With the growing role of technology in the U.S. economy, many jobs increasingly require skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These skills open the door to better paying jobs—improving the lives of disadvantaged students.

Moreover, the opportunity to pursue the American Dream is not the same for everyone. In fact, for children residing in urban neighborhoods, the "American Dream" has become the "American Nightmare" because their hopes are being crushed by multi-generational exposure to a failing school system that: (1) Picks winners and losers; (2) Opposes change; (3) Labels students as "lazy", "unmotivated", "slow learners"—increasing the probability a student will continue to fail in school and eventually dropout; (4) Limits student access to educational opportunities; (5) Hires teachers with limited math and science skills; (6) Suffers from teacher low-expectations for disadvantaged students; and (7) Lacks parent and community involvement.

In 2015, 4SIGHT, Inc. and The Douglass Initiative formed a strategic alliance called the Advocacy, Education, Science and Innovation Program or AESI Program. Together, we are inspiring and mentoring the next generation of scientists and innovators, by introducing the scientific method and the Life-Empowering Values™ of Frederick Douglass:  e.g. personal responsibility, economic prosperity, and a winner’s attitude.

AESI’s mission is to provide science education and advocacy for disadvantaged youth—high-poverty, low-income schools, with a targeted focus given to children with special needs and children of an incarcerated parent (Pre-K-PhD education).

Here is our funding need that will build towards a state-wide Urban Community STEM Center (view executive summary here).

Campus Tours . . .

So far, our students have toured the following colleges:

If you are interested in becoming a Corporate or Community Sponsor, contact us at AESI@thedouglassinitiative.org
or 256-797-0398 for more information.