Category Archives: Education

Business, Education, Front

National Youth Commission Advocating for STEM Public Policy in Washington, DC

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HOUSTON – September 8, 2016 –  The National C-STEM Youth Commission is traveling to Washington, DC September 14-18 to advocate for STEM Public Policy that impacts minority and female engagement in high-quality STEM programs during/after-school.  The C-STEM Youth Commission has formed ten months ago and consists of a group of (10) high school students from Houston, Texas and Detroit, Michigan.  The Youth Commissioners have been invited to brief The White House on their STEM white paper, “The Case for Implementing a Common Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Definition to Improve Upon Access to High-Quality Enrichment Programs for Minorities and Females”.  
While in Washington, DC, the Youth Commissioners will attend Congressional Black Caucus Foundations Annual Legislative Conference where they will participate in Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson’s STEM Brain Trust, “The STEM Melting Pot: Addressing the Importance of Diversity”.  Funding to support the Youth Commissioner’s STEM Public Policy Advocacy work is from a State Farm Youth Advisory Board Grant, Women’s Energy Network Houston, and Education Consulting Services, LLC.
STEM roles are growing twice the rate of all other jobs. According to Duke Fuqua School of Business (2016), there are currently 97 defined STEM occupations. Current economic forecasts, projects, that there will be 8.5 million NEW STEM jobs by 2020, however, there is no guarantee the talent will be available domestically to fill those jobs. Currently, only 40% of students who enter college intending to major in a STEM field complete a STEM degree within five years. Women now represent the largest percent of college graduates, however, less than 22% choose to pursue degrees in a STEM field.   Further, 60% of job openings now require basic STEM literacy, and 42% require advanced STEM skills. “The largest deficit in filling STEM job openings is the untapped potential and knowledge of minorities and females,” said Dr. Flowers.
Houston area State Farm Agent Tiffany Jones presented C-STEM Youth Commission with the $86,000 Youth Advisory Board grant that launched the program in 2015. Jones said the funds help the organization reach its goals to positively impact local youth; “The C-STEM Youth Commission project helps students gain a better understanding of STEM-focused education and pursue STEM-related careers. We’re proud to continue our support of those efforts through a State Farm Youth Advisory Board grant.”
“I am excited about the STEM public policy advocacy work being led by students on behalf of students. These are high school students who are currently experiencing STEM opportunities being offered at their schools and in their communities. Who better than they to share and advocate for improvements in STEM education on behalf of youth nationally.  The Youth Commissioners are very passionate about their work and I am looking forward to seeing them in action in Washington,” said Dr. Reagan Flowers, Founder, and CEO of C-STEM. 
Communication, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (C-STEM) is a Houston-based education nonprofit 501(c)(3) that provides hands-on, STEM-focused learning opportunities to underserved and socio-economically disadvantaged students in grades Pre-K through 12, professional training in STEM education, and internships for college/university students.
For more information on C-STEM, email us at info@cstem.org
Founded in 2002, C-STEM Teacher and Student Support Services, Inc. has impacted more than 200,000 Pre K-12th-grade students nationally. The organization is dedicated to developing STEM talent pipelines, bolstering self-confidence, and fostering a well-rounded mastery of the areas of communication, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. C-STEM is closing the STEM academic achievement gap for students and the STEM skills development gap of teachers. For additional information, visit www.cstem.org.
 
Community, Education, News

Texas Southern University announces personnel changes

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Business, Community, Education, Entertainment, Lifestyle, News

Amber Cloud, Self-Made Musician

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Amber Cloud in her studio at S.H.A.P.E. Community Center.
Amber Cloud in her studio at S.H.A.P.E. Community Center.

Developed as a Self-Help for African People through Education, or (S.H.A.P.E.), this particular community center at Live Oak Street in Houston has continued over 47-years-of-existence with hard-working staff members and volunteers. One of the new standouts of this center is Amber Cloud, who realized at a very young age that music was for her.

