Low educational achievement, disinterest in learning, and behavioral problems observed in elementary school aged children are of significant concern to teachers and parents alike. To help address these challenges, C&M Education Consultants Charities took a novel approach. This nonprofit developed a science curriculum to instill a passion for learning among five to seven-year-olds, using a curriculum grounded in research and knowledge about brain development and learning theory. The program specifically targets at-risk children from low socio-economic backgrounds.
Results show that participation in the curriculum helps inspire these children to pursue a path of higher learning and excellence, rather than skipped classes and carelessness.
C&M’s teacher training instilled basic principles and methodologies to effectively conquer the seemingly impossible task of teaching young children the expansive and complicated world of science. Additionally, parents attended workshops that empowered them with examples and resources to further stimulate their child’s mind outside of the classroom.
Just as the teachers benefited from instruction about how to run their classrooms more effectively, C&M needed help in becoming a more organized and progressive organization.
With a board lacking direction, goals lacking definition, and no clear strategic plan, C&M knew that if change did not come, their organization could very easily wilt away. Funding was an enormous issue, but C&M discovered that the Executive Service Corps of Houston (ESCH) could provide the knowledge and guidance necessary to overcome the obstacles that stood in the way of expansion.
For three Saturdays, the ESCH consultants worked diligently to help C&M organize their numbers into a professional funding proposal. Similar to the daily plans formed for the teachers in the classrooms, ESCH helped C&M formulate a daily agenda targeting the goals and roles of not only the board members, but the whole organization.
With ESCH’s support and consultation, C&M was able to broaden its program reach quickly. Board members became more in tune with the organization and focused on its expansion goals, allowing C&M to direct its staff’s attention to the audacious funding goals. Newly-formed fund-raising and public relations committees helped establish new contracts with additional schools and enhance overall quality of the program.
According to C&M leadership, the improvements resulting from ESCH’s work “left the board members speechless as they were informed that such professional and quality service was provided free of charge."
Hugh Williams, John Ranney and Bill Bobo helped them operationalize their plan and served to inspire their amazing growth to include Eastwood High School, as well as Lee. For more information, go to: www.leenextstepfund.org.
