Category Archives: Education

Community, Education

There is a new friend on Sesame Street

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 “MEET JULIA” DEBUTS APRIL 10 ON HBO

            As an extension of Sesame Workshop’s ongoing autism initiative, Julia, a new SESAME STREET Muppet with autism, makes her first appearance during Autism Awareness Month in the episode entitled “Meet Julia,” debuting MONDAY, APRIL 10 (8:00-8:30 a.m. ET/PT) on HBO and HBO Family, and in Spanish on HBO Latino. “Meet Julia” will also be available to non-HBO subscribers, who will be able to view the full episode on hbo.com, HBO Kids’ YouTube channel, participating television and streaming partners’ platforms and free oon-demandchannels, as well as PBS KIDS.

            “F” is the letter of the day and friends are celebrated in “Meet Julia.” In the episode, Big Bird finds Elmo and Abby playing with Julia, a new friend on Sesame Street. He does not think Julia wants to play with him, but Alan helps him understand that Julia has autism and does want to be his friend. Big Bird learns that kids with autism sometimes do things in a different way, but they share many things in common with all kids – like wanting to have fun, play and be friends. Julia and the Sesame friends invent a new game and then all come together to dance and sing.

            In addition to the new episode, a special behind-the-scenes featurette available athttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw0_KMBC9-M&feature=youtu.be provides more information about Julia, explores the background of Sesame Workshop’s autism initiative and includes an interview with Julia puppeteer Stacey Gordon.

            Julia’s arrival marks a rich new phase of Sesame Workshop’s autism awareness efforts, which can be found at See Amazing in All Children. Introduced last year in digital form, Julia comes to life as one component in a wide range of resources designed to reduce stigma and increase awareness and understanding of autism.

Education, News

TSU Aviation program reaches new milestone

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The Department of Aviation Science and Technology took a major step toward becoming a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved flight program during Spring Break when it took possession of two new aircraft.

Matthew Julien, former chief pilot and current first officer for Envoy Airlines, (shown above) earned the privilege of flying TSU’s aircraft to Signature Aviation – Hobby Airport. The first aircraft – a Cessna 150 Maroon and Gray – arrived on March 14. The second aircraft, a Cessna 172, arrived on March 16. Captain Roscoe Edwards, TSU’s director of flight operations, had the honor of driving the chase vehicle for the occasion.

“Adding these aircraft to our fleet is a major accomplishment for our department,” Capt. Edwards said. “This will help tremendously in recruiting students to the program and preparing them with the foundation to enter graduate school or enter the workforce as entry-level aviation professionals.

TSU’s aviation program is currently an FAA-approved ground program.

Business, Community, Education, News

Statement from Senator Borris Miles Regarding the UT Houston Land Purchase

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“I respect the decision by the University of Texas System (UT) to not proceed with the development of a local campus on the 300 acres located in my Senatorial District. I met with UT administration and leadership several times, and questioned the recently-appointed regents regarding this purchase at their nomination hearing.

“My greatest concern regarding the UT land deal has always been about the nontransparent method by which the land was acquired and by the system’s inconsistent explanations for how the land was to be used. I am encouraged that UT listened to the voices of concern and decided to pull the plug on proceeding with the Houston development. I understand UT will now sell the land gradually to an entity or entities that will bring economic development and jobs to the surrounding community.

“UT has a very big stake in Senate District 13 and the greater Houston area, with MD Anderson Cancer Center and UT Health Science Center at Houston. UT’s success benefits all Texans, including Houston. In fact, the land in question lies in the heart of my district. But, there must be a methodical and inclusive process when decisions like this are made, especially when it affects our present universities. I look forward to continuing to work with UT System, the board of regents and Chairman William McRaven on ways to improve higher education in Texas and our community.”

African American History, Community, Education

Mayor Turner and First Daughter Celebrate Black History Month with Free “Hidden Figures” Screenings for 3,000 Students

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Mayor Sylvester Turner and First Daughter Ashley Turner hosted free viewings of the award-winning movie “Hidden Figures” for nearly 3,000 students from area school districts over the last two weeks. The film’s plot focuses on female African-American mathematicians at NASA, specifically Katherine Johnson, who calculated flight trajectories for Project Mercury and the 1969 Apollo 11 flight to the moon.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Black History Month than to expose students to the story of Katherine Johnson and her pivotal role in American history,” said Mayor Turner. “I hope the students learned that no matter their environment, if they stay focused and push forward, they can do something as amazing and transformative as sending a man or woman into space.  I want to thank our generous sponsors and my Director of Education Juliet Stipeche and Director of Community Relations Janice Weaver for making this project happen.”

