We refer to our participants as “Explorers”. Our Explorers are underserved youth, from sixth to twelfth grade. 98% are of Hispanic descent and many come from single parent homes. We currently serve over 100 Explorers and will add approximately 30 more by 2012. Through our partnership with KIPP Austin College Prep, all of our Explorers enter the program as KIPP students, although several now attend other AISD Schools.
Here is what a few of our Explorers had to say about their experience:
Saul, 9th Grade
“The Explore Program is all about trying to get people to be more of a leader in their community and try to get them to get along together and work as a team to accomplish something they want.”
Gilberto, 8th Grade
“When people ask me what this program is about, I tell them it helps me get a better education, helps me stay focused, and helps me work with other people better.”
Juan Carlos, 7th Grade
“The difference between a person in Explore and one that’s not is if you’re in Explore you actually feel like you’re actually doing something to make yourself better.”
Jordan, 9th Grade
“I didn’t have a specific father figure and Jamie, Rusty, and Todd (mentors) helped me with that.”
Upcoming Program for Girls
Our boys program has been so successful that we are now looking forward to opening a new program for girls starting in the spring of 2011. For more information, please contact us.