2012 - 2013 EAST Initiative Annual Report

2012 Annual Report

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Table of Contents 1

Letter from Our President / CEO

EAST Conference

17

3

EAST History

Summer Seminar

19

5

EAST Timeline

EAST Night Out

20

7

Elementary Student Perspective

EAST Core

21

9

High School Student Voice

EAST Student Technical Training / by the Numbers

23

Financial Statements

25

EAST Board of Directors / EAST Advisory Council

27

EAST Works

29

Help EAST Grow

30

Our Vision

32

Message from the Board Chair

33

Sponsors & Supporters

34

10

Impact on Education

11

EAST Facilitators

12

EAST Core Teachers

13

EAST Alumni

14

Summer with EAST

15

EAST at Hot Springs High School

16

EAST at Vilonia High School

Matt Dozier - President / CEO of the EAST Initiative

We are so honored to present this year’s Annual Report. The 2012/2013 school year has been an important one for the Initiative and we’re excited to share our story. This year saw the growth of the EAST concept from our established and standard EAST class into the math and science classes of five pioneer schools with a new program we call EAST Core. These two foundational pieces are working to build the best in education.

In the past year, EAST programs, schools and students have been recognized for their accomplishments, and the Initiative has pg. 1

continued to grow in its scope and reach. As the national education dialogue moves to the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards, EAST has continued to be at the forefront of the opportunities that students should be afforded in order to succeed.

There is no accomplishment, however, that can compare to sharing the impact of service and growth of our facilitators and students.

This report is a small attempt to share those successes. Feel free to be inspired - the EAST staff is every day.

We believe that EAST should be available to every child. Therefore, it is important for us to demonstrate its scalability. Our widespread, extended presence in Arkansas schools provides the perfect proving ground to document our impact on education, workplace readiness and civic engagement. We have adopted a strategic plan to test our ability to expand EAST programs on a national level. Our plan calls for integrating EAST’s model into 80% of Arkansas secondary schools and 25 elementary schools. When that is achieved, regional and national growth on a larger scale will be within our grasp.

pg. 2

EAST Founder

Tim Stephenson Tim Stephenson founded EAST with the hope of changing the perceptions of teenagers. He noticed that most community members saw youth as a problem instead of an asset.

pg. 3

History EAST began with one classroom in Greenbrier, Arkansas, in 1996. Former law-enforcement officer Tim Stephenson, a second career “new” teacher, had experience with “disconnected” youth.

He was assigned a classroom of “at-risk” students. In seeking a point of interest for them, Stephenson proposed an outing to a spot near the school where students often went to skip classes. The wooded area included a creek and a pond. The first EAST project turned out to be a bridge across that creek.

The students became enthusiastic with the success of their bridge and proposed additional structures. One student offered his father’s CAD expertise, and Stephenson suggested the students get appropriate software and learn to use it themselves. Thus, the technology component was born.

business partnerships that were formed became the foundation for a new and relevant model of learning, and the results have been astounding.

Realizing that the K-12 education system lacked the needed technology as well as a model for integrating it into the learning, Stephenson sought help from an Arkansas technology firm that introduced him to national and international resources. The academic-

If you set the expectation high enough and if the end result is good for others, students will rise to that level and do whatever it takes.

- Tim Stephenson, EAST Founder pg. 4

1996 First EAST® classroom in Greenbrier, AR, under the direction of Tim Stephenson, a retired veteran and police officer.

1997 Expansion of the EAST model began with the support of the Arkansas Department of Education.

EAST Timeline

1996

Arkansas

2004 1999

United States Department of Education names EAST a “model program.”

Arkansas State Legislature provides seed funding for additional EAST classrooms to be opened throughout the state.

United States Department of Labor recognizes EAST as an “innovative initiative.”

2001

California

2000 1998

Louisiana

pg. 5

EAST hosts first annual conference celebrating the work and achievements of the nearly 5,000 students participating in the EAST program.

2001 EAST incorporates as a 501(c) (3) charitable nonprofit in December.

2006 EAST received the 2006 Southern Growth Policies Innovator Award as an exemplary initiative in technology and innovation.

2012

2006

Pennsylvania

EAST recognized as a Green STEM Innovator by the National Environmental Education Foundation.

EAST Core pioneers in five schools for 2012-2013 year bringing the EAST model into math and science classes.