“I started liking music when I was ten-years-old. I knew that it was something I was passionate about,” Cloud said.

Having trouble with reading and writing at first, the Katy, Texas native broke that habit by learning to read and write music. As she read and wrote music on a day-by-day basis, she fully understood literacy. She would be able to do all she can with her literacy, only to do it more with music.

“I understood music when I read and write it. It took so much out of my time, but I enjoy doing it, and I love making music,” Cloud soundly said.

Cloud, 25, began to invest in recording equipment at 15 years old. Following her high school graduation, she initially attended Houston Community College (HCC) onto the University of Houston (UH), until constant support from Texas Southern University (TSU) convinced her to transfer and remain there until she walks the stage with a bachelor’s in Business Marketing.

“It was the mentors and the relationships at Texas Southern that led me to come and maintain my passion for music and creating it,” Cloud said.

She felt that music will keep people out of trouble. She would fulfill that feeling by making her own studio at S.H.A.P.E on Almeda Road. The Live Oak center is also called SHAPE, but without periods.

Within the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center, it provides activities and programs that not only strengthen families, but also the community. Because of this, S.H.A.P.E. would eventually become an award-winning place, which includes an MLK Humanitarian Award. One individual who visits Cloud at S.H.A.P.E. is Najwa Malveaux. Najwa Malveaux, Cloud’s friend, recalls on how they became close eight months ago.

Amber Cloud's music studio
Amber Cloud’s music studio.

“I could tell she is an articulate person. I met her at a coffee shop, and when I spoke to her, she was a real introvert, and we hung out ever since,” Malveaux said.

Her mentor, Laurence Payne, describes Cloud as a person with four P’s: passion, purpose, persistence, and perseverance.

“You have to be able to articulate your vision verbally and in writing. She articulates her vision verbally and in writing,” Payne said.

What Payne has done in the community is not only being a TV host of HCC’s Dialogue Houston, he has provided service to help individuals become successful human beings. He did the same with Amber by instilling intentionality and mindfulness to her.

“I also told her about medi-flect- that is meditation and reflect combined. If you have those two traits and medi-flect, you can do anything,” Payne said.

Angela Cloud, Amber’s mother, knows that her daughter is really trying to make it happen.

“She is a visionary. She has a love for music,” Angela said.

Amber’s mother is very, very proud of her. Her daughter is a go-getter and very focused on her music.

Amber’s ongoing project is her studio, which she plans to not only modify, but also have to create her music and record. Now that she is a musician, Cloud will be made into a successful one, and feels that musicians aren’t born, they are made.

Amber Cloud
Amber Cloud
Community, Education, News

Lonal Robinson Volunteer of The Year Awards Ceremony

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DSCN0037Inspiration filled the Third Ward Multi-Services Center as it hosted a community meeting and the fourth annual Lonal Robinson Volunteer of The Year Awards Ceremony.

Sponsored by the Friends of Emancipation Park, Inc. (FEP), the evening ceremony was honoring the volunteers of the organization for their service to the Third Ward community and for their own personal service. Many of the attendees congratulated the recipients for their participation and the ceremony committee  FEP Board Member Cleo Steward who has chaired the event for five years. FEP Board Member and co-chair Myra Griffin called the ceremony a pleasure.

“It’s just a pleasure to be able to host this for him [Lonal Robinson],” Griffin said.

Robinson, who co-founded FEP with his wife Dorris, passed away on March 17, 2012 after a brain hemorrhage. He was 63. He was very active in the Houston community and his service through teaching, working, and publishing would eventually have his name honored and placed on the awards, which also includes the historic Emancipation Park.

Emancipation Park was constructed in 1872 by freed African American to celebrate the end of slavery. Considered as the oldest and first public park in Texas, it is now an area where families of any kind gather to enjoy outdoor activities and quality family time.