“Our children are our future,” said Ashley Turner. “We don’t only want to talk about believing in them, but we also want to demonstrate that we care by investing in them and providing resources. This experience provided 3,000 students and teachers from 28 area schools the opportunity to have a learning experience outside the classroom that taught them valuable life lessons of perseverance, determination and collaboration.”

Before viewing the movie, the students watched a short welcome video in which the mayor and the First Daughter talked about the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).   It is estimated that by 2018, there could be 2.4 million unfulfilled (STEM) jobs.

“Thank you for making the adventure occur for our young Lions!  They were all talking about the impact the movie had on them and how it was one of the best kept secrets about science,” said Kenneth Davis, principal of Jack Yates High School.

“Excellent movie,” said Agnes Perry, principal of Michael DeBakey High School for Health Professions. “Our students enjoyed the presentation and mentioned that they were inspired, especially our young ladies. They felt empowered. I want to thank Mayor Turner for providing the opportunity for our students to see the movie and experience a hidden part of history.”

“As an educator, I have often seen how financial constraints prevent students from luxuries such as going to a movie theater and viewing a film,” said Charlotte Harris, assistant principal of Milby High School. “You not only made it possible for students to experience going to a movie theater, but through this experience, you also opened their eyes to a world of endless possibilities.  Thank you for providing our students with the opportunity to get a glimpse into history and see the profound impact education can have on one’s future.”

The mayor’s first young ambassador, Yash Semlani also attended a viewing and addressed the crowd. Students were treated not only to a free screening but also had popcorn, drinks and a snack, and they walked the red carpet. The tickets were graciously donated by African American business leaders who partnered with Fandango for special viewings across the country. In Houston, sponsors included the American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault, former Major League Baseball executive Jimmie Lee Solomon, New York investment bankers Bill Lewis and Charles Phillips, Horizon Group International Vice President Al Kashani, I’m Ready Productions CEO Je’Caryous Johnson and Martye Kendrick of Johnson Petrov.

Education, Front, News

TSU Spring Enrollment Facts and Figures

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The TSU Spring 2017 enrollment of 8,585 is extremely encouraging, especially when compared to first-day enrollment statistics from this time last year (Spring 2016). Here are just a few of the positive gains from our enrollment dashboards:

  • 5.7% total enrollment increase
  • 84.5% increase – first-time freshmen
  • 59.5% increase – transfer students
  • 18% increase – first-time graduate
  • 3% increase – continuing students
  • 6% increase in total credit hours
  • School of Communication has the largest percent increase of all schools/colleges – +10.9%

These impressive enrollment numbers tell a story beyond statistics and speak to the increased value of a Texas Southern University education in the eyes of graduating high school seniors and college students transferring to TSU. The numbers also reveal the incredible work put in by all TSU stakeholders – faculty, staff, alumni and students, offering online enrollment and efforts to find resources to support students who were about to be dropped for non-payment. The goal of making Texas Southern University a first-choice destination higher education institution is becoming a reality with major increases in first-time freshmen and transfer students.

Business, Education, News

TSU expands online learning capability with new high-performance network servic

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Texas Southern has partnered with Comcast Business to expand the University’s network. Comcast’s high-performance Ethernet services will increase bandwidth to support TSU’s growing student population and aid online learning. The updated service will provide advanced technology services to improve campus-wide communications and strengthen network access, mobile device management and security.

“Our mission is to offer innovative programs that help our students develop into lifelong learners, engaged citizens and creative leaders in their local, national and global communities,” TSU President Austin Lane said. “Today, this just isn’t possible without high-speed internet and cutting-edge network services. Our partnership with Comcast Business enables us to provide our students with the technological advantages they need to succeed – not only here at the university, but in the real world as well.”

TSU turned to Comcast Business to bring a high-performance network to nearly 40 buildings across campus. The University significantly upgraded its available bandwidth with a 10 Gigabit-per-second (Gbps) Ethernet Dedicated Internet connection from Comcast. TSU’s previous capacity from a different supplier was only 1 Gigabit-per-second. Now, one building has the same amount of bandwidth that was previously designated for the entire campus and has significantly faster internet speeds.

The powerful combination of added capacity and lightning-fast internet enables TSU to improve network access and mobile device management; enhance overall communication between students and faculty; and provide students with high-performance network services, including live streaming video and audio for digital classrooms and other online education initiatives. TSU’s IT department also has enhanced network security and fewer user complaints about the internet connection.

Education, Front, News

Senator Miles files Job Training Legislative Package SB 574 proposes internships and career planning for high school and college students

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AUSTIN- Senator Borris L. Miles filed SB 574, to expand job training and increase the number of paid internships to high school and college students.