2008 2007

Oklahoma Iowa

EAST is recommended as a solution for Arkansas communities at Arkansas Works 2008: The Governor’s Summit on Education and Economic Development.

2011

The George Lucas Foundation spotlights EAST at Edutopia.com as a “Schools That Work” model.

EAST collaborates with Arkansas STEM Works to develop EAST® Core.

2009 “EAST” is recognized by the Federal Office of Trademarks and Patents with registration status.

2010 EAST receives the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) award from Esri. pg. 6

Elementary Student Perspective

“I just love that we have more opportunities and control than we do in a regular classroom.”

- Jillian, Sonora Elementary

“The most important thing I’ve learned would have to be working with people. I always wanted to do it my way. While in EAST, I have learned to work with others.”

- Keenan, Sonora Elementary

pg. 7

The EAST Initiative provides opportunities to engage students through project-based learning, collaboration, technology and civic engagement. EAST connects the dots between communities, 21st century skills and innovative thinking.

pg. 8

High School Student Voice

“EAST has impacted my moral execution and service dedication. This program played a huge role in opening my eyes and letting me see first-hand that our communities need our help. EAST has the technology and the supporters who believe in students and give us the tools we need to succeed.”

- Patrick, eSTEM

“Before EAST, I was not much of a leader, but this program has fleshed that out in me.

I am more self-confident, I know myself better and I speak better publicly. I have been places and experienced things I didn’t think I could do before this program. “ - Stetson, Greenbrier High School

pg. 9

Impact on Education Dr. Tom Kimbrell, Education Commissioner Arkansas Department of Education

Courtesy of ADE

Our schools are successfully getting students ready for the next generation of workers. EAST has been the building block for how kids learn today and creates an excitement around project-based learning. We have the technology in schools and a desire for students to solve tomorrow’s problems. With EAST, we see a connection supported by the community that will have a greater impact as it continues to grow.

pg. 10

EAST Facilitators

“EAST is a place where any student can be successful. I enjoy seeing my students connect with adults who appreciate their skills and what they can do with them. EAST prepares students for careers in the 21st century.”

- Millicent Sanders-Anderson, Henderson Middle School

“EAST is what education should be. If it is done right, the outcome is priceless. It is a great program with wonderful benefits.”

- Annette Smith, Mansfield High School

pg. 11

EAST Core Teachers

“The students will lead you if you let them... Imagine that, teenagers wanting to take control of their lives. It all makes perfect sense now. All I had to do was take the first step.”

- Leslie Frewert, Prairie Grove High School

“Becoming a part of EAST Core has impacted my view of the use of technology and projects in the mathematics classroom. On the first day of our project, I noticed a huge change in a few students. They participated in the project and did their share of the work. They were interested in the success of the project.”

- Ami Biggers, Harrisburg High School

pg. 12

EAST Alumni

“EAST contributes to the workforce and community through its technological impact, which is used every day in professional jobs. Through EAST, a high school, middle school or even an elementary school student is learning skills that teach you how to help and better your community.”

- Tevin Wooten, Class of 2010 - Camden Fairview High School

“EAST gave me the skills to succeed in a higher education environment. It allowed me to think outside the box, to solve problems and expand my cognitive thought in a spatial context. I believe without this foundation, I would not be as successful as I am today.”

- Ryan L. Spring, Class of 2006 - Mena High School

pg. 13

Summer with EAST

EAST at Sonora Elementary in Northwest Arkansas received a summer grant in 2012 to implement a Technology with Nature Camp. Students learned about the environment with new technologies that enabled scientific research and developed 21st century skills, including creativity, innovation, communication and collaboration.

Read more: http://bit.ly/16hi9fw Watch the video: http://bit.ly/145g9Y6

EAST distributed more than $60,000 to schools for service-learning projects to be completed outside the normal school day. EAST summer grants provide the opportunity for students to have learning experiences that would not otherwise be possible.

pg. 14

EAST at Hot Springs High School Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Finalist EAST at Hot Springs High School was recently named a finalist in the national Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. The contest gave away more than $1,000,000 worth of technology to schools across the country. Samsung and its partners called on teachers to raise student interest in science, technology, engineering and math by inviting them to answer the challenge, “Show how science or math can help the environment in your community.� A great opportunity to showcase what EAST embodies in its innovative model of education.

