Summer 2015 EQ by EAST Initiative

Summer 2015

QUARTERLY

ISSUE

NSP

CONNECTED COMMUNITIES

> SUMMER

HIGHLIGHTS

EAST CONFERENCE 2016

MARCH 15-17

LOOK INSIDE EAST HAS A NEW HOME

EXPERIENCE EAST IN OCTOBER

PAGE

SUMMER 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

EDITOR’S LETTER

EDUCATION UNLEASHED

By Matt Dozier, Spencer Watson, and Blake Welch.

A new professional development program

NATIONAL SERVICE PROJECT

EAST COMMUNITY

PROJECT SPOTLIGHTS

Learn more about Connected Communities

What is happening in the broad EAST community?

Harrison Junior High prints an artificial hand and Magnet Cove reaches for the stars.

FACILITATOR PROFILE

We sat down with Carman McBride and discussed her EAST experience being a facilitator in the classroom with a group of incredible students, as well as winning the Milken Award this year.

FEATURE STORY

SITE SUPPORT

EAST has a new home. Check us out!

Meet two new members of the EAST staff: Beth Hicks and Rinda Hall

EAST ALUMNI

A look into EAST Alumni and what they are doing with what they learned at EAST and how it changed their life. We talked with Ben Farley, now with the U.S. Department of State.

EVENTS

SAVE THE DATE

GEEK SPEAK

TRAINING CALENDAR

GEAR STORE

INNOVATION HUB

PARTNERS & SPONSORS

EAST STAFF

See highlights from Summer Seminar and Phase Training.

Mark your calendar for EAST Night In and EAST Night Out!

How to get a quick response from TSG.

Upcoming Events for September, October, and November.

Buy new gear we have in stock so that you can look awesome.

Field trips, workshops and more at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub.

Thank you to all who sponsor and partner with EAST!

Here’s a little insight to what the staff of EAST is really like.

SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

EDITOR’S LETTER

...AND WE’RE BACK! You may have noticed the break since the last issue. Think of this as EQ 2.0. We have a new editorial team (more on that in a bit) and have taken the opportunity to look closely at the magazine and what’s in it. The magazine team has created a new design, and we all hope you’ll enjoy the new elements, both of presentation and content. With the new EQ we want to especially focus on telling the stories of our students, our alumni and the incredible projects that they are working on that are helping to build their communities. We also want to highlight the work that we are doing at the Initiative level to provide powerful service and training to students, facilitators and the public at large. Wherever you look, EAST is on the move! I’m glad you’re with us. This is the beginning of our 20-year anniversary celebration and do we have some catching up to do! Matt Dozier

QUARTERLY

6215 Ranch Dr. Little Rock, AR 72223 501.371.5016 www.eastinitiative.org MAGAZINE TEAM Editor - Spencer Watson Designer - Dave Lewis CONTRIBUTORS Matt Dozier Blake Welch James Hopper Marisa Damm Errin Dean PHOTOGRAPHY Spencer Watson Dave Lewis COVER Dave Lewis

GREETINGS FROM THAT AFOREMENTIONED NEW EDITORIAL TEAM. After having joined the EAST Initiative over the summer, it’s been my pleasure to look over EQ and figure out how to use it to help tell the story of EAST. Joining me in that endeavor has been new designer Dave Lewis, whose handiwork you hold. It’s beautiful because he made it so. We chose to reboot EQ with a familiar theme: back to school. It works both for all of our students and facilitators, who have begun the year anew, but for us as well. We’re taking ourselves and EQ back to school during this 20th anniversary of EAST to educate ourselves on the many stories EAST has to offer and share those with you. Not least of those stories are the successes of our current and former students. They are all an invaluable part of the EAST narrative.

PRINTING/PUBLISHING Printed by Allegra Print & Imaging of Arkansas, Inc. Published digitally through Issuu at: issuu.com/eastquarterly Disclaimer The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited materials lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of the EAST Initiative. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the copyright holder. All copyrights are recognized and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review.

With that, I hope you enjoy our offerings. We’re always happy to hear what you think and wish you the best as we say, “Welcome back.” Spencer Watson Questions or feedback? communications@EASTstaff.org

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o say the past few months have been a whirlwind since EAST Conference 2015 would be an understatement for my life. About one week after KJ Kite and the North Little Rock EAST crew finally left the building in Hot Springs, I was offered a position as Information Officer in the Philippines for Samaritan’s Purse, a wonderful international relief organization. I promptly accepted the opportunity, delivered the news to Matt Dozier and two weeks later I was on a plane to Boone, North Carolina, for orientation. On April 23, I started the long journey to Asia to get settled into a new life. For those who do not know, I previously lived in South Africa and Kenya, so crosscultural life is not new to me, but living in the Philippines certainly is. When I look at my responsibilities now, I can confidently say, in many ways, my time at EAST helped prepare me for the work here. I am responsible for our social media sites, producing stories and have even helped coordinate GIS mapping of our project sites in country. Not

to mention when I was in North Carolina for orientation, I visited with the Samaritan’s Purse GIS Manager who had attended the 2014 Esri User Conference and specifically remembered being impressed by those two Sonora EAST superstars Kylie and Rikki. It seems my connection with EAST will follow me wherever I go in the world, and I am okay with that. I know exciting days are ahead for EAST, and I look forward to keeping up. Living on the other side of the world from those you love is not easy. If fact, it is downright hard some days. But like all of you at EAST know, technology sure is great and makes the hard days easier to bear, when

you can text, chat, iMessage, Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangout and so on. From the beautiful Philippines, I wish all the best and many blessings to my EAST friends. Blake Welch

@blakewelch710 fb.me/blakewelch710 @SPPhilippines Monthly newsletter: eepurl.com/bixqCX Samaritan’s Purse: www.samaritanspurse.org SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

eginning this summer, the EAST Initiative decided to explore an intriguing idea: what would happen if 20 years worth of proven best practices from EAST were applied to a broad program of professional development for educators from every discipline?

