Explore Austin announced that it is expanding its program to teenage girls in addition to its existing programs for teenage boys.
The organization provides a six-year program designed to increase self-confidence, build character, and develop a sense of responsibility for students in 6th through 12th grade. Girls will be allowed to sign up for the program starting in 2011.
Two of our alumni, Mike Braeuer and Coy Morgan (both Acton Scholars 2009), and one of our Master Teachers, Jamie Matthews, are involved with Explore Austin.
“As an entrepreneur, I choose to serve because I was first served by others. At the end of the day, lasting joy will not come from the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow, but from the knowledge that somewhere in the world, I made a difference in the life of someone, who will make a difference in the life someone else. To me, entrepreneurship is the surest way of fulfilling this philosophy and knowing true joy the rest of my life,” said Braeuer.
We are excited about Explore Austin’s new endeavors and cannot wait to hear more about its activities.
Watch News 8 Austin’s piece on Explore Austin’s expansion.
Tags: Acton Alumni, Class of 2009, Service
Posted in Entrepreneurship, Students
Wow, this is great to hear. I’ve had friends participate in the Explore Austin program, and I know how valuable the experience can be for both the inner-city youth of Austin and their mentors. Now that the organization has opened its doors to teenage girls as well, so many more young women will have the opportunity to build their character, develop strong leadership skills, and hopefully become future entrepreneurs!
This is great news, because in my experience as a father of an almost teenage girl, it is difficult to find good programs that focus on girls. Especially programs that allow them face their fears and learn about themselves, helping them develop their confidence and discover their potential.
In a world with a lot of bad news and sometimes people just worried about themselves and their own interests, it is important to me that my daughter not only keeps developing her self-confidence and building her character, but also keeps in mind the consequences of her actions around herself, in this case, through team work activities, where they learn how their actions impact the team, building a sense of social responsibility.