Read more here: http://bit.ly/16L5Eb5

EAST students demonstrate problem solving, critical thinking and innovation by building a 3D printer for their local progam. They also teamed up with American LIDAR in the city of Hot Springs, Ark., to work on an engineering project with civic leaders. pg. 15

EAST at Vilonia High School Build a Shelter from the Storm On April 25, 2011, a tornado ravaged the town of Vilonia, Arkansas. Five residents were killed and the National Guard estimated between 50 and 60 missing persons were rescued through a house-to-house search. A storm damage assessment determined that the tornado was between one and two miles wide at its base and cut a path through the community that was three miles wide and 15 miles long.

Those in the community who survived the storm suffered an emotional impact that will last for years, if not the rest of their lives. For students enrolled in EAST, the storm provided an opportunity to be part of a solution that would protect their loved ones and their community from a similar fate in the future.

Vilonia EAST students helped design a storm shelter for their school. (Pictured with Nabholz officials.) pg. 16

Each year, thousands of guests from across the country attend the National EAST Conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where EAST facilitators, students and Core teachers share their stories, celebrate their work and experience a trade show-like environment and formal banquet. pg. 17

2,000

190

60+

1,800

Attended the Awards Banquet,

EAST programs

Sessions were presented at

Students and facilitators

which featured

attended Conference.

Conference, which were attended

participated at Conference.

high-profile speakers.

by students and facilitators.

pg. 18

50+

$5,000 150 facilitators & presenters attended the 2012 Summer Seminar.

EAST FACILITATOR

pg. 19

facilitators attended the 2012 Tech Camp.

donated to show appreciation and to celebrate the hard work facilitators do throughout the year.

The EAST Summer Seminar provides professional development and networking oportunities for EAST facilitators. This event travels around Arkansas. The 2012 Seminar was held in Jonesboro, Arkansas, from July 18 - 20 on the Arkansas State University Campus.

EAST Night Out is an annual, nation-wide EAST open house that provides an opportunity for EAST classrooms to share with their communities the power of student-driven, service-based, technology-infused education. EAST Night Out is unique because it offers the schools a common approach to sharing their unique EAST story. pg. 20

EAST Core

The Arkansas EAST Initiative Schools EAST Program

37

EAST Core

The national educational focus has turned with the Common Core State Standards and the coming Next Generation Science Standards, as well as a heightened understanding of the need to provide opportunities for students to become better communicators, problem solvers and innovators.

84

420

2000

EAST Core infuses the best practices of the standard EAST program into math and science classes.

Teachers and administrators

Hours of

Hours of on-site

Students participated in

participated in professional

administrator

professional

Biology and Geometry

professional

development.

EAST Core projects.

EAST Core provides tools, resources, support and a custom approach to participating schools, establishing a dynamic methodology to prepare students for competitive postsecondary studies and careers.

development.

development. pg. 21

Learn more:

Core.EASTinitiative.org

facebook.com/theEASTcore

Follow EAST Core on social media: twitter.com/theEASTcore

pg. 22

Student Innovation Comes Alive at EAST Technical Training

pg. 23

Over 450 EAST students participated in nearly 100 training sessions across the nation in 2012.

EAST by the Numbers 22,000 students annually

150,000 students since 1996 206 EAST programs in 6 states Arkansas

California

Iowa

Louisiana

Pennsylvania

Iowa

California

Oklahoma

Oklahoma

Arkansas

Pennsylvania Louisiana

pg. 24

Statement of Financial Position June 30, 2013 (With Comparative Totals for June 30, 2012) Assets

June 30, 2013

June 30, 2012

3,033,414.80 4,950.00 42,077.60 74,251.24 5,795.23 3,160,488.87

$ 2,146,204.72 1,793.83 50,262.03 124,330.46 8,499.18 $ 2,331,090.22

June 30, 2013

June 30, 2012

1,535,192.95 1,535,192.95

$ 1,078,932.18 1,078,932.18

Total Net Assets

583,380.89 1,039,696.03 1,946.00 1,625,295.92

584,596.73 665,615.31 1,946.00 1,252,158.04

Total liabilities and net assets

3,160,488.87

2,331,090.22

ASSETS: Cash Accounts receivable Prepaid expenses Fixed assets, net Other assets

$

Total assets

$

Liabilities and Net Assets LIABILITIES:

