Environmental and Spatial Technology, Inc.
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Mission Statement
EAST Initiative creates an environment that fosters life-changing experiences for students through community service and technology. EAST provides innovative educational programming, technological tools, training, and support to students and teachers in an elective classroom.
About This Cause
EAST Initiative is a non-profit organization that works in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (and individual schools outside the state) to implement EAST elective programs in 257 K-12+ schools, working with over 1,000 teachers and administrators, and 26,000 students annually. Students are charged with identifying a problem within their community, finding a client affected by this problem, and collaborating with both fellow students and community members in developing solutions. Students use industry-grade technology to develop solutions and assist in problem solving in their communities. Students must think critically and be self-directed in their learning. EAST Initiative assists new schools in program implementation, and provides highly-rated professional development for new and returning facilitators (teachers) each year. EAST facilitators work with students and guide them through the problem-solving process, often acting as a project manager, allowing students to become the experts in individual aspects of the project but still work as a team. Administrator and stakeholder training prepares principals, counselors, and technical support personnel who have a direct impact on the program. Student trainings increase their technical and interpersonal skills while assisting in project development. In addition, EAST provides individual program support through annual site visits and technical assistance. Each year culminates in a professional, exhibition-style conference for students to showcase their projects, community partnerships, and learning experiences. The culmination of these experiences provides an opportunity for networking, growth, and connection to the greater EAST network. The idea of community is a central concept in EAST and is much broader than simple geography. However, 251 of our 257 schools with EAST programs are located in Arkansas, the 5th poorest state in the nation. Arkansas is lacking in technical industries, highly paid and skilled jobs, and trained workers. These are among our community’s greatest needs. Through the EAST model of service-learning using technology, students are engaged and motivated by their experiences. Confidence is created when they realize their unprecedented potential fostered by EAST classrooms, projects, community interaction, and events. This doesn’t happen accidentally; it happens because it is allowed to happen in an organizational environment that fosters individual respect, innovation and the fundamental freedom to fail on the way to solutions that do succeed. This culture rejects standardization and top-down edicts; its energy permeates from every level and role or function because each individual has a contribution to make that is necessary and valuable. Students and their communities reap the rewards of this model when graduates transition to the real world as leaders in their fields of interest. Examples include a project from Sonora Middle School where students are creating a motion sensor device that sprays cattle with disinfectant to prevent illness, by coding an Arduino device. Another example is from England High School, where students have been instrumental in bringing high-speed internet to the rural community and have completed projects with first responders, including creating a GIS map tracking water lines and valves.