Renovations are currently being made to the park, and FEP Youth President Marcaus Nickle sees more than that.

“It will make the community a better place. It will bring everybody together. I feel like were helping each other more than just giving a hand,” Nickle said.DSCN0038

FEP’s mission is to preserve and protect the legacy of Emancipation Park through Exemplary Programs, making it a destination for all. Their mission has been growing by other individuals who volunteered. This influenced a presentation of the awards to those whose impact in the community received recognition.

Helen Graham, who was not present at the ceremony, received the FEP Outstanding Board Member of The Year Award. As an FEP Board member, she has a heart for people and loves to help others.

Golden Age Hobby House- Houston took home the Lonal Robinson Volunteer Organization of The Year. What this organization functions is that it provides seniors and youth with social interaction and a feeling of inclusion like no other, and they can be counted on to volunteer as needed for the youth programs at EP.

Taking the final two awards for Lonal Robinson Volunteer of The Year are married couple Cheryl and Robin West. Cheryl, an Evangelist, and Robin, a Minister, found Westside of Heaven Outreach Music Ministry in 2000, which she and her husband work to help individuals be achievers, more than conquerors, and rebuild their lives for the betterment of themselves, their families, and their community.

After the ceremony, Carrington Stewart, who is now in retirement, believes that the ceremony will keep the FEP tradition going.

“I think what it’ll do is it will recognize people who are in the community and will tie the connections to the park,” Stewart said.

Cleo Stewart, FEP Board Member, and Committee Co-Chair, certainly hopes so as well.

“We try not to miss a year. Any time we stop doing it, then we lose our motivation,” Cleo said.

FEP vice president Reverend Glen Cheeks highlighted the event’s reasons, as it concluded, with these words: “We are not doing this for the money. We are doing this for the heart.” Each FEP Board member was presented a red rose by President Dorris Ellis for their service.

City, Community, Education, News

Alma A. Allen, Texas State Representative seeks HISD top job

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Texas District 131 Representative Alma Allen
Texas District 131 Representative Alma Allen

Within the 150-member assembly of the Texas House of Representatives is a woman by the name of Alma Allen.

Currently serving as the state’s Representative of District 131, Allen has put on quite a résumé. But elected to one of the governmental jobs in the Lone Star State is just another destination to her tirelessly life journey.

Growing up in Livingston, Texas, Allen wanted to make a difference as a young girl, and education became an essential part of that difference.

“(I believe) education is the key,” Allen said.

Allen, 77, would eventually excel in elementary all the way up to college. She initially picked Prairie View A&M (PVAMU) as one of those universities which helped minorities like herself until she ultimately chose Texas Southern University (TSU).

“TSU gave me the background to put me as an educator,” Allen said.

She would soon have Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees under her belt.

“Having a degree has put me at a difference in quality of my life,” said Allen soundly.

One of Allen’s dear friends, Wilma Jordan, says that her love for people, her love for children is what makes her stand out from everyone.

“She will go out of her way, saying, ‘If you need help, I’ll help you do it’,” Jordan said.

Allen then goes after her Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction along with a certificate in administration and supervision, which she received from the University of Houston. As an alumna, Allen worked at the Houston Independent School District (HISD) before working as an adjunct professor for PVAMU, then for TSU. Afterwards, she got elected to the State Board of Education in 1992.

Current PVAMU professor William Parker, who is also a former colleague of Allen, knows the type of professional and person that she is.

“She holds all her colleagues, professors, and students to a standard of excellence,” Parker said.

“As long as she has a tone vision of education, she makes an impact in the community. She is known as an educator of Texas, and in the country”

Later, Allen would land at the Texas House of Representatives having being reelected for two-year terms since 2004 while viewing Houston as a condition of betterment.

“There’s always a lot to improve and I want to be a part of it,” Allen said.

A woman of integrity like herself has considered another opportunity once her Democratic Representative days finish, for she will be a candidate for superintendent of HISD. Her son, Laurence Allen, Jr., sees the character in her mother that impacts the people.