Accounts payable and accrued expenses Debt Total liabilities

$

NET ASSETS: Unrestricted Temporarily restricted Permanently restricted

See anual audit for notes and additional information pg. 25

Statement of Activities For the Year Ended June 30, 2013 (With Comparative Totals for the Year Ended June 30, 2012)

Year Ended June 30, 2013

Year Ended June 30, 2012

REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT: State of Arkansas Department of Education: Appropriations Grants Contracts Fee for service contracts Event revenue Occupancy revenue Interest income In-kind revenue Individual contributions Other revenue Total Revenue and Other Support

1,799,767.15 533,448.00 2,333,215.15

1,891,000.00 904,740.40 2,795,740.40

323,733.36 117,500.00 157,898.62 85,176.25 38,899.90 11,787.49 3,906.00 5,406.59 3,077,523.36

140,492.76 113,750.00 148,814.17 158,371.00 35,215.60 8,834.39 1,015.35 4,311.33 3,406,545.00

166,646.82 338,055.76 380,746.81 297,598.81 281,513.46 517,884.84 208,479.83 83,908.45 2,274,834.78

85,519.09 287,959.73 397,495.45 196,523.53 322,327.18 469,380.71 423,272.55 140,460.54 2,322,938.78

333,487.00 96,063.70 429,550.70 2,704,385.48

347,563.51 53,046.38 400,609.89 2,723,548.67

373,137.88

682,996.33

Expenses: Program Services: Program training and development Technical support to schools On-site support to schools EAST Core program Student training Student events Grants to schools Occupancy expense

83%

Program Services

12%

Administration

4%

Fundraising

Supporting Services: Management and general Development and fundraising Total Expenses

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS NET ASSETS, beginning of year NET ASSETS, end of year See annual audit for notes and additional information

1,252,158.04

569,161.71

1,625,295.92

1,252,158.04 pg. 26

EAST Board of Directors Prakash Jalihal

Jerry Damerow

Dr. David Rainey

Dr. John Ahlen

Chairperson Senior Vice President FIS Vice-Chairperson Superintendent Dumas Public Schools

Melanie VanZandt Bradford

Secretary Division Leader, Research & Technology Arkansas Department of Education

Dominik Mjartan

Immediate Past Chair Senior Vice President Corporate Strategy & Communications Southern Bancorp, Inc. pg. 27

Chair, Finance and Audit Committee Retired Retired

Joyce Craft

Dr. John O’Connell Consultant E2T2 LTD

Julia Sites

IT Specialist Southwest Power Pool (EAST Alumni, ‘96)

Superintendent Hot Springs School District

Tommy Tyler

Dr. Michael Gealt

Barbara Warren

Provost University of Central Michigan

David Moody President LGW, Inc.

Retired

Director Arkansas River Education Service

EAST Advisory Council Jerry Adams

Suzanne Mitchell

Dr. Charisse Childers

Lynnette Watts

Kelly Lyon

Heather Larkin

Dr. Eric Sandgren

Dr. Gail McClure

Dr. John Mergendoller

President Arkansas Research Alliance Executive Director Women’s Foundation of Arkansas Dean University of Arkansas at Little Rock EIT

Charlie Fitzpatrick

Executive Director STEM Coalition

Director Webster University

President and CEO Arkansas Community Foundation

Vice President, Sponsored Projects ASTA

Executive Director Buck Institute for Education

Susie Marks

Warwick Sabin

K-12 Education Manager Esri

Vice President, Programs Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce

Melinda Faubel

Dr. Richard Abernathy

Director-External Affairs AT&T

Executive Director Accelerate Arkansas

Executive Director Arkansas Association of Education Administrators

Legislator Arkansas House of Representatives

Kathy Smith

Program Officer Walton Family Foundation

pg. 28

EAST Works Independent research shows that the EAST model of education works. EAST uses technology as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, community focus and applied learning. In the EAST model: EAST develops collaboration, higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.

EAST students outperform non-EAST students in Math and English testing.

EAST attracts students who might not otherwise gain critical STEM skills.

EAST fosters inter and intra-personal skills, lifelong learning and college transition.

EAST helps motivate students for school and ownership of learning.

EAST projects have a significant economic impact throughout Arkansas and beyond.

EAST enhances home, community and school connections.

EAST prepares students for STEM careers.

