Our Journey Forward
The Latest Marshall's Dream Program: Project Innovation
By Stephen Ford, MBA January 2, 2024
As Marshall's Dream enters into the 8th year of operation as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization we gratefully look back on our journey to this point. Countless meetings, endless emails, successful events, failed programs and more have told a story of our "DREAM". So, what is the "DREAM"? What is our organization's vision?
Our vision is to inspire the next generation to dream bigger than we could ever think of. This happens by providing the resources and the platforms for our children to build their hopes and aspirations upon. After raising $571,000, supporting over 10,000 children and securing over $225,000 in grant funding; we have diligently and strategically planned our next big step. Marshall's Dream is eager to build what we believe is our most innovative program yet. Project Innovation!
2016 - First Program in Mckinney Texas
Project Innovation: Closing the Technology Gap
There are many daunting realities that millions of children face daily. Some students experience environments filled with crime and poverty, others experience environments filled with drugs, while others struggle to stay connected. Marshall's Dream has remained diligent in combating hunger and crime throughout North Texas. We have much more work to do but, there is one barrier that has rapidly arose between students and their academic success: the lack of technology. We know with certainty, that if a student does not have enough food, they probably do not possess the money to purchase top of the line technology and high-speed internet connectivity. This barrier within education and our communities can be torn down with the right vision and support.
"One of every six public school students in Texas does not have access to high-speed internet, and 30% of them don’t have a “dedicated and adequate learning device” — a laptop or tablet computer — according to Texas educators who answered a voluntary state survey earlier this year." - Ramsey, R. 2020 Texas students' lack of internet access costing $250 million | The Texas Tribune
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Public Policy Associates, Inc. (PPA) found that on average 92 percent of school-aged children in Texas live in households that have some sort of internet access, and 85 percent own a computer; however, only 70 percent have what can be classified as high-speed internet access. Roughly one third (33%) of school aged children in Texas lack either broadband access or a computer. So, what is the Marshall's Dream solution? Technology & Business. Marshall's Dream has built Project Innovation to provide Texas students with technology, connectivity, and virtual business education.
Technology & Business Education can Change the Future
What if Texas students had access to new technology, high speed internet connectivity and full-scale access to business courses provided by a host companies and organizations who have joined together to close the technology gap among Texas students and beyond. The Marshall's Dream vision is too support Texas children with food, clothing, mentoring, tutoring, technology and business education. This is the formula for the future.
What's Next for Marshall's Dream?
Marshall's Dream needs your support. To build the application and to provide 70,000 students with adequate laptops and connectivity it will cost the Marshall's Dream Organization over $33,000,000 initially. We believe this is more than possible. With the help of our donors, leaders, grant providers and communities we can build an online ecosystem that provides students with business education, technological innovation and career development. This application will be a home for emerging students to learn, innovate and develop and we invite you to be a part of the process.
Become a donor or volunteer today by visiting www.marshallsdream.com.