Today, schools across the U.S. are under tremendous pressure to provide a high-quality academic experience to all students. While reading, writing, and arithmetics are clearly very important, so are mental, social, creative, and physical development. In today’s world, students need to be able to think critically as well as creatively, evaluate vast amounts of information, solve complex problems, and communicate well. Additionally, as children are exposed to a variety of stressors – including natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey, bullying, school shootings, and other tragedies – students, especially low-income students, need access to mental health services in order to succeed and thrive. In fact, 70% of students with mental health disorders do not receive adequate treatment. HISD is therefore committed to educating the whole child, and the HISD Foundation is committed to funding the following priority programs to support this effort.

At a time when obtaining a postsecondary degree or credential is more important than ever, many students struggle to reach this goal. Lack of money to pay for college is one of the top reasons, as college tuitions continue to escalate. Many students not only need more financial assistance; they also need the opportunity to explore potential career interests and understand the necessary milestones for achieving their career goals before deciding which program to attend. Additionally, they need to develop “empowerment skills” such as self-confidence, effective communication, persistence, and self-management to navigate challenges along the way. High-quality out-of-school programs can help them develop these essential skills.

The HISD Foundation is committed to eliminating barriers to college and providing students with opportunities to expand their skillsets and explore postsecondary and career opportunities.

Innovation is crucial in a rapidly changing world; it is what keeps businesses thriving and helps solve our world’s most pressing challenges. Students and teachers therefore need opportunities to formulate promising ideas and develop new ways to address pressing real-life challenges. In the process, they gain an array of valuable skills, such as problem solving, project management, budget management, and the ability to work effectively in teams. In today’s difficult fiscal environment, it is a challenge for school districts to fund the materials and resources associated with innovation at scale. HISD is committed to making innovation a core part of students’ education experience, and the HISD Foundation is supporting these efforts by providing vital resources for innovative projects.

Houston’s diversity is a tremendous asset. As Rice University demographer Stephen Klineberg has observed, “It is a big part of what will make Houston a world city. How we invest in the education of Latino and African-American communities will determine whether ethnic diversity increases our competitiveness or tears us apart. Here, more than anywhere else, the future depends on education.” 

Research shows that mentoring and family engagement are two powerful ways to support students and remove barriers to success. Mentors not only help young people achieve social-emotional well-being and reduce risk behaviors but also achieve academically and acquire the skills that help them pursue their goals. Intentional efforts to engage families in their children’s education – for example, by expanding their access to information about district programs and resources – also yield long-term rewards.

HISD believes deeply in expanding students’ access to mentors and families’ access to district supports. The HISD Foundation is supporting these efforts by dedicating significant resources to fund projects that address barriers to equity and empower all students to pursue their dreams.

Students need a variety of supports in order to reach their full potential.