THE RESULT: EDUCATION UNLEASHED. “This is a program that’s available to any teacher, curriculum coordinator or other education professionals, from kindergarten up through 12th grade,” said Jerry Prince, senior director of program services for the EAST Initiative. “We are excited that this allows educators to take advantage of our experience delivering professional development that is engaging, effective and, most importantly, ‘EASTized.’” What that means, at least in part, is utilizing technology in the service of solving a problem. With Education Unleashed, it’s meant teaching 21st century4

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based ideas for classroom management and growth.The program’s first course, “Accelerating Your Classroom with Free Technology,” was offered at 10 trainings hosted by educational cooperatives across Arkansas throughout the summer. Through these 10 sessions, EAST reached 164 educators from more than 100 schools -- 96 percent of whom said they would recommend this training to a colleague. “Very engaging and informative,” wrote one participant in a post-session survey. “This was the first technology class that I did not feel ancient in. And when I started with technology, it was with punch cards. So congratulations on a job well done.” “This was a good tech professional development,” wrote another. “I appreciate that you didn’t talk over my head in ‘techy’ language that I didn’t understand. Good job.” EAST’s goal is to continue offering these professional develop opportunities at schools, educational cooperatives and STEM centers. “We are very excited about the positive response and thank all of those who signed up for this first class,” said Prince. “We look forward to working with educators as we grow this program and expand its offerings.” Based on the overwhelmingly positive response, EAST is in the process

of developing other courses. In addition to continuing the “Accelerating Your Classroom with Free Technology” training, courses that are being developed include:

• Google Basics • Google Intermediate I • Google Intermediate II • Google Classroom • Experienced Based Education • Digital Mapping for teachers • 21st Century Skills • Community Engagement To request a visit from EAST staff at your school, educational coop or conference to deliver training, or for additional information, please contact EducationUnleashed@EASTstaff.org or call 501-371-5016. n

he theme for this year’s EAST National Service Project (NSP) is “Connected Communities.” It is no coincidence that this theme was chosen for this year, the 20th anniversary of the EAST Initiative, because connected communities are one of the core principles upon which EAST was built. The common theme among the strongest and most successful EAST programs is numerous healthy partnerships, and that is the focus for this year’s NSP. What defines a strong partnership? It is the mutual commitment between the parties involved to help each other grow and get stronger. For EAST programs, this means looking for mutually beneficial services that can be performed with – not just for – their communities. It goes beyond simple volunteerism and awareness. It’s being a part of a solution and encouraging others to be part of that solution as well. Partners exist everywhere you look. Every EAST program is surrounded by groups and organizations whose mission is to build stronger communities in their towns and regions.

Many of these groups are focused on helping students and schools. This is an opportunity to return the favor – and build on it. An EAST program aiming to create a successful NSP will start the school year by finding these nonprofit organizations, civic groups and, yes, even school organizations that could use the unique skills that EAST cultivates. Students should seek to set up meetings and see how, working together, their passion for positive change and access to technological resources can help such groups in their missions and do things no one believes possible. Students can even help the local business community become better corporate citizens. EAST students and programs get stronger by working together with those around them. In doing so, they’ve gone above and beyond traditional expectations for two decades. This year, the objective is to encourage taking partnerships to the next level. By getting connected, EAST can help change the world. n SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

EAST COMMUNITY

he EAST family continues to grow both within Arkansas and outside of it with the addition of 14 new schools in the Natural State that have added an EAST program for the 2015-2016 school year, as well as another addition in Oklahoma. “We are very excited to welcome these schools into the EAST family. Our continued growth means that even more students will have access to cutting edge technology and innovative educational experiences,” said Matt Dozier, the EAST Initiative President and CEO. “The projects that these schools undertake this year in applying computer science to community service will have an incredible impact on the students, the schools and their communities.” Programs in Arkansas are primarily funded by the Arkansas Department of Education. These include new programs at: «Gentry Public Schools (Gentry School District) «Central Junior High School (Springdale School District) «George Junior High School (Springdale School District) «Greenbrier Middle School (Greenbrier School District) «Hackler Intermediate School (Mountain Home School District) «Heber Springs High School (Heber Springs School District) «Hot Springs Intermediate School (Hot Springs School District) «Lincoln Middle School (Lincoln School District) «Nettleton 9/10 (Nettleton School District, Jonesboro)

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«Quest Middle School of West Little Rock (Public Charter) «Riverside High School (Riverside School District, Lake City) «Southside Junior High School (Southside School District, Batesville) «Southwest Junior High School (Springdale School District) «Wynne Intermediate School (Wynne School District)

In addition to these, the Kiamichi Technology Center – McAlester Campus in Oklahoma also joined EAST in 2015. “I am so excited to see the success of EAST programs in Oklahoma build into opportunities for new programs and more students,” said Dozier. “Some of the strongest work in EAST is happening in the Technology Centers in Oklahoma and we are proud of their innovative approach to preparing their students for their futures.” “Adding our fifth program to the technology centers is a testament to the great work taking place in Oklahoma,” added Jerry Prince, EAST Senior Director of Program Services. “Kiamichi Technology Center in McAlester has all the components for a fantastic program, and we can’t wait to see all they accomplish.” For more information on implementing the EAST program, contact Tami Baker at 501-371-5019 or tami@eaststaff.org. n

#MFGDAY15

DO YOU LIKE BUILDING THINGS? Do you wish you could do that for a living after #MFGDAY15

you graduate from high school? Then you need to plug into

#MFGDAY15

MANUFACTURING DAY ON OCT. 2, 2015! Manufacturing Day has been designed to expand knowledge about and improve general public perception of manufacturing careers and manufacturing’s value to the North American economy. In addition, manufacturers will learn about business improvement resources and services delivered through manufacturing extension partnerships.

