Making the Electrical Program Cool @ Barbara Jordan Career Center: This project is enhances Barbara Jordan Career Center’s Electrical Program by incorporating hands-on training for high school students. Since 2021, the program has successfully utilized virtual reality and e-learning methods to prepare students for careers as electricians, and with the addition of a new lab, students will now receive practical experience that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world application. This initiative aims to equip students with essential skills, ensuring they are well-prepared for immediate entry into the workforce as apprentice electricians upon graduation, while fostering a strong work ethic, safety awareness, and professional competence.

Innovate & Grow: Empowering Education with Interactive Tech: This project upgrades three high school computer science classrooms with monitors, keyboards, charging desks, and equipment for a hands-on Arduino auto-watering plant project. These enhanced learning spaces will provide approximately 400 students with industry-standard technology, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving in an inclusive environment. Through this initiative, students gain valuable skills and experience, preparing them for future success in technology-related careers.

Cubettos for Early Childhood Centers: The project involves the purchase of 32 Cubetto playsets, innovative wooden robots that teach young children the fundamentals of computer programming through hands-on, adventure-based play. Aimed at pre-kindergarten students in Houston ISD, this initiative seeks to ignite interest in STEM fields by providing a screen-free, engaging learning experience that fosters problem-solving skills and logical thinking. The success of the project will be measured through student engagement, task completion, and teacher feedback on the playsets' effectiveness in enhancing early learning experiences.

Widening Access to Arts Education and Programing to Students within Arts Deserts: This initiative aims to alleviate barriers faced by students in arts deserts, fostering self-expression and creativity through high-quality programming and experiential learning opportunities. By integrating arts education, we seek to empower students, enhance their academic engagement, and enrich their overall educational experience.

The Hamilton Project: This project merges the power of the arts with the mission of civic education by providing 2,100 high school students from Title I schools in the Greater Houston area with access to the Hamilton Educational Program Online and an opportunity to attend the Hamilton Musical High School Night at the Hobby Center on March 20, 2025, free of charge. This initiative aims to deepen students' understanding of U.S. history, foster civic engagement, and build a sense of community. The program includes a classroom-based curriculum that explores the U.S. Founding Era through creative activities like crafting raps, poems, or dramatic works, which students submit as video performances. 

GRL PWR Mentorship (Girls relating, learning, progressing, winning, and rejoicing): The GRL PWR mentorship initiative addresses the social-emotional and academic needs of at-risk 7th and 8th-grade students. Through weekly meetings, participants will engage in discussions on social issues, goal setting, and mindfulness activities to support their overall well-being. The program aims to improve student achievement by focusing on the whole child, ensuring that foundational needs are met before academic growth can occur.

Lamar SLL Texan's Suite: The Texan's Suite provides a dedicated space for SPED students in the SLL class to practice essential daily living skills such as hygiene, cooking, and cleaning, supporting their transition into independent adult life. By developing these skills, students gain confidence and readiness for post-graduation independence, aligning with Houston ISD’s mission to prepare all students for a fulfilling and self-sustained future.

Debate Acceleration Initiative: Funding will support the development of debate teams at underserved campuses, providing students with a fun, educational after-school activity that enhances academic skills. Debate has improved reading and listening comprehension, especially for English learners, 504, and special education students, while fostering critical thinking, research, and communication skills. Participating in regular practice and tournaments will elevate their classroom performance and maximize their college and career opportunities through debate.

Crafting a Brighter Future: Empowering Education with Cricut Creativity: The funding will provide a Cricut machine to enhance student engagement and support innovative teaching methods within the Social Studies department. This versatile tool will enable approximately 500 students to participate in hands-on, creative projects, making learning more dynamic and personalized. Additionally, it will benefit teachers and the broader school community by producing themed items for fundraising and promoting a more engaging and spirited educational environment.

Stevenson Learns Today, Leads Tomorrow: Readying STEM Leaders by Connecting Students with Diverse Green Career Professionals: Stevenson Middle School connected Green Career Guest Speakers with students to inspire environmental stewardship and highlight Houston's green job opportunities. The project included immersive field trips to foster a deep connection to nature and ecological systems.

Inspiring Success: Bilingual Career Professionals for Future Leaders: Wharton Dual Language Academy connected students with bilingual Green Career Guest Speakers to bridge language and cultural gaps, enhance learning, and inspire career aspirations. Spanish-speaking professionals participated in events to create a comfortable learning space for students.

The Six Types of Working Genius Workshop: This project funded a 2-to-3-hour facilitated session at the HISD Central Office to enhance employee collaboration and productivity. By helping participants understand their unique strengths, the workshop fostered a more effective leadership team, ultimately benefiting the 180,000 students in the district, 80-89% of whom are economically disadvantaged.

HISD Spanish Spelling Bee: The HISD Spanish Spelling Bee provides an inclusive competition for all students in grades 4-8, promoting literacy and confidence among participants, particularly those from SPED, ELL, 504, and homeless/refugee backgrounds. By connecting language skills to real-world application, students will compete at various levels leading to the National Spanish Spelling Bee in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This project not only enhances academic abilities but also fosters a sense of community and achievement among diverse student populations.