June 1, 2004

Project GRAD Turns Ten

More than 3,000 parents gathered at the Brown Convention Center on May 25 to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Project GRAD (Graduation Really Achieves Dreams). The comprehensive Houston education reform program serves students, teachers, and families at economically disadvantaged schools by improving curriculum and teaching methodologies in underprivileged communities.

Sofie Smith (left), president of Parent Pals at Davis High School, presents a hard-earned $500 donation to Founder of Project GRAD and Former CEO of Tenneco Jim Ketelsen and HISD Superintendent of Schools Kaye Stripling. Thirty families in Parent Pals made the donation in appreciation of the life-changing program. This is the first monetary contribution made by parents in the program’s history.

“Project GRAD is working to ensure all students have an equal playing field, and for the past 10 years our success rates prove that the program works,” said Project GRAD Founder James L. Ketelsen, who began the program when he was the CEO of Tenneco. “In Davis High School, where we started our effort, graduation rates have increased by 77 percent (since 1992) and college attendance has tripled.” 

The Houston-based program has grown to include 73 public schools and more than 48,000 students in the Houston Independent School District. It is in 12 cities nationally.

“Project GRAD Houston has made marked progress toward closing the achievement gap between whites and minorities during the past decade, and we could not have done it without the support of our community, including every parent here tonight,” said Roy Hughes, executive director of Project GRAD- Houston. “This celebration demonstrates the power of possibilities. Project GRAD has helped remove the barriers to success for these families, and by showing their support, now they are helping Project GRAD extend its reach to others.”
 
Project GRAD relies heavily on parental involvement to combat the student dropout problem. It has even developed a comprehensive program called Parent University to involve the entire family in the education process. Project GRAD also sponsors the Walk for Success every year, during which volunteers visit the homes of students to inform them of the Project GRAD Scholarship and educational opportunities for parents.

At this year’s celebration, 30 families known as “Parent Pals” presented Ketelsen with a $500 donation they raised through bake-offs, pencil and jewelry sales, and other fundraisers. Parent Pals started two years ago after Project GRAD inspired adults to become active in their children’s education and serve as mentors to other school parents.   

“The contribution these families made to Project GRAD tonight means more than money; it signifies the ultimate in parent support,” said William Rios, director of parent and community relations. “It is rewarding to see such active participation from these families, many of which were not fully integrated into their children’s education process before the introduction of Project GRAD in their communities.”

In addition to increasing parental involvement, Project GRAD also helps families to fund higher education. For all students who fulfill the program requirements, Project GRAD provides a minimum scholarship of $4,000 to attend any accredited college or university in the United States. More than 2,000 students have entered college using the Project GRAD Scholarship since 1992.

“Project GRAD brought a positive feeling and hope to the community. It has given kids hope to go to college,” said parent Theresia Spearman-Sam, who learned math skills through Project GRAD to help her son with his homework. She has since become heavily involved in the program and is now the president of the Parent Teacher Organization at her school.

“I started Project GRAD because I firmly believe that every child deserves an opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Ketelsen. “I believe that if our nation does not do something to address the problems in its under-performing schools, many students—and eventually the nation—will suffer.”