“She motivates other people to get involved. I am so proud of her,” Laurence said.

As reported by the Houston Chronicle, she plans to improve morale and the focus on finances and stability as one of her top priorities.

“The big challenge is to make people feel wanted and needed,” Allen said in the newspaper.

Allen will take this task head-on, if elected, once her term as State Representative ends in 2018.

A date for the choosing of the permanent superintendent has yet to be determined.

City, Education, News

Alma A. Allen, Texas State Representative seeks HISD top job

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Texas District 131 Representative Alma Allen
Texas District 131 Representative Alma Allen

Within the 150-member assembly of the Texas House of Representatives is a woman by the name of Alma Allen.

Currently serving as the state’s Representative of District 131, Allen has put on quite a résumé. But elected to one of the governmental jobs in the Lone Star State is just another destination to her tireless life journey.

Growing up in Livingston, Texas, Allen wanted to make a difference as a young girl, and education became an essential part of that difference.

“(I believe) education is the key,” Allen said.

Allen, 77, would eventually excel from elementary up to college. She initially picked Prairie View A&M (PVAMU) as one of those universities which helped minorities like herself until she ultimately chose Texas Southern University (TSU).

“TSU gave me the background to put me as an educator,” Allen said.

She would soon have Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees under her belt.

“Having a degree has put me at a difference in the quality of my life,” said Allen soundly.

She then goes after her Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction along with a certificate in administration and supervision, which she received from the University of Houston. As an alumna, Allen worked at the Houston Independent School District (HISD) before working as an adjunct professor for PVAMU, then for TSU. Afterwards, she got elected to the State Board of Education in 1992. Later, she would land at the Texas House of Representatives having being re-elected for two-year terms since 2004 while viewing Houston as a condition of betterment.

“There’s always a lot to improve, and I want to be a part of it,” Allen said.

A woman of integrity, Allen has considered another opportunity once her Democratic Representative days are finished, for she will be a candidate for superintendent of HISD. As HISD Superintendent, she plans to improve morale and the focus on finances and stability as some of her top priorities.

As reported by the Houston Chronicle, Allen said, “The big challenge is to make people feel wanted and needed.”

Allen will take this task head-on if selected as HISD Superintendent, instead on pursuing another term as State Representative, which ends in 2018.

Education

Ken Huewitt, named HISD’s Interim Superintendent

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Photo courtesy of www.houstonisd.org
Photo courtesy of www.houstonisd.org

After thorough searches of qualified and experienced individuals for Terry Grier’s replacement, the Houston Independent School District has found their interim superintendent in Kenneth “Ken” Huewitt.

Once the news broke that Grier has stepped down as superintendent of the Houston ISD due to health reasons, HISD’s Board of Education have been searching for a temporary overseer of the largest public school system in Texas and seventh-largest in the country. Ken Huewitt, who was the district’s deputy superintendent and chief financial officer, was unanimously chosen by the nine-member board when Grier resigned months before his contract expired at June 2016.

“I found out about the news on February 17, a couple of weeks before the start,” Huewitt said.

Huewitt, a Texas State University alumnus with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, began in the HISD on December 2001 as the district’s controller. Combined with chief financial officer and deputy superintendent, he brings in 20 years of experience.

In a Click To Houston online article, Grier has said in an interview that the district is in much better shape than when he came in the summer of 2009. The district, from the same article, has seen graduation rates at an all-time high while dropout rates fell by more than 50 percent, Grier’s reason to leave as scheduled. Huewitt saw the good of HISD, but with the good comes the bad and he’ll be doing that as one of his tasks as the temporary leader. His years and strong relationship with the district are going to get things done, and will do so together.

“I know the district and the district knows me,” Huewitt said.

He brings in not only his knowledge but his experience, especially on the budget side of the district.