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#MFGDAY15

Supported by: For local information:

Host An Open House As a manufacturer it’s your opportunity to: • Tell your company’s story

• Dispel outdated myths about manufacturing

• Inspire a new generation of manufacturers

• Connect with potential customers in your community

• Learn about manufacturing extension partnerships that can improve your efficiencies and work force skills and boost your profits

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WHAT’S THE CATCH?

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will promote the open house schedule through and trade media campaigns which will alert thousands of people skilled to visit manufacturersby: and see that North American manufacturing is ageneral vibrant career path and employers need Supported to visit manufacturers and see that North American manufacturing is a vibrant career path and employers need skilled

workers. event will also make it possibleworkers. for manufacturers visitfor manufacturers other participating companies region that The event will also make it to possible to visit other participating companies inin theirtheir region that For localTheinformation: potential business partners – either as customers or suppliers. may be potential business partners – eithermayasbecustomers or suppliers.

Host An Open House Co-produced by:

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As aGuest manufacturer it’s your opportunity to: open house events Sign-up to visit other manufacturer’s producer: Media partners: • Tell your company’s story

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• Dispel outdated myths about manufacturing

to host an open house at your company •Register Inspire a new generation of manufacturers • Connect with potential customers in your community Sign-up to visit other manufacturer’s open house events

www.mfgday.com

• Learn about manufacturing extension partnerships that can improve your efficiencies and work force skills and boost your profits

• Visit other manufacturers to initiate business relationships and learn what is being made in your community SUMMER 2015

| EAST QUARTERLY

The core element to Manufacturing Day is the schedule of manufacturer’s open houses. Manufacturing Day producers

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

*Photos courtesy of Harrison Junior High EAST.

irst-year Harrison Junior High School facilitator Mary Beth Hatch was faced with a daunting but inspiring request early last spring. A former elementary school colleague contacted her about a student at the school born without fingers on one of his hands. The teacher had read about a process by which parts for a prosthetic could be 3D printed and manually assembled and wanted to know if Hatch’s EAST program, only in its first year, was up to the task. “At first, when I was asked if we could do it, I really thought, ‘I don’t know. Maybe? I think so.’ It was a really awesome idea, and I’m the type who really likes to go for it, so I said why not. And I think that’s the big thing,” said Hatch. And a big thing it turned out to be. To gauge commitment, Hatch presented the idea to all her EAST classes and asked for a pitch. The win8

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First-year EAST program tackles 3D-printed prosthetic BY SPENCER WATSON

ning students, her first period class, got to tackle the project. To do so, they partnered with nonprofit Enable Community Foundation. The organization operates a website (http://enablingthefuture.org/) through which they not only provide designs for a mechanical hand, they offer to create the 3D printing files once measurements are submitted. Once printed, the pieces are fitted together in such a way that wrist movement collapses the fingers of the hand to allow gripping and holding. “It’s not designed to hold up your entire body weight, but it will hold a lot,” said Hatch. The student, his mother and principal all came to visit the EAST class and see the 3D printer, after which measurements were taken to input and configure the file. Once received, it was printed with a MakerBot printer. “Once we had files, there was a team

of students who worked on that and made sure all the pieces and parts were printing every single day,” said Hatch. “And some of those you’re talking about 13 or 15 hour prints. “Unfortunately, the 3D printer messed up often,” added Hatch, who reckons her class had gotten quite good at troubleshooting printer issues. Despite the printing setbacks, word of the class’s work was nonetheless spreading. In the middle of the initial print, Hatch was contacted by another teacher from a different district, this one for kindergarten, who was also looking for a printed hand. Based on the initial pitch presentations, Hatch set another class to work. “Keep in mind, there was no manual on how to do this,” she said. “The assembly group had to watch and study YouTube videos to figure out how to do it.” To attach the mechanical hands, the class ordered Velcro kits for each one.

All told, their costs came in at less than $100 apiece, as opposed to commercially marketed concepts that run upward of $14,000. The hard part was the timeline. “The major challenge in this project was what little time we had to make the final project both easy to use and comfortable to operate,” said ninth-grader Katie Fowler, a two-year EAST student.

It’s hard to deny that something really awesome is happening.

are all drawn up – though they’ll take a lot of work, Hatch noted. But after the lessons of the past year, she doesn’t doubt what can be accomplished. “We couldn’t have had a better EAST project in that we were solving a problem and helping our community,” Hatch said. “Now, it’s hard to deny that something really awesome is happening.” n

The results from both hands, both presented in late spring, have drawn tremendous praise. Numerous local businesses stepped up and offered donations to sponsor future production. A student video team documented the process throughout and continues to refine their work. Of course, the lives of two young children have been changed -- and they aren’t the only ones. “One of the best feelings in the world is to see how greatly something you have created has impacted someone. So once I saw the reactions from our first recipient and his mother, it felt as if we had created something truly lifealtering,” said ninth-grader Brooklin Edwards, who has completed two years in EAST. That sense of accomplishment has invigorated students, Hatch said. So much so, in fact, they’ve already expanded plans for the coming year. The plan is to refine the hand design using photogrammetry to scan and print a realistic arm and hand, one controlled by sensors with robotics using tiny processors. It’s not just science fiction, the plans SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

ever let it be said that EAST students at Magnet Cove High School aren’t aiming high. A recent project was born of having eyes on the final frontier, partnering with NASA to make a video on the Robonaut, a mechanized robotic torso developed for use aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Working through the High Schools United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program, students created the video, which runs more than five minutes, to explore the history of robotic design, the technical aspects of the Robonaut, and the potential future applications of robot technology in space exploration. The project was chosen by students after doing research on various experiments being conducted aboard the ISS. Being a robot in space, well, there wasn’t much competition, even with other space-based experiments being as cool as they are. 10

