Houston ISD Foundation

Mickey Leland College Prep Academy in Houston, Texas is a public all-boys magnet high school with a 97% non-white, 74% economically disadvantaged population and a 100% acceptance rate of graduating seniors to four-year universities. The Robotics team at MLCPA is made up of an awesome group of bright, motivated, sharp-as-a-tack young men with a keen interest in technology and engineering. Clubs like Robotics give them access to education and resources they may not otherwise have.

Similar programs at other local schools have Robotics budgets north of $500,000 - many, many, many times what the MLCPA team operates on.

But the funding gap doesn't stop them -- last year, they were the #1 UIL ranked team in all of the Houston Independent School District for Robotics, and were invited to compete at the state FIRST Robotics championship. Through the Robotics program, the MLCPA team has been able to meet and collaborate with students from around the world.

Unfortunately, despite their successful track record, they've been unable to secure the necessary funding in the 2018-19 school year to keep the program alive and remain competitive, leaving the team to rely on fundraising.

If you want to make sure these great kids continue to reap the benefits of a strong STEM education, please consider chipping in to help their bottom line. They'll appreciate it more than you know.

As many of you know, Houston has become my second home over the past four years. I have had the opportunity to travel to all corners of the city through my work with schools, visiting many communities represented by the Houston Independent School District (HISD ) - the largest district in Texas and the 7th largest in our entire country. The same communities that are underwater and need our help now to rebuild and regrow.

My experiences with leaders, teachers and students in Houston have changed the trajectory of my life - I have found purpose and meaning through my work in education. I have watched students recieve their first laptop, cheered on basketball teams and colorguards, sat in on countless classroom lessons, listened to choirs and watched dance troops. I have been brought to tears during honest conversations with students about their past struggles and family challenges - and most importantly gained inspiration and hope from their optimism, dedication and hard work. It is amazing what high-expectations, rigorous academic experiences and a community of caring adults can do for our kids. 

This disaster has impacted the schools - as of Monday, about 45 schools and administrative buildings (out of 325) have some water damage, including some that have experienced significant flooding. It is also leaving many administrators, teachers, and students without a home, car, clothes, and other essentials. Over 75% of the students in HISD are economically disadvantaged - this is a community that needs our help.

It's simple - let's give. I have chosen the HISD Foundation and they will direct the funds to the areas that need it most.

I am a private citizen trying to help as Hurricane Harvey has devastated Houston and it is still raining. HISD(Houston Independent School District ), set to start school on August 28th, is now delayed for at least another week due to Hurricane Harvey. In a district of 215,000 students, many will be in need of resources to start school. Donate to help students in HISD and help with clothing and supplies as the students come back to school.