“I work with district financing, the finance area of the district, and budget is one of the main things of the district,” Huewitt said.

He also adds his years of working and aiding the students. Although he never worked as a teacher, he enjoys the student’s progress and their ability of improving themselves as scholars and as humans.

“When you believe you’re adding value to what you do, it makes you want to get up in the morning every day and come to work.”

Huewitt does not turn his back on the kids, and his worth in the students gives him a purpose fulfillment. He will be looking at other things in the education progress, and one example is the STAAR Examination.

“Students are taking the STAAR tests. This will give us feedback.”

A search for a permanent superintendent is continuing, but Huewitt will do what he will do while he is interim superintendent. Along with the test feedback, Huewitt will hear from the Board of Trustees and HISD everything they need to know what is working in HISD, but whatever needs to get better, the district will do just that and will work to move forward. Ken Huewitt will begin his new position on March 1.

Business, City, Community, Education, Health, Lifestyle, News, Sports

Amy Purdy: Oprah’s The Life You Want Tour

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Snowboarding champion and “Dancing With The Stars” finalist, Amy Purdy who lost both of her legs from a bacterial meningitis infection 16-years ago has a lot to be thankful for and she is sharing her story and inspiring others on Oprah’s “The Live the Life You Want” Eight City Tour which kicked-off in Atlanta in the early fall and will end in San Jose in November.  The Houston dates are October 17 -18 at the Toyota Center.  Purdy is representing the tour’s title sponsor, Toyota as the Toyota Athlete and Brand Ambassador.

Toyota Athlete & Brand Ambassador, Amy Purdy snowboarding
Toyota Athlete & Brand Ambassador, Amy Purdy snowboarding

Her story is one of inspiration and courage.  She refused to succumb to a disease that shut down her kidneys, robbed her of her spleen and legs.  Instead she decided to fight back and she triumphed. Within seven months after receiving her prosthetics she was back on the fresh white snow doing what she loves; gracefully descending down mountains and standing tall on her snowboard.

“With a grateful heart anything is possible no matter what the circumstances are.  You have to push off the obstacles to move forward.  I don’t look at myself as a victim or someone who lost their legs. I am thankful for my prosthetics. They have allowed me to travel the world and afforded me many opportunities,” said Purdy.

Purdy was invited by Oprah to share her triumphant story on the “The Live the Life You Want” tour.  In addition, Purdy also joins Oprah on stage to recognize extraordinary people in each of the cities who have made a profound difference in their communities. Purdy the presents the recipient(s) with the Toyota Standing Ovation Award, a $25,000 grant to help the recipient(s) to further fund their causes.

Toyota Standing Ovation, recipient Tawanda Jones is flanked by Oprah and Amy PUrdy
Toyota Standing Ovation, recipient Tawanda Jones is flanked by Oprah and Amy Purdy

 

“I am so honored to be a part of this.  I was really touched by the Newark, New Jersey Toyota Standing Ovation recipient, Tawanda Jones, founder of the Camden Sophisticated Sisters Drill Team.  This lady has made a huge impact on the lives of the students in her community where only 50% graduate from high school,” said Purdy.

She continued, “Ms. Jones has empowered and inspired these kids to move forward.  The amazing factor is that 100% of the kids that has come through her program have all gradated high school. Right now there are 400 students on the waiting list.  I hope that the $25,000 will help her find a building and expand.”

Purdy doesn’t like to call herself a motivation speaker but a storyteller and sharer of life stories.  She believes in working hard and she sees herself as a perfectionist. I really enjoyed “Dancing With The Stars.”  As an athlete, I was used to training for long periods.  So, I didn’t mind the intense training.  I enjoyed the experience and actually came out as a pretty good dancer. ,” said Purdy.

When speaking to audiences throughout the nation.  No matter if the setting is a college campus or a large corporation; there are always two common questions that people asked Purdy.   One refers to her pivotal moment in overcoming her crisis and the other refers to her tenure on “Dancing With The Stars.”