“Students need a pathway to success,” said Senator Miles. “Last week, I filed SB 482, to give youth in the foster care system access to higher education and career assistance. Today, I filed SB 574, to increase the number of internship opportunities for students in high school and college.”

Both, SB 482 and SB 574 are recommendations from the Governor’s Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, which is comprised of commissioners from the Texas Education Agency, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the Texas Workforce Commission. They were charged to find solutions that would prepare the workforce to compete in the 21st century.

“These bills are vital to the future of Texas. We need to provide educational opportunities, career assistance and internships to ensure students are successful,” said Senator Miles.

In addition, Senator Miles filed SB 518 last Wednesday, which would create a franchise tax credit for companies who offer internships to high school students.

“This legislative package will increase paid internships, job training, and offer the business community an incentive to invest in Texas’ workforce. This will create a win/win opportunity for students, businesses and Texas as a whole,” said Senator Miles.

Business, Community, Education, Front

Senator Miles Raises Concerns of Lack of African American Representation on UT Board Nominations Governor Abbott’s UT nominations lack diversity

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AUSTIN- As a member of the Senate Nominations Committee, Senator Borris L. Miles is very concerned by the names brought forward by Governor Greg Abbott for the University of Texas System (UT) Board of Regents.

“Diversity is one of Texas’ greatest strengths. We attract the brightest minds from all over the globe, they work here, they pay taxes here and they raise their families here,” said Senator Miles. “UT is one of the best higher learning institutions in the state, and its leadership and student body should reflect the population.”

Only three African Americans have served on the UT Board in the 134 years of UT’s inception: Reverend Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr., Dr. Judith Craven and Printice Gary.

“Printice Gary was the last African American to serve on the UT Board, with his term ending in 2013. It’s been more than four years since an African American has served on this board, and we need to get back on the diversity track,” said Senator Miles.

According to UT’s “Fast Facts,” its fall 2015 undergraduate enrollment was comprised of 4.6% African American students. Texas’ overall population is 12% African American.

“The appalling statistics show that UT has a lack of African Americans from the bottom to the top. Rather than lead by example, the nominations from the governor show that this administration plans to continue business as usual at UT. On my watch, this will not go unnoticed. Texas is a richly diverse state, and nominations brought forward should reflect that. Texans demand it,” said Senator Miles.

Education, Front, News

Furr High Schools selected as super school in Houston

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XQ: The Super School Project Announces Furr Institute for Innovative Thinking as One of 10 Winning Super Schools Out of Nearly 700 Proposals 
HOUSTON – Today, after a rigorous 11-month application and evaluation process, XQ Institute has announced winning Super Schools, including Houston-based team Furr Institute for Innovative Thinking (FIIT). Each school will be awarded $10 million over the next 5 years. All 10 schools will serve as catalysts for change, making high school more relevant, engaging and effective for every student, everywhere. 
 
“The Super School Project was born out of the conviction and commitment that every child from every background has a right to a quality education that prepares them for a future none of us can easily predict,” said Russlynn Ali, Chief Executive Officer of XQ Institute. “We are proud to partner with each of these 10 amazing teams who represent the power of communities coming together to restore the goals and excellence that the founders of our public schools envisioned.”
 
Furr Institute for Innovative Thinking is focused on relevant learning that addresses issues of social justice that impact students’ lives while empowering them to have a positive impact on their local community, and beyond. 
 
“We are so thankful and honored by this generous award,” said FIIT Principal and Team Lead Dr. Bertie Simmons. “Here at Furr, we have always been focused on creating greater opportunity for our students. Now, our whole community has come together to push ourselves further and co-create a new model for high school with our students at the helm. We are so excited for the coming year and to build a school that encourages and challenges our students to take ownership of their learning and empowers them to develop local solutions that lift their community and allow them to thrive and succeed.”

 

Furr has made significant progress in the past 15 years. Once plagued by violence, and seen as a “drop-out” factory by many, Furr has gone from a 57% graduation rate to 95% in 2015. Now, FIIT is taking the next step to ensure students not only graduate from high school but are deeply prepared to succeed in today’s world. FIIT will use highly localized learning—with the environmental issues that affect the local community as a frame—to connect students to their learning on a very personal level. Through this frame, FIIT seeks to engage students to learn core academic subjects by exploring their passions and empowering them to act as changemakers to solve problems affecting their community. A profile of the team can be found on the XQ website.
 