Read more about research supporting the EAST model of education: EASTinitiative.org/aboutcontact/research.aspx pg. 29

Help EAST Grow

The EAST Initiative is a 501(c) 3 national nonprofit organization recognized by GuideStar Exchange as a Gold participant.

Help EAST grow by bringing an EAST program into your local community. Your support will allow us to expand our services in technical training for students, professional development for teachers and administrators and on-going program development.

EAST offers students outstanding opportunities to build leadership and 21st century skills including a National EAST Conference, Summer Seminar for facilitators and EAST Night Out, a national open house event. EAST provides summer grants to expand the EAST opportunity to after-school and out-of-school programs.

With your financial support, you can help EAST grow today: EASTinitiative.org/SupportTheCause

pg. 30

pg. 31

Our Vision The EAST Initiative will be the leading provider and advocate of innovative, transformational education that prepares students to succeed globally.

over

1.5 Million Service Hours

over

$15 Million Economic Impact in Arkansas

pg. 32

Message from the Board Chair EAST Builds Community-Focused Citizens

We are pleased to share the 2012 Annual Report for Environmental and Spatial Technology, Inc. EAST is making a big difference to communities and the future workforce. It helps students become motivated to use innovative technology and go out into the world as self-starters and problem-solvers.

It is fascinating to see EAST students in action: they develop technological skills while also building soft skills in their ability to work as part of a team. The EAST model helps students get ahead of an impending problem and solve it.

The highlight of each year is the annual EAST Conference, held in Hot Springs, AR. This is one of my favorite events. I love to see EAST schools and students come together to share their projects highlighting them in a presentation-style environment. Preparing for the conference takes their independent thinking to another level. They must learn to speak before a group, logically present their projects and outcomes and explain how those projects helped the greater community.

EAST doesn’t just build teams, it builds citizens. The project-based learning helps students take charge of their own education. They read and use math and logic skills to solve problems, even if they don’t like to read or do math. They apply their education and use technology as a tool to solve problems. They don’t learn about technology for technology’s sake. As a result, they complete projects that are of service to others, giving them an early start on community involvement. pg. 33

Prakash Jalihal

Chairperson EAST Board of Directors Fidelity Information Services, Senior Vice President

Thank you to our supporters who help make EAST possible for students.

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pg. 34

y of Ark

EAST Initiative Staff

Matt Dozier President/ Chief Executive Officer Matt@EASTstaff.org

Mary Forst

Adam Clemons

Marisa Damm

Chief Financial Officer

Technical Support Group - Lead

Technical Support Group - Member

MaryF@EASTstaff.org

Marisa@EASTstaff.org

Tami Baker

Reuben Canada

Dondi Jackson

Program Coordinator

Technical Support Manager

Senior Director of Curricular Integration

Tami@EASTstaff.org

Reuben@EASTstaff.org

Dondi@EASTstaff.org

Calvin Bramlett

Jessica Dunham

Jerry Prince

Graphic & Web Designer

Event Coordinator

Senior Director of Program Services

Calvin@EASTstaff.org pg. 35

Adam@EASTstaff.org

Jessica@EASTstaff.org

Jerry@EASTstaff.org

Linsey Horton

Eric Holt

Dr. Angela Kremers

Administrative Assistant

Internet Services Manager

Senior Director of Corporate Strategy

Linsey@EASTstaff.org

Eric@EASTstaff.org

Angela@EASTstaff.org

Phaedra Hawkins

Lori Andrews

Erica Riley

Training & Events Coordinator

EAST Core Coordinator

Program Coordinator

Phaedra@EASTstaff.org

Lori@EASTstaff.org

Erica@EASTstaff.org

Lisa Cook

Cody Jones

Tim Van Dusen

Program Coordinator

Staff Accountant

Network Manager

Lisa@EASTstaff.org

Cody@EASTstaff.org

TimV@EASTstaff.org

Tim Stephenson

Melanie Ridlon

Doug Gusewelle

Special Liaison for Program Support

Senior Director of Operations

Technical Resource Specialist

Tim@EASTstaff.org

Melanie@EASTstaff.org

Doug@EASTstaff.org pg. 36

facebook.com/EASTinitiative

twitter.com/EASTinitiative

www.EASTinitiative.org 8201 Ranch Boulevard, Suite B-1 Little Rock, Arkansas 72223

youtube.com/user/EASTHQ