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Working with NASA meant achieving a high level of professionalism, but the approach was no different from any other project, said facilitator Mike Nicolosi. “Any project we do, anything we take on, it’s all treated the same. The expectation is that we will work as though we are in a real company in the real world with our jobs and futures depending on the choices we make,” he said. The goal is to make the “right” choice for the client every time, and that’s on the students, Nicolosi said. “If I clearly establish the very high expectations by reminding the students who the clients are and remove the barriers from the kiddos’ working environment, they naturally meet and exceed those expectations. It’s not anything we didn’t already know. It is the reason EAST exists. These kiddos will blow minds if given the chance.” So, in addition to researching and writing the script, as well as doing 3D

modeling and rendering for the video, all told more than 40 students were involved, said Brittany Ledbetter, one of five project managers. To add some professional polish, and thanks to some friendly connections, they reached out to country artist George Canyon, a former Nashville Star contestant and national diabetes spokesman who works with kids. After getting a briefing on what EAST is, Canyon happily agreed to narrate. The end results were well received, to say the least. “Wow, that is the most professional, well narrated, special effect filmed video that I have ever watched!” said Florence Gold, Ed.D., HUNCH extreme science and implementation project manager, via email. “Congratulations to the Magnet Cove team! They did an amazing job. I loved how they developed the story from past to present to future dreams.”

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT Indeed, the project was so well received that Magnet Cove students were invited to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama to present, where they were not only flooded with requests for video work, but also were invited to participate in the prototype and design phase of HUNCH, which kicks off this year. “The astronauts aboard the ISS make a list of things that do not exist that they would love to have that would make their jobs and living quarters more effi-

cient, effective, and comfortable. These objects could include brackets, tools, stands, organizers, fixtures, joints, arms, etc.,” said Ledbetter. “We brainstorm potential design solutions and draw them up in 3D CAD.” Once the items are printed and meet NASA’s very strict specifications, they are either sent directly to the ISS or to another HUNCH school to be worked on, such as being cast in a different material. Being part of the prototype and design phase was the goal for Magnet Cove all along, but Gold had told them at the outset that it would likely take seven or eight years to reach that goal. Instead, EAST students achieved it in only one year. “I can’t believe you did this all in less than a school year,” Gold wrote to Magnet Cove EAST students. “You all must have worked for hours, days, weeks, months on end! … Your preview video goes beyond all my expectations.” As for where students will go this year, Ledbetter said it’s early to tell yet, but there are no limits. “We will continue pushing the envelope.”n SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

FACILITATOR PROFILE

BORN EDUCATOR FINDS JOY IN THE ENDEARINGLY UNDERESTIMATED BY SPENCER WATSON

on R. Roberts Elementary School EAST facilitator Carman McBride knew as far back as fourth grade that she’d go into education. Even then, she would study her teachers — not just what they said, but how they said it. She began to analyze their teaching styles and started developing her own even at 9 years old. It’s a lifelong habit that recently won notice, with McBride having been selected as a 2014-2015 Milken Educator Award recipient. A graduate of Texas High School in Texarkana and then Texas A&M University-Texarkana, the third-year facilitator noted she wasn’t familiar with EAST until she started working as a fourth grade teacher at College Hill Elementary, which had an EAST classroom. 12

EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org

“It always looked like a really unique program, a really cool outlet for kids,” she said. “I was immediately drawn to the EAST model. I strongly believe that self-directed learning is what’s best for kids.” It turns out that her familiarity with EAST helped when she made the move to Little Rock five years ago. At the time, elementary EAST programs were harder to find than today. “When I moved to Little Rock, I still was very interested in EAST. Interestingly, I got called into my first interview in Little Rock because I came from an elementary school that had an EAST program. Even though I wasn’t interviewing for an EAST position, they wanted to pick my brain about EAST,” she said. She was hired at Roberts Elementary as a fourth grade teacher and spent three

years in the classroom. When the former EAST facilitator retired in 2012, McBride immediately applied. “One time someone asked me what my ideal teaching job would be. I immediately said EAST. That’s what I wanted to do. That would be my dream. Even now, they ask what I want to do, and I want to be an EAST facilitator. It’s my cozy spot. I’m in my right place.” The reason for that, said McBride, is that every day offers facilitators a teacher’s favorite payoff: seeing a kid’s face light up with understanding. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have the technology always changing and keeping you on your toes. “I don’t ever know what’s coming. I’m never bored. I’m not teaching the same thing every year. I’m not going

through testing. Parents love it. The community loves it. Kids love it. And I love it.” It’s also rewarding applying the EAST model to elementary students, McBride said. “What’s really cool about working with these younger kids is that no one has told them they can’t, so they can.” That means they’re sometimes underestimated by community partners — that is, until those partners meet them and see what they can do. “I have watched the perception in the community change as these students prove them wrong time and time again. It has been amazing to watch my third, fourth and fifth graders conduct research and create presentations on their projects and then present them to community members. “When the adults realize the kids know their stuff, they are taken seriously — that’s when the students realize, wow, I can really do all of this! And that’s the best part about being an educator. I am given the opportunity every day to show the kids what they are really capable of. And if you can do that for them early, they can do that for themselves forever.” n

WHAT’S REALLY COOL ABOUT WORKING WITH THESE YOUNGER KIDS IS THAT NO ONE HAS TOLD THEM THEY CAN’T, SO THEY CAN.”

SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

BUILDING ANTICIPATION S

o, why did the EAST Initiative cross the road? The answer is no joke. In relocating its offices from Saddle Creek shopping center, where EAST has been headquartered for most of its 20 years, to a building across the street from it, the organization found a long-term investment that’s made it stronger. “EAST continues to grow, and this space allows us to expand training and professional development, as well as serve as a resource to the entire EAST community,” said Matt Dozier, president and CEO of the EAST Initiative. The desire to move, said Mary Forst, chief financial officer for EAST, dates back to 2012, when members of the Board of Directors asked staff to explore new spaces and compare rents, particularly given the newly emerging options in downtown Little Rock. What the staff found, however, was that many buildings didn’t fit EAST’s needs. “We looked at a lot of different buildings,” said Forst. “Looking for somewhere downtown wasn’t feasible for safety reasons, because the kids sometimes go outside during trainings. And parking was an issue, because we have school buses coming in. Really, everywhere we looked for leasing in Little Rock and North Little Rock generally, we were just coming up empty.” With those leasing difficulties considered, Forst said, by 2013 directors started to warm to the idea of purchasing a building. The question would be where. 14

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“There were several buildings in the running: one on Cantrell closer to 430; another in Midtown in the area of Mississippi, 12th Street and Kanis was a possibility; and there was one off of University we really liked, but it sold before we could make any type of offer.”

DESIRE FOR EFFICIENCY LEADS TO INVESTMENT By Spencer Watson

Then there was the building at 6215 Ranch Drive, formerly a State Farm office. Forst and another staff member toured it early, but Dozier at first was wary of taking on the expense of moving just to cross the street. Then the building went under contract with another potential buyer, so the search focused on the Argenta neighborhood of North Little Rock for a time. “There was a property we explored, but it was much larger than what we needed -- and it needed extensive remodeling down to the steel frame. Argenta is a very happening place, but ultimately the discussions came down to EAST having to buy the building rather than someone else buy and let us lease. We just weren’t ready to take that on,” Forst said. In the meantime, however, the Ranch Drive location came available again. And Dozier, having toured it, saw its potential despite being slightly smaller than Saddle Creek: 13,598 square feet instead of 14,311. On Oct. 16, 2104, EAST closed on the property, purchasing it for $1.65 million with the help of Realtor Todd Rice from Colliers and financing provided by First Security Bank.

“It’s not a dramatic difference of size, but it’s a much more efficient use of space,” Dozier said. “In the old location, we had redundant entrances, wide hallways, things that wasted space. Here we were able to craft a much better layout, and we’re not spread out among three buildings.” The new layout required a 10-week renovation by Clark Contractors, largely to move interior walls. The end result allowed for the creation of distinct spaces each designed for a specific purpose -- student training labs, professional development, etc. -- but not without some flexibility to adapt. That feature will allow EAST to offer its space for single-day rental when not in use, a revenue stream that goes toward paying for the building, Forst

FEATURE STORY

said. But the primary purpose will be for EAST training and development, which went into planning the design. “We put the labs and the PD room in the center because that’s the central focus of who we are and what we do. The glass walls and doors were just icing on the cake. What better way for people to come in and see what we do than to actually be able see it?” Forst said. The new space was also augmented by a $244,000 grant from the Arkansas Department of Education, which provided furniture, movable tables and computers for space used by students and facilitators. All told, the investment, while expensive, is a benefit to the organization, Forst said. The reason lies in the accounting.

“In all honesty, there’s a certain point on a balance sheet where it actually looks like you’re not leveraging your money as well as you could be,” Forst said. “It may sound funny because there are a lot of people who feel like debt is not good for you, that it’s better if you just pay outright. But, from a business perspective, debt is considered leverage to be able to build your company and do more things. So every business class that I’ve ever taken has talked about how debt can be good, because it enables you to grow.” And the net result has been exactly what the board was looking for, Forst added. “Ultimately, our building loan payment plus all normal expenses is less than what we were paying in rent,” she said.

With a gala February 2015 open house well attended by many, including Gov. Asa Hutchinson, and successful Phase trainings all summer, the space has proven a hit in and outside the EAST community, Dozier said. And it will be on display again on Oct. 1 as EAST opens its doors for EAST Night In, a precursor and preview for site-based celebrations of EAST Night Out. “We’re giving schools the chance to take the spotlight and present what they’ll later be showing to their local communities on the largest stage we can provide. We know that, given the opportunity, they never fail to light up that stage. EAST Night In will be a great way to begin this season.” n SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

SITE SUPPORT

love of education, and particularly the EAST approach to it, independently drove Rinda Hall and Beth Hicks to become new members of the EAST Initiative site support team. The two both joined the staff this summer. “Every time I came up here to the EAST offices, I got this happy, warm and fuzzy feeling,” said Hicks, who was the facilitator at Lonoke Middle School prior to joining the staff. “So it was just one of those things. There was a job open, and I love what EAST is doing.” For Hall, who taught at Searcy High School for three years, the rationale was slightly different. 16

EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org

“I really felt like this was one of those chances to set an example of what I always taught students, that you’ve got to keep pushing yourself outside your comfort zone and make yourself see how useful you can be,” Hall said. And “useful” is exactly what both former facilitators will be. A mind to consult, an ear to listen or occasionally just a shoulder to cry on – both say the most important thing in site support is, ultimately, being attentive. “I hope to help provide whatever is needed: feet on the ground, a listening ear, a cheerleader and moral support, help with one student that no one has been able to connect with.

I’m truly here, no matter the situation,” said Hall. “I like to try to be a very positive person. I’ll be someone who comes in there and is very positive with you,” said Hicks. “Not that we have all the power to change everything, but if we can give a little tidbit of advice here or throw a sentence or two in there, that’s one of those little victories that might change things.” Both new staff members came to education by way of an inclination for business. Hicks, a graduate of Cabot High School, earned bachelor’s degrees in business administration and management from Arkansas State

FORMER FACILITATORS JOIN SITE SUPPORT

Pair will offer aid with open ears, positive attitudes

By Spencer Watson

University (ASU) before getting a master’s in education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). Hall went to Searcy and graduated from UALR with a degree in public relations before going on to work in event planning for a nonprofit then purchasing for the state land commissioner’s office. She also went into business working trade shows with her husband. Always wanting to teach, she went back to school and earned a second bachelor’s in teaching from ASU.

