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