From volunteering to donating, there are a variety of ways individuals,
businesses, and organizations can contribute to the academic success of
Pasadena ISD students. With
several different programs and flexible scheduling volunteering is easy.
HOSTS Mentors
Volunteering your time in the HOSTS program can help a child's math and
reading skills improve. This popular program is offered at 19 Pasadena
ISD schools, with volunteers donating 30 minutes to one hour, one day
per week. For more information, contact Ginger Lay at (713) 740-0051 or
e-mail at glay@pasadenaisd.org.
Business/Community Partnerships
Business and community organizations can participate in the district's
Business/ Community Partnerships program by giving donations, resources
or volunteering at campuses. Some choose to "adopt" one school to
support, while others help as needed or as they are able.
GEAR UP
The GEAR UP Mentor program is a wonderful way for people who are looking
to become long term mentors to get involved. The program focuses on
preparing low-income students for post-secondary education. The mentors
are given the opportunity to continue the mentorship for six years all
while helping students choose their educational path. "It's important
for students to have adults in their lives who care about their academic
success," said Karen McCarley, Pasadena ISD GEAR UP coordinator. For
more information, please contact Karen McCarley at (713) 740-0919 or
e-mail at kmccarley@pasadenaisd.org.
Junior Achievement volunteers
Volunteers in the Junior Achievement program educate students on free
enterprise, business, and economics to help them better prepare for
their future. "To be able to join forces with strong school systems is
one of the best relationships we can have," said Jeff Hausler, Patients
Medical Center CEO. If you would like to get involved, contact the
Houston Junior Achievement office at (713) 682- 4500 or e-mail at
volunteer@jahouston.org.
Education Foundation
Supporting the Pasadena ISD Education Foundation is an excellent way to
help district educators. The foundation raises approximately $50,000 in
grants for educators who apply. "It is so great to be able to award a
teacher at a campus with a grant. There have been times when tears are
brought to a teacher's eyes because $1,000 can make their dreams for
their students come true. That is when you know what you're doing is
meaningful," said Randy Perry, Foundation president. You can support the
foundation by becoming a sponsor or volunteer at the annual McDonald's
Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament and or the Pasadena ISD
Education Foundation/ Dell Shining Stars Gala.
Speaker's Bureau
Combining education with "real life" experiences greatly enhances the
education process. Through our Speaker's Bureau you have the opportunity
to share your experiences with Pasadena ISD students during annual
career days. Business professionals, industry specialists and others are
welcome to come and discuss their careers.
Pen Pals Program
Writing is a vital part of education. The Pen Pals program can help a
child improve their writing skills. Just grab a partner and a pen and
join the Pen Pals Program. This program assigns partners to an
elementary school student to correspond with each other by writing
letters. Letters are exchanged monthly throughout the school year and in
March the partners will meet at a luncheon.
Each campus has its own volunteer and support needs so check with your
local school for specific opportunities. For more information on the
Business/ Community Partnerships, Education Foundation, Speaker's Bureau
and the Pen Pals Program contact Cindy Parmer at (713) 740-0288 or
e-mail at cparmer@pasadenaisd.org.