This was one of those chances to set an example of what I always taught students, that you’ve got to keep pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.

Both acknowledged they weren’t familiar with EAST before hopping into teaching. For Hicks, she’d taught science and was looking to teach business when she was offered EAST. “I said, ‘Cool. What’s EAST?’ They gave me a rundown … and I said it sounds wonderful, I’m in.” Hall, on the other hand, got “divine intervention” by way of a close friend who called and – no joke – claimed to be the voice of God telling her to apply for the EAST post at the high school. “I’d not ever heard of it. However, the son of another dear friend of mine was in that EAST program. So, before going to the interview, I went and talked with him and asked him what is EAST all about.” Both say they’re thrilled to be sharing that lesson with facilitators nationwide. n SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

EAST ALUMNI

A PUBLIC INTEREST B

eing in the EAST program often gives students the confidence to reach for the stars in their careers. Many would argue they have no limit to what they can achieve, given how EAST has equipped and trained them to be successful, world-changing adults.

EAST Alum pursues service, finds success BY BLAKE WELCH

That has certainly been the case for EAST alum Ben Farley, J.D., who graduated from Fayetteville High School in 2001. In the 15 years since his graduation, Farley has dedicated himself to public service and public interest work that spans the globe. He is currently working for the U.S. Department of State as an adviser to the Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure.

EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org

*Photo courtesy of Ben Farley

“EAST provided me with my first experiences with public service,” Farley said. “Through EAST I was exposed to the realities of public sector work at the local, state and even federal levels. In many respects, EAST is responsible for my commitment to service and for the public interest orientation of my career.” Farley has paid his dues, so to speak, with his extensive education and government work. He holds two bachelor’s degrees in astronomy and physics from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst; a master’s degree in international affairs with an emphasis on U.S. foreign policy and international security from the George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs; and earned his law degree with honors from Emory University School of Law, where he served as editor-in-chief of the Em-

In many respects, EAST is responsible for my commitment to service and for the public interest orientation of my career.

ory International Law Review and was named Most Outstanding 3L (thirdyear law student). Farley generously credits EAST as an early influence in pursuing his career. “EAST helped me realize the importance of government and civil society, and the real impact smart, dedicated individuals can have by devoting themselves to the public interest,” Farley said. “Those lessons and that exposure cultivated my dedication to the public interest and, as a result, guided my decisions to work for political campaigns, a member of Congress, civic-related nonprofits and now the federal government.” Farley worked for a senator and for a private consulting firm focused on political developments in the Middle East while studying for his master’s degree. Between graduate school and law school, he worked on a presidential campaign. During law school, Farley worked for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Voting Rights Project and for a large public-sector union. Upon earning his law degree, he spent one year as the chief of staff of a nonprofit organization before joining the

ALUMNI,

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

State Department as a Presidential Management Fellow. Farley is proof there is no question that EAST can lead students to superior educations and successful, influential careers, positioning them to make a difference in the world. “When I was in EAST, we had to identify and design our own projects, justify those projects to the facilitators and then earn the buy-in from relevant stakeholders. We also had to take responsibility for some aspect of the care, maintenance and operation of the EAST classroom itself,” Farley said. “To be successful in EAST, we had to be successful in both roles and, as a result, we quickly learned to be leaders by exhibiting vision, integrity, accountability and, most importantly, discipline.” Farley encourages EAST students to dream big and embrace challenges to be successful. “Take risks. Complacency, in your career and life, is easy. It is much more difficult to take risks and to recognize and act on opportunities,” Farley said. “But seeking out and choosing challenging paths is one of the best ways to learn and to grow — and one of the surest ways to find fulfillment.” n

/EASTalumni @theEASTalumni Education doesn’t end with graduation, and no one knows that better than EAST Alumni. So where has EAST taken you? Check in with us via social media. Post a picture and let us know when and where you graduated, along with what you’re doing now. Use the hashtag

#EASTalumni.

Become a registered member of the EAST Alumni for free today!

www.EASTalumni.org

SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

Summer SEMINAR EAST 2015

P H A S E

EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org

BOOT

CAMP

T R A I N I N G

EVENTS

SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

SAVE THE DATE

Visit www.EASTnightout.com to find an event near you! 22

EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org

GEEK SPEAK

EFFICIENT TROUBLESHOOTING A step-by-step process for fixing technical issues

ave you ever had a computer crash in your EAST classroom? How about those annoying pop-up advertisements or confusing error messages? Do you know how to find solutions to these problems? The EAST Technical Support Group (TSG) is here to help. When an EAST classroom is faced with a technical issue the first step is to assess the situation and gather information. Once you have identified the issue, you may find that resources in your EAST classroom can help you better understand what’s wrong and to find a solution. Oftentimes, the best resources in the EAST classroom are other EAST students. I don’t just say that because it’s my job, but rather because I’m an EAST Alumni and EAST Scholar myself, so I know what it is like to be a student in need of answers. Students around you may have already experienced or read about the issue and know how to resolve it. If they don’t, your facilitator may be familiar with the issue and can help find a solution. If students in the classroom have not experienced the technical issue, Google it! There are many support websites and forums out there for every piece of hardware and software in

the EAST classroom. These websites are great resources and can be used to help solve most technical issues.

having to wait on one person’s return. When contacting the TSG be sure to include all the details related to the

IMPORTANT NOTE: If an error code or pop-up message appears, try Googling the exact error message being displayed. This is a process that I use in my daily life as I support students and facilitators with technical issues. Many times this will provide answers. If the solution is not found on the Internet, try searching the EAST website. There are a number of tutorials available, along with the student forums, which focus on issues other EAST programs have encountered and the solutions they have discovered. You still haven’t found a solution? That’s all right; the EAST TSG is available to assist in finding solutions to technology needs for your EAST classroom. The first line of communication between you and TSG should be through our Help Ticketing System (unless it is an emergency). This system is preferable to direct email because it allows all members of the team to view and reply to your issue quickly. Why is this important? It means that if one of us is away from the office, another TSG member can still continue to help you in resolving your issue rather than you

issue and the steps already taken when trying to resolve it. With this information, TSG can help in the most efficient manner possible. A Help Ticket may be submitted on the EAST Initiative website at bit.ly/TSGhelpTix. If a software license is needed for software provided by the EAST Initiative, email tsg@eaststaff.org. n

Marisa Damm was recently promoted to the position of Lead Technical Support. Damm has been a member of the EAST Technical Support Group since 2012, is currently an EAST Scholar at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is an EAST alumna from Mountain View High School.

SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 2015 1st 8th 9th 15th 16th

Springdale Little Rock Jonesboro Little Rock Little Rock

17th 22nd-23rd 24th 29th-30th 29th-30th

Administrator Training

Little Rock Nationwide Jonesboro Little Rock Little Rock Fayetteville Little Rock Little Rock Fayetteville Little Rock Nationwide Fayetteville Little Rock Little Rock

20th-21st 20th-21st 21st 22nd-23rd 22nd-23rd 26th 27th-28th 27th-28th 29th 29th 29th 29th-30th 30th 30th

3D Modeling with Maya

Fayetteville Introduction to Geospatial Technology Little Rock 3D Modeling with Maya Fayetteville CAST The Why of Where: Water and Environment Fayetteville Final Cut Pro Ozark Introduction to Adobe Photoshop (Elem./Mid.School) Little Rock Basic Video Camera Workshop Little Rock Adobe Premiere Little Rock

17th-18th 17th-18th 19th-20th 20th 26th-27th 30th-Dec.1 30th-Dec.1 30th-Dec.1

CAST The Why of Where: Geospatial Workshop

Administrator Training

Student Technical Training Registration Go-Live Administrator Training EAST Initiative Board of Directors Meeting Administrator Training

Remix Administrator Training Phase II CAST The Why of Where: Your Community

Mountain Home Little Rock Texarkana Little Rock Little Rock

OCTOBER 2015 1st 2nd 3rd 5th-6th 5th-6th 6th 7th-8th 7th-8th 8th-9th 9th 13th 19th 20th 20th

EAST Night In

Manufacturing Day Forge IDEA Challenge Phase II Reality Capture Workshop Adobe Premier Phase II Introduction to Unity 3D Introduction to Adobe Photoshop Digital Photography Concepts EAST Night Out System Administration (Elem./Mid. School) Administrator Training Internet Design I

Final Cut Pro Administrator Training Basic Camera Workshop (Elem./Mid. School) Introduction to Geospatial Technology Introduction to DSLR Photography T3G Training CAST The Why of Where: Geospatial Workshop Administrator Training HELP ME! Design a Winning Poster Content Management Systems (CMS) I CAST Introduction to Geospatial Technology Introducing Max: An Instructional Overview of 3D Create Android Apps with an MIT App Inventor

Little Rock Fayetteville Monticello Fayetteville Little Rock Fayetteville Little Rock Fayetteville Little Rock Little Rock Little Rock Fayetteville Little Rock Little Rock

NOVEMBER 2015 2nd-3rd 3rd-4th 4th-5th 9th-10th 9th-10th 12th-13th 12th-13th 16th

CAST Reality Capture Workshop

EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org

Little Rock Little Rock Phase III Fayetteville Introduction to Unity 3D Crowleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ridge Fruity Loops Little Rock Thanksgiving Holiday, EAST Headquarters closed Little Rock Phase III Little Rock CAST The Why of Where: History and Culture Fayetteville Advanced DSLR Photography

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SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

INNOVATION HUB

GAINING STEAM By Errin Dean

he Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub is excited to offer our platforms for education, school field trip schedule, after school workshops and membership levels. The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub’s Launch Pad houses a Community Resource Learning Laboratory. We provide tools, infrastructure, knowledgeable mentors, facility and time to learn. Our mission is focused on open-ended and hands-on learning based on the concept of platform education. Our platforms support a variety of disciplines and skills that apply to real world challenges. Nurturing and inspiring curiosity will always result in knowledge. We believe curiosity is the most important tool for learning. Our mission statement is to be the bridge that connects schools, museums, libraries and industries. Schools are the gardens of our population, museums are the fountain of inspiration, libraries are the seeds of information, industry is the support of generations and we are the tools of application. We can work together to grow the future of our world. The Hub has some wonderful after school workshops available starting Sept. 8. They are offered from 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons for ages 10-17.

EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org

Tuesdays “All About Electricity” An open-ended exploration of electricity, electronics and complex circuits. Learn the rules and components required to repair, design and build electronics. After learning the basics, get hands-on with projects from simple switches to radio controlled aircraft.

WEDNESDAYS “COMPUTER TECH” Everything in the 21st century begins with computers. From coding and programming to exploring space, you can do it all from behind a computer terminal. Video games, computer aided design, networking, video/music editing; computer skills are powerful tools for discovering and exploring the world.

THURSDAYS “FAB LAB” Take the skills you learn in electronics and computing and make things. 3D printing, computer controlled laser cutters, sewing machines, screws, glue and thread. Materials combine with one another to create the inventions that you design. From fashion to function, learn to make the things you dream.

