

and Communication Professionals (AMCP) for their dedication to

community and social responsibility. Through our valued partnership,

Devon Energy also received the “Excellence in Community Partnership”

award.

GH: Why is it a priority for Devon Engergy

to partner with a STEM based program

such as Generatopm Hope?

DE: “Youth and education is something

that is very important to us and

Generation Hope was a successful

program that we wanted to be a part of. “

Interview with Devon Engergy “Thank you so much for coming. I learned so much that I did not

know! I did not know that when you work for Devon you can be

a deep sea diver. I want to do that so much. I did not know that

you had to go far down in the earth. That is so cool. And that

there is a smart pig and Christmas tree and what it does. And I

loved the snacks. They were so good. I love Generation Hope

more. I love it so much because I get to learn about Devon and I

get to learn about computers and much more other stuff. It is

the best program that I have ever been in my whole life!”

- Pandor Saucier

P.S. I was amazed about how much I learned

about natural gas 19

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

After graduating the first inaugural class in May, Generation Hope is proud to launch the

latest program, GeNEXT. This program was created to actively assist our Gen Hope alumni

(now high school students) by maintaining an open form of communication and providing

them with new opportunities more suitable to their high school setting.

Corina Smith, 8th Grade, Handley Middle School

“Generation Hope has helped me in many ways; so many that I can’t fit them all

on paper. By being in the program I went from being an average student to an

exceptional one. I also greatly improved in math. What I can take away from this

experience is a good work ethic. I learned how to get things done in a timely

manner. I will also take the great friendships I have made in the past 3 years.

Most importantly I will take away the great memories I have. This program

taught me how to come out and be myself. By being in Gen Hope we get hands-

on experience with computers. The projects and field trips that we take help us

figure out our career choices, and we have plenty of resources to help us with

our core classes. My favorite part of Gen Hope was making new friends. The

advice I have for new students is very simple. First, don’t complain about the

work because it is going to pay off one way or another. The second is don’t be

shy to talk to kids from other schools, everyone is cool. The last is to take

advantage of the program, ‘A mind is a terrible thing to waste’.”

Elizabeth Balcom, 8th Grade, H.F Stevens Middle School

“Generation Hope has helped me by giving me knowledge that I

wouldn’t have known until I got to college. I use this knowledge to help

me in school. From this experience I can take away the newly found

knowledge and technology to help me in school, work, and life in

general. In Gen Hope, for me, there is no favorite part. It’s all

amazing—from class time to field trips to the summer program at TCC.

I would love to come back any time and have the fun all over again. My

advice for new students is don’t be scared. If you ever need help

someone will always be there. I have not found an adult in Gen Hope

who wouldn’t be glad to help you with anything. By being in Gen Hope I

get knowledge that teachers in high school don’t teach. Also, some of

the material you learn in Generation Hope students in high school and

even college don’t know.”

Upcoming GeNEXT programs

and activities will include:

Summer internship and mentorship opportunities with local companies in IT, science and engineering fields

High school and college prep

Work skills training

Community service

Professional development

Peer to peer mentorship

opportunities with current Gen Hope students

Scholarship opportunities

4-year Gen Hope reunion in 2016

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YEAR IN REVIEW

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Gigabyte Sid Richardson Foundation

Megabyte Devon Energy Company Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Chesapeake Energy Corporation Texas Wesleyan University

Kilobyte Tarrant County Credit Union The Ryan Foundation Texas Christian University Tarrant County College Fort Worth Independent School District

Bit Sponsor Gene and Marie Washington Gerald and Candace Alley Foundation Wal-Mart Omni American Bank Ardon and Iris Moore Foundation Norman B. Robbins, Jr. Atmos Energy Fort Worth Sister Cities

Student Sponsor BOKF Foundation

Supporter Tarrant County Credit Union Community Foundation of Texas

PARTNERS/SPONSORS

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1st Row

(left to right)

Nicole Tippit

Felicite Ruelas

Ashley Davis

Shawn Lockett

Ashley Davis

Octavia Eddy

2nd Row

Susan Rodriguez

Shannon Fletcher

Meagan Knuckles

Erika Zimmerman

Jeremy Trettel

Ryan Tiglas

Eric Welch

Jonathan Davis

Commissioner Brooks

Sara Sorenson

Generation Hope Laptop Program 1201 Wesleyan Street Fort Worth, TX 76105 (817) 531- 5877

Generation Hope Laptop Program Staff

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