Tag: Uplift Education

Uplift Education, a network of community charter schools in North Texas, welcomed the community to the new campus of Uplift Luna Preparatory at White Rock East with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration. The event included student-led tours throughout the 17-acre campus, which was purposefully constructed to create a school environment that positively influences students’ mental health and prioritizes both physical and psychological safety.

Uplift Luna, located at 9743 E RL Thornton Fwy in Dallas, combines Uplift Luna Primary and Uplift Luna Secondary, previously located in Downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum, respectively. With its new expanded footprint to East Dallas, Uplift Education leadership looks forward to bringing together Uplift Luna scholars, welcoming incoming Uplift White Rock Hills scholars from its feeder school, and engaging with the communities of far East Dallas, Garland, and Mesquite.

Uplift Education takes pride in being an active member of the Ferguson Road community and is looking forward to cultivating strong connections in East Dallas.

“As we unite Uplift Luna Primary and Uplift Luna Secondary under one campus, we are not just building classrooms. We are constructing a pathway to success, fostering a community where every student can thrive and discover their limitless potential,” said Yasmin Bhatia, CEO of Uplift Education.

According to recent statistics, 1 in 4 children and adolescents has received mental health services in the past year. Recognizing the urgency of addressing the mental health crisis among students, Uplift Education collaborated with the Center for Advanced Design Research and Evaluation (CADRE) and HKS, funded by the ASID Foundation, to conduct pre- and post-studies on the benefits of social-emotional learning (SEL) and its correlation with school environments.

The creation and implementation of a Design Guide for Uplift Luna will be studied for its effectiveness in SEL.

The design of Uplift Luna reflects an intentional focus on green spaces, providing students with areas to learn, relax and engage with nature. Recognizing the impact of physical surroundings on the mental well-being of students, Uplift Luna prioritizes evidence-based interior design strategies associated with embracing SEL. Access to green spaces, for example, has been shown to improve standardized test scores and graduation rates for students and improve problem solving and innovation for teachers.

“I feel like I have more space to do work and think, have club meetings, connect with friends, and have a moment to breathe,” said Alexia Daniels, Uplift Luna 11^th grader.

Key features at Uplift Luna include:

• 14,000 square foot UIL gym
• 14,000 square foot cafeteria
• Full-size play field for soccer and other sports
• 345 parking spaces with car line queues
• Central outdoor college-style quad area to encourage community.
• Dedicated Road to College and Career wing
• Larger classrooms with a maintained student-teacher ratio
• Ergonomic workstations- increase student comfort.
• Legibility and way of finding the clear use of colors and landmarks and signage for enhanced navigation.
• Enhanced security measures, including a new gated community, additional checkpoints, receptionists, and locked doors.

The Uplift Luna campus officially opened its doors to students on January 4, offering an upgraded educational experience for both students and teachers. The new facility is designed to provide a college campus feel, preparing students for their future endeavors. With more access to green space, state-of-the-art technology, and a variety of learning environments, Uplift Luna aims to create a holistic and supportive educational experience.

source: press release

Uplift Education, a public school charter network in North Texas, raised $520,000 during its 4^th Annual Dinner & Dialogue event at Union Station in Dallas, which included a $75,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor. More than 350 guests were inspired by stories of current Uplift students as well as alumni and were challenged by a riveting discussion with Uplift President Dr. Remy Washington and Shankar Vedantam, NPR correspondent and host of The Hidden Brain. 

Funds raised support Uplift’s Road to College and Career program, an innovative approach to supporting students currently attending an Uplift school through the college admissions process as well as after they have graduated to ensure college completion. 

The event, chaired by Uplift Board Directors Rev. Dr. Lael Melville and Dr. H. Michielle Benson, was filled with exceptional statistics of successful Uplift graduates, including the average wages of an Uplift graduate in Dallas County, based on a report by Commit!.  

Uplift graduates ages 25-32 make an average of $75,000 a year, compared to the Dallas County average of $48,000 a year. In addition, 100% of Uplift graduates are accepted into college. 

“At Uplift Education, we are passionate about providing our 23,000 scholars with the tools and opportunities they need on their journeys to economic opportunity and future generational wealth. The generous gifts we received empower Uplift to deliver on our promise of academic excellence, personal growth and postsecondary success for every scholar in our network,” said Uplift CEO Yasmin Bhatia. “Your generosity is especially meaningful given the economic challenges many of our scholars’ face. Your belief in their potential sends a powerful message.” 

During the event, Bhatia shared why Uplift’s outcomes continue to be significantly elevated compared to other public school districts. 

• Within the Uplift network of 45 schools, 78% of students will be the first to attend college in their family.  The “not if, but where” college culture begins in primary school, introducing students to future possibilities they have not seen modeled in their own families. College banners line the halls where elementary school students walk each day. Uplift takes students to visit college campuses in middle and high school. Huge celebrations are hosted for seniors to announce the college they will attend after graduation. It is engrained throughout their entire experience.  

• In their junior year, all students are matched with an Uplift Road to College and Career counselor to provide tools and support. The ratio of these college advisors to junior and senior students is 1 to 50, compared with traditional school districts’ ratios of 1 to 300.  With that level of personalization and coaching in the college process, students are supported with introductions to a robust college portfolio and setting big but attainable goals for the future. Advisors walk students and parents through financial aid applications and scholarship opportunities. The median scholarships earned per Uplift senior is $25,000. 

• Uplift’s unique approach includes an alumni success team whose jobs are 100% focused on supporting Uplift alumni – after graduation, through college and throughout their career.  Advisors serve as thought partners with alumni as they navigate roadblocks that might prevent them from completing college or advancing in their career.  

Uplift provides the same level of support for a small percentage of students who choose to start their career immediately upon graduation. Collaborations with Baylor Scott & White introduce seniors and alumni to healthcare careers that offer a competitive salary. Uplift connects students with additional training opportunities and certificate programs to build their experience before they start on the job.  

At the event, featured speaker Shankar Vendantam spoke about the impact of scarcity and how Uplift Education is overcoming the obstacles scarcity brings for many of its students.  

“Scarcity robs us of the capacity to look at the horizon,” said Vendantam. “Part of the benefit of Uplift’s work is helping kids to say – how do we get our eyes up from what’s right in front of us to see the horizon?” 

Amerigroup and McGriff were Magna Cum Laude sponsors of the 2023 Dinner and Dialogue event. Cum Laude sponsors included Bain & Co., Robert W. Baird & Co., Yasmin and Vik Bhatia, Buck Financial Advisors LLC, Capital One, Charles Schwab, Simon Chen, Nita And Cullum Clark, Pilar and Lew Davies, Nisi and Ardo Fuentes, Mandy Ginsberg and Madhu Rajendran, Greystar, HKS Architects, JLL Capital Markets, Joeris General Contractors, PMSI, Todd and Amanda Rapp, Regions Bank, James M. Stanton, Tegrity Contactors, and Thompson & Horton. 

source: press release