INNOVATION HUB FIELD TRIPS Field trips may be scheduled Monday- Friday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Our workshops are customizable according to age and curriculum and are built on our four main platforms: Electricity, Computers, Additive and Subtractive Manufacturing and Fabrication. We believe understanding a concept begins with understanding each component of that concept. There is no better way to learn than hands-on application. Our tools and equipment bring concepts to life. Our laboratory is your classroom, from mathematics to physics and simple machines to computers. Please contact me for more information at edean@arhub.org. Our members are a great part of our Maker community. We have several different types of memberships available. For example, our individual Hub membership is $60/ month, and you receive access to all of the equipment and 100 hours per month. Please visit our website for more information on our membership levels. Come see us at the Hub! We are happy to give you a tour and explore all we have to offer. We look forward to seeing you and having fun with innovation! n

Thank You

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to all of our sponsors and supporters who help make EAST happen for students.

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SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY

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EAST STAFF

We asked the staff “As a student, what was your favorite part of going back to school?” Matt Dozier

President / Chief Executive Officer Matt@EASTstaff.org

Mary Forst

Chief Financial Officer MaryF@EASTstaff.org

“Really my absolute favorite part was having those pristine notebooks that had yet to be filled in with notes, doodles, or random scratchings. To this day nothing holds more promise to me than a blank page.”

“There are several things I looked forward to at the start of school. In high school I was mostly excited to see the end of three-hour dance practices in the heat every day, but I also looked forward to the chance to make new friends. In college, I was always excited about all of the new things I would learn.”

Tami Baker

Lori Canada

Program Coordinator Tami@EASTstaff.org

Program Coordinator Lori@EASTstaff.org

“I grew up in the small town of Mt. Vernon (population 124) and was one of 19 in my graduating class. Back then, we really didn’t worry about driver’s licenses too much. Regardless of our age, if we could drive and had a vehicle, we drove! When I was in high school, the start of the year meant I got to drive my daddy’s 1983 Chevy Silverado to school! I thought I was hot stuff!”

“The start of the school year meant a shift of activities for me. Summers were always full of 4-H activities and friends from across the state. When school started, my days were filled with school work, practicing for cheerleading, piano, and fiddle. I was the nerd that actually liked to learn and come back.”

Lisa Cook

Toni Cook

Professional Development Coordinator Lisa@EASTstaff.org

Purchasing Coordinator Toni@EASTstaff.org

“I lived in a small rural community, and back then it was long distance to call almost all of them, so I was excited to get back to school and see my friends!”

“Having a type A personality and being naturally extroverted, I’ve always loved going back to school. At school I could get the constant interaction I craved as an extrovert, and was able to drive my teachers crazy with all of my anal-retentive habits. I think I may have actually driven some teachers crazy, but in my defense it was a short drive for them.”

Adam Crider

Marisa Damm

Programmer

Adam@EASTstaff.org

Lead Technical Support Marisa@EASTstaff.org

“I always looked forward to being able to travel with the band and see new places.”

“Considering I am a senior in college… with every long walk across campus, I can think about how I am one step closer to having my diploma in hand! The pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in Information Science as a successful EAST Scholar!”

Jessica Dunham

Doug Gusewelle

Events Manager

Jessica@EASTstaff.org “I couldn’t wait to run for class president!! Yea, I was that kid.”

EAST QUARTERLY | www.EASTinitiative.org

Technical Resource Specialist Doug@EASTstaff.org “I got my degree in Computer and Electrical Engineering. My favorite part was learning the ins and outs of electrical systems.”

Rinda Hall

Program Coordinator Rinda@EASTstaff.org

Phaedra Hawkins

Student Training Coordinator Phaedra@EASTstaff.org

“I couldn’t wait to see my friends and see how many teachers would mispronounce my name the first day of class... Brenda, Linda, Dorinda... It was kind of disappointing if they got it right the first time. Oh, and taco day. Homemade cinnamon rolls... yum!”

“In elementary school (living in the country -- Palestine, Arkansas), it was being with my best friend. We lived far apart, so we only saw each other during school. In high school (living in the city -- Milwaukee, Wisconsin), it was being involved in school activities, NJROTC class and being on the honor roll.”

Beth Hicks

Eric Holt

Program Coordinator Beth@EASTstaff.org

Internet Services Manager Eric@EASTstaff.org

“I’m a very social person, so I really looked forward to seeing my friends more frequently and the chance to make new friends. I was also involved in several school clubs and on dance team, which kept me busy during the school year, and I loved it!”

“I looked forward to seeing all of my school friends again, and eating square floppy pizza.”

James Hopper

Cody Jones

Project & Development Coordinator James@EASTstaff.org

Staff Accountant Cody@EASTstaff.org

“I grew up in Texas, and as some of you may have heard, Texans have football fever. I loved playing football, and the games I played in are still some of my best memories of high school.”

“Going into my senior year, my high school started a soccer program for the first time. That was definitely the most excited I had ever been to kick off a new school year.”

Dave Lewis

Jerry Prince

Designer

Dave@EASTstaff.org

Senior Director of Program Services Jerry@EASTstaff.org

“For me, going back to school meant playing in Friday night football games, experiencing new and exciting classes, seeing all my friends every day, and of course finding out whether or not I got stuck with a bottom locker. Ahhh, memories...”

“Seeing how much larger the cracks got in the walls from the foundation shifting. My senior year ‘someone’ in my class got accused of talking. The talking was actually from a student talking through the crack in the next room.”

Melanie Ridlon

Tim Stephenson, Founder

Senior Director of Operations Melanie@EASTstaff.org “Surprisingly enough, marching band. We kicked off the ‘season’ a few weeks early and practiced daily in the hot sun. I loved every minute of it!”

Tim Van Dusen Network Manager TimV@EASTstaff.org “I looked forward to the beginning of football season."

Program Coordinator

Tim@EASTstaff.org “My senior year I could not wait to go back to shop class and build things.”

Spencer Watson

Communications Manager Spencer@EASTstaff.org “Call me crazy, but I always liked the mad rush of trying to get the best real estate (next to my friends) on locker assignment day. We also got our class schedules then. So you got to see everyone, but summer wasn’t quiiite over yet.”

SUMMER 2015 | EAST QUARTERLY