BigHope programs provide STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), education and experience for students through hands-on robotics and coding learning, literacy and math development, mentoring, and opportunities for parent/student engagement. Our programs are taught through a project-based learning approach that incorporates hands-on learning and online education resources, a high level of adult and student engagement, and enrichment activities and experiences.
BigHope currently serves students Pre-Kindergarten through high school attend Title I schools with a greater than 95% minority student population and 98.8% of students from low-income households. All BigHope programs include curriculum that align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the state’s academic standards. Our programs are delivered with low-cost materials and free, established online resources and are designed to be taught by educators, adults and teen mentors with minimal training and limited or no prior robotics experience. We engage with all student groups including students who are identified as English Language Learners, Talented and Gifted, and Special Education.Over the past eight years, BigHope has engaged more than 4000 students in elementary and middle schools, and community organizations in the Dallas Independent School District, empowering students, teachers, and parents, who otherwise do not have access to quality STEAM education and resources.
After the disrupted learning due to the pandemic, it is critical to engage and support students to address the catastrophic learning loss. BigHope uses low-cost materials and online resources to provide programs that are delivered through three, four-week projects per school year or summer program and include enrichment experiences and rewards and recognition.
Every gift has a direct impact on the children we serve:
$60 covers one BigHope project for one student
$180 covers one student's year long participation in a BigHope program
$3960 covers an entire class' participation in a BigHope program
BigHope prepares students in underserved communities for opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fields through education, engagement and inspiration. Founded by Oren O'Neal, an engineer and retired NFL player (Oakland Raiders), BigHope provides robotics, coding, mentoring, and other enrichment programs and activities to empower children living in low-income communities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
BigHope programs provide fun, hands-on projects with curriculum that incorporates new STEAM academic and social emotional learning with the development of existing math, reading and writing skills, and are easy for teachers to integrate into their class schedule. BigHope programs and activities are provided at no cost to students and their families.
The overarching goal of BigHope is to facilitate and accelerate STEAM learning for Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 12 students to develop foundational knowledge and critical skills to create pathways to future academic and career opportunities and to build a more diverse STEAM workforce.
With a high-level of engagement and encouragement, BigHope helps to build students' knowledge, self-efficacy, exposure, motivation, skills, and interest in their learning, and create more equitable access and true pathways for students to learn and thrive, with greater opportunities for their future.
Organization name
BigHope
Causes
Employment & Workforce Development, Youth & Children, Education - K-12
Operating Budget
$100,000 - $249,999
Counties Served
Dallas
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx
BIPOC Leadership
Both the Executive Director/CEO and Board Chair
Address
11625 Custer RD Suite 110 NO. 307