“I always tell people that you don’t necessarily overcome but you make it through any difficulty with gratitude.  You have to believe and be grateful through situations.  Most people    wait for things to perfect and that is not it.  It is about pushing through an obstacle and moving forward which can open new doors and opportunities,” said Purdy.

Purdy’s story has opened many doors for her and she travels nine months out of the year.  When Purdy is not on the road with her speaking engagements, television appearances and acting, she relaxes at her home in Colorado.

Amy Purdy relaxing and enjoying some me-time.
Amy Purdy relaxing and enjoying some me-time.

And the day I was speaking with her she was at home carving pumpkins before she got back on the road with the Toyota Standing Ovation Award/Oprah’s Live the Life You Want Tour.

 

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com

Education

Community protest the programming at Jack Yates High and new Energy Institute

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The rain did not stop Jack Yates High alumni from gathering outside the front gates of the prized school to protest the building of a new Energy Institute in the community and the lack of programming within the school.

The band lacks uniforms, the school of communication is nearly non existent, cosmetology has been removed and so on and so on the list goes inside Yates. The heavily involved alumni association has had enough and gathered in protest before a development meeting with School Board Trustee Paula Harris.

Below is footage of the rally.

Alumni Gary Monroe is speaking.

Story still developing. #livereporting #thsoriginalnewsreport

Education

E.O. Smith/ Wheatley demolition in hiatus due to court ordered mediation

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The historical African American Phillis Wheatley High School has a slight reprieve for now as the community and Houston Independent School district are at a standstill due to a court – ordered mediation about the unwanted demolition of the school.

Historical preservation is being called for throughout the city of Houston this summer as Wheatley alumni and concerned citizens have sued HISD for deciding to demolish the community treasure. During a strategy meeting in Fifth Ward, alumni continuously expressed their upset that HISD would take bond money to tear down the school.

“I sure hate they are tearing all our stuff down,” said Gail Nelson, a native of Fifth Ward who happened to stop and look at the giant hole on the side of Wheatley. “Why are they tearing it down? They built a whole new school so what are they going to do with that?”
Nelson’s reaction echoes many other community members and alumni thoughts, they want to know why.

During the election season in 2012, the HISD bond proposed many renovation and new school projects for campuses throughout the district. Along that time, Houstonians could drive pass schools throughout the city and see huge bond signs with an enormous money amount on it, promising better for the community schools. The only problem is the illusion on the bond signs did not match up to the fine print on the official election order. This is what has Wheatley supporters in court. That fine print called for demolition, which was not submitted to voters, before, during or after the vote.

“Once again HISD has proven not to be an entity of their word, they actually back door the whole bond referendum process by adding the demolition of the historic site, in very small print as an agenda item for a board meeting a few months ago,” said Loretta Brock, an education activist.

The outrage caused the Wheatley/E.O. Smith Preservationist Coalition to stand up to HISD to stop the demolition of the site although on Labor Day a wrecking ball tore a huge hole in the side of the historical structure.

“They came like a thief in the night,” said Kathy Blueford-Daniels, a Wheatley alum and active member of the coalition. “On Saturday evening we had a meeting with HISD and we agreed that they would wait until Tuesday to do anything and the trustee would go back to HISD and let them know what we discussed. The next day we were getting calls and text that they were knocking holes in the building. They did it in the area we had just talked about salvaging for historic purpose.”

On September 2nd, the Coalition sued HISD.

As of now the demolition is on hiatus as Judge Elizabeth Ray ordered both parties to engage in mediation. They have not reached an agreement and have been placed under a “gag order” according to the E.O. Smith/Wheatley Preservation Coalition’s statement.

Phillis Wheatley High School is a historic treasure to the Fifth Ward community. Built in 1929 it was the only school African American children could attend. It later became E.O. Smith Middle School while carrying on the traditions of the original Wheatley.