“Being involved in this process, not just as a student, but as a leader, has shown me that my voice matters,” said Furr High School Senior Jordan Davis. “I’m excited for this year and the chance we now have to actually build this school that we dreamed together—a school that not only excites students, but empowers us to take a stand for ourselves and our community.”
 
XQ: The Super School Project was born from a commitment made by Emerson Collective in July 2014 to find and develop the best designs for next generation high schools as part of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative. Launched in September 2015, XQ: The Super School Project was an open call to America to meet the challenge of preparing our students for today’s world by dreaming, designing, and creating the next American high school. 
 
From its beginning, XQ: The Super School Project has asked communities to self-assemble, engage young people and offer ideas on how to create models that challenge students as critical thinkers to take on real world problems and have a positive impact on the world. 
 
In the coming months, the 10 teams, selected from nearly 700 submitted proposals, will begin building and implementing their Super School Designs.
 
For additional information about XQ: The Super School Project, or the selected Super School designs, contact Kacey Bonner at kbonner@wearerally.com or 310-402-3013.


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About XQ: The Super School Project:
XQ: The Super School Project launched in September 2015 as an open call to rethink and design the next American high school. Thousands of School Builders, and tens of thousands of supporters from towns and cities across all 50 states have united to take on this important work. Teams of students, teachers, parents, community leaders and many more came together to conceptualize innovative models for 21st century learning.
 
Since its launch, XQ has proven to be more than a challenge to create innovative high schools. It is a growing movement to reimagine what is possible for public education in America, and a hub for community voices, cutting edge ideas, and expert resources to create new pathways to success for students. For more information, visit www.xqsuperschool.org, and follow us at @XQAmerica.
 
About XQ Institute:
XQ Institute is an organization dedicated to rethinking school in America in order to create new learning opportunities for young people and open up the possibilities of the wider world. The Institute’s board of directors is chaired by Laurene Powell Jobs, Chair of the Emerson Collective. The CEO and founder is Russlynn Ali, former Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, and Managing Director of Education at the Emerson Collective. For more information, visit www.xqinstitute.org.
Business, Education, Front, Health

Keisha N. Brown (KB) named Executive VP, President and Chair of new health and wellness practice

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LOS ANGELES — LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS (LC), a multicultural integrated marketing communications agency, announces the promotion of Keisha N. Brown (KB) to executive vice president and chair of the new Health and Wellness Practice. As chair of the practice, KB will drive creative solutions for all of the agency’s healthcare clients.  With more than two decades of healthcare experience working with clients on a local, regional and national level, LC is excited to launch their Health and Wellness Practice with a skilled professional that works across all disciplines and cultures.

“I look forward to leading the new Health and Wellness Practice at the agency and utilizing my experience and passion to make a difference in the lives of African Americans and Latinos,” said KB.  “I have worked on health care accounts for more than 20 years, and understand the challenges that impact behavioral change to make our communities healthier and people live longer.”

KB brings a wealth of experience, insight, and maturity to the Health and Wellness Practice. She has worked with corporate, not-for-profit and government clients, including American Cancer Society, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), Novartis and the Office of National Control Drug Policy, to name a few. Relying on her keen understanding of health disparities and cultural nuances amongst African American and Hispanic communities, KB has successfully executed award-winning campaigns with multi-million dollar budgets and led multidisciplinary teams. She now manages the advertising and marketing account for Covered California, educating African American consumers about their services and maximizing the number of Californians enrolled in health insurance coverage. In addition, under KB’s leadership, the team will focus on entities such as hospitals, healthcare plans, not-for-profit, government, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies

“KB is the biggest success story of the agency’s internship program,” said Mr. Kim L. Hunter, President, and CEO of LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS. “She is the epitome of what an IMC specialist is and does. KB is one of the few communicators that has a good understanding of the three disciplines (advertising, marketing, and public relations) and how they intersect with one another to create a truly holistic campaign.”

 

As a 21-year veteran of the firm, KB is an integrated marketing communications specialist that has successfully executed integrated advertising, marketing, and public relations campaigns for clients such as L.A. Care Health Plan, The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Martin Luther King Jr., Community Hospital.

Throughout her career, KB has been recognized for her work and expertise in multicultural communications. Most recently, the firm received the Healthcare Public Relations & Marketing Association (HPRMA) Golden Advocate Award for the launch of the L.A. Care Covered

The campaign, a project headed by KB. Johnson Publications, the publishers of Ebony and Jet magazine, also named KB “One of the Most Outstanding Women in Marketing and Communications” and PRWeek Magazine featured her in a roundtable discussion regarding diverse viewpoints on multicultural communications.

The Los Angeles native holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in business administration from Howard University in Washington, DC.