The Houston EA Foundation of Greater Houston establish a Mentoring Program called Texas Gym Rats in Houston, TX. Since 2006, the Houston EA Foundation has helped several hundred kids receive an academic or athletic scholarship from various colleges and universities without any financial assistance.  Each year the number of high school dropouts increases at alarming rates. With the help of our program, we can touch the lives of 100 boys and girls during the regular school year.  In the last two years we have encountered students with disciplinary and academic hardships at school. These kids require guidance and support in order to prevent further problems.  Our goal is to reach more kids this upcoming year due to the high response form school principals, teachers, coaches and parent who have all embraced our concept. We are volunteers that care about our community and we found it necessary to apply for financial assistance because the need is ever increasing. We don’t want to turn anyone away because of the lack of funds. We want to help all kids reach their educational and athletic goals.  

 Our objective is to increase parent participation and awareness, improve the graduation rate, improve state test scores and improve behavior with character development within our community.  We will build a solid academic foundation while teaching the proper study techniques in academics. Our mentors will assist families in preparing for their child’s school education.  Our program will prepare each student/athlete through test preparation and/or athletic workouts.  The Texas Gym Rats Program has four steps: (1) Fill-out the student profile page (2) Teacher/Parent/Student meeting (3) Place in a group of his/her peers (4) Tailor activities per individual needs.  Each teacher will have a structured program that offers boys and girls ages 10 to 18 a chance towards achieving academic and athletic success.  

 Activities will focus on academic enhancement through study techniques, homework assistance, group reviews, character building and developing personal skills in public speaking.  Students will respect each other, cooperate in their study groups and build trust among their peers. Competition and sports activities will help teachers identify special traits in all kids.

 The Houston E.A Foundation organization consists of dedicated individuals from varied socio-economic backgrounds. New recruitment efforts will encompass local employers, churches, elementary – high schools, colleges/universities and other volunteer organizations. An information package will be sent to school districts and employers to adopt Texas Gym Rats and allow special recruitment efforts within their organizations.

 In addition, Texas Gym Rats will have the opportunity to replicate this partnership with nearby school districts, community organizations and businesses in order to establish future mentoring programs for children outside of the Houston Area.