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).[/text_block]

• TDI is closing the technical skills and academic achievement gaps of disadvantaged youth through robotics competition.
• TDI saves the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of dollars each year by helping people become functionable members of society—a viable alternative to incarceration and government dependency.
• Students learn to become critical thinkers—applying the Scientific Method across multiple academic fields and in their personal life.
• TDI changes hearts, minds and lives as evidenced by numerous testimonials from students, parents and teachers.
• TDI is striving to make AESI a state-wide program for improving low-performing, Title 1 schools. Fundraising is primarily for capital improvements and program expansion.