DiscoverU

Many out-of-school organizations address academic preparedness. DiscoverU tackles the other major dimension of this challenge: students’ mindsets, practical experiences, and social-emotional skill-sets. With our singular focus, DiscoverU connects students to the kinds of exceptional out-of-school programs that provide the foundation for success in high school, college, career, and life. Our name for these experiences is Fantastic Learning Opportunities.

By the year 2023, DiscoverU will be recognized across Greater Houston and beyond as the preeminent organization
promoting and connecting youth with high-quality, out-of-school learning experiences.

By the year 2023, at least 2023 students will complete FLOs annually with the support of DiscoverU.

By the year 2023, DiscoverU will have success influencing the policies and practices of educational and social systems
regarding the inclusion of high-quality, out-of-school learning experiences in the education of all youth.

STRATEGIES: 2018—2023
Goal 1. Expand and Refine Support Provided by the Governance and Advisory Boards
Increase membership in Board of Directors to 13; transition member responsibilities to fiduciary and policy; plan for board leadership succession; set goals for the Advisory Board

Goal 2. Achieve Financial Stability and Sustainability
Analyze revenue mixture; investigate establishment of a reserve fund; plan for sustainability; create and implement campaign to increase individual and philanthropic donations

Goal 3. Improve Visibility and Clarity of Messaging
Improve branding the include identifying language and continuity of visual designs; create press kit; upgrade website

Goal 4. Enlarge and Adapt Staff in Response to Growth
Hire for critical staff positions after analysis of need; adjust staff duties for optimal specialization vs cross-training; create professional development opportunities as part of staff benefits program

Goal 5. Enhance Technological Support for Students and Stakeholders
Commit significant new resources to technology support; create on-line handbooks and donor support; create mobile apps; add technology support to staff

Goal 6. Identify Efficiencies in Program Functioning for Students and FLO Providers
Map the “production model” for supporting students and engaging FLO providers; explore changes in student and provider systems to achieve efficiencies; inform staff hiring and organizational evaluation

Goal 7. Create Measures of Impact for Evaluation and Accountability
After review of existing data collection and use, build comprehensive evaluation system with useful indicators; develop reporting templates; engage an evaluation specialist

Goal 8. Promote the FLO Concept with Institutions and Other Non-Profits
Understand current influence of DiscoverU on school and agency partners; design and implement a campaign for
increasing awareness of the power of FLO’s and the importance of institutional commitment to providing them

DiscoverU is a mission-driven organization that equalizes access to high-quality, out-of-school learning experiences for all youth.
Through experiential learning, DiscoverU assists youth in developing a vision for their future and gaining the social-emotional skills necessary to succeed in college, career, and in life.

In addition to supporting youth directly, DiscoverU builds robust support systems that involve families, schools, communities, and learning-opportunity partners.

DiscoverU creates value in five distinctive ways.
1. A Breakthrough Model
DiscoverU delivers a system for identifying and vetting high-quality, out-of-school learning experiences, matching youth with the most promising opportunities, and supporting youth step-by-step: from initial awareness, through program access, to successful completion.

2. Financial Solutions
DiscoverU manages the costs associated with high-quality, out-of-school learning experiences using creative financial solutions. These include fostering the ability of youth to raise and save funds and to pay a portion of an opportunity’s participation costs directly, soliciting grants and donations to support DiscoverU, and negotiating scholarships with providers.

3. Relationship Management
DiscoverU builds strong and trustful relationships with youth, their families, schools, communities, and the partner organizations that provide learning opportunities.

4. Pioneering Information Systems
DiscoverU supports youth, their families, and school partners with technologies offering ease of access and essential information.

5. Quality People
DiscoverU attracts, develops, and retains a talented and committed staff.

In 2017 we supported 458 students through FLO completion in 8 schools. Last summer we supported 766 in 36 schools. This year we are serving 1,000 in over 70 schools.

In 2018-19, our 1,283 students submitted 1,805 Applications; 1,026 students earned 1,305 Acceptances; and ultimately 706 students lived 814 FLO Experiences. Those students earned more than $540,000 in financial aid and scholarships to participate in FLOs.

For students from 2011-2017:
98% of FLOsters rated their FLO Experience as "EXCELLENT" or "VERY GOOD"
98% of FLOsters experienced academic and/or social development as a result of their FLO.
86% of FLOsters consider their FLO experience to be a significant positive impact on their future success.

99% of FLOsters graduated from high school.
75% of FLOsters matriculated to a 2- or 4- year university.
45% of FLOsters who matriculated to college graduated within 6 years. (national average: 21%)
67% of FLOsters who matriculated to college are still working toward their degrees.