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Transforming Education with the XQ America Super School Project

Introduction

Committed to transforming education through innovative practices and community engagement. This mission is greatly supported by the XQ America Super School Project (2016-2023), which aims to redesign the American high school experience to better prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. Spearheaded by Juan Elizondo and Furr High School leaders, our efforts have resulted in significant advancements in student learning, career preparation, and community involvement.

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The Vision

The XQ America Super School Project envisions high schools as dynamic environments that cater to the diverse needs of students. At Furr High School, this vision is realized through personalized learning pathways, hands-on experiences, and strong community partnerships. Our goal is to provide a holistic education that prepares students for both higher education and the workforce.

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Elizondo's Personal Commitment:

For Juan Elizondo, leading the XQ America Super School Project (2016-2023) as the Director of Partnerships and Grant Implementation was both an honor and a privilege. Born and raised in the very city he serves, Elizondo's deep connection to the community fuels his passion for educational transformation. His commitment to uplifting students and fostering community engagement is evident in every aspect of the project. By leading professional development for educators, organizing city tours to highlight environmental, social, and cultural insight, and collaborating with partners such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Texas A&M University, Elizondo ensures that students gain valuable experiences and connections to higher education.

​Key Components of the XQ Super School Project at Furr High School​
 

1. Personalized Learning Pathways

Furr High School offers a variety of learning pathways that allow students to explore their interests and develop their skills:
 

  • STEM Education: Focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, these programs equip students with critical skills for high-demand careers.
     

  • Vocational Training: Programs in agriculture, health science, and media production provide students with practical skills and certifications for immediate entry into the workforce or further education.
     

  • Project-Based Learning: Students engage in hands-on projects that connect classroom learning with real-world applications, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
     

2. Community Engagement and Partnerships

The XQ Super School Project emphasizes the importance of community involvement in education. At Furr High School, this is achieved through:
 

  • Collaborations with Local Organizations: Partnerships with the Houston Parks Department, Student Conservation Association, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provide students with internships, fieldwork, and community service opportunities.
     

  • Community Garden at Herman Brown Park: This vibrant garden serves as a living classroom where students engage in sustainable agriculture, addressing food insecurity, and learning permaculture principles. The garden is the largest of its kind in the city, state, and nation, making a significant impact on the community by providing fresh produce and educational opportunities.
     

  • Citizen Science Projects: In collaboration with Texas A&M University School of Public Health and the U.S. Green Building Council, students participate in citizen science tracks such as soil sampling, personal and community air monitoring, and public park assessments. These projects enhance data collection, promote environmental awareness, and increase interest in higher education​​​​.
     

  • Environmental Health and Resilience: Collaborations with projects like the Resilience and Climate Change Cooperative Project (R3CP) enable students to engage in citizen science and community action, addressing issues like inland flooding, hurricane surge, and poor air quality. This empowers students to transform their future by understanding and mitigating the impacts of environmental hazards​ (Island Press)​.
     

  • Parental and Community Involvement: Engaging parents and community members in school activities and decision-making processes to create a supportive and inclusive educational environment.

3. Career Preparation and Workforce Development

A key goal of the XQ Super School Project is to prepare students for successful careers. This is accomplished through:
 

  • Paid Internships: Programs like HTX Voices, created by Juan Elizondo, offered students paid internships that provide hands-on experience in fields such as media production, environmental science, and urban farming.
     

  • Skills Development: Students gain a variety of skills, from technical abilities in their chosen pathways to soft skills like communication, teamwork, and leadership.
     

  • Alumni Mentorship: Graduates of Furr High School and its programs, who serve as mentors to current students, guiding them toward their career goals.
     

4. Innovative Educational Practices

Furr High School incorporates innovative educational practices to enhance student learning and engagement:
 

  • Multimedia Production: Led by Juan Elizondo, students create and share stories that address cultural, environmental, and community history, developing their media literacy and storytelling skills.
     

  • Experiential Learning: Students participate in activities such as fishing, hunting, camping, and conservation projects, connecting with experts and gaining practical experience.
     

  • Professional Development for Educators: Elizondo leads school-wide professional development, promoting place-based education. Educators, students, and staff tour the city to understand the environmental, social, and cultural issues facing their community.

​HTX Voices: Empowering Students Through Storytelling

HTX Voices, funded by the XQ America Super School Project from 2020 to 2023, was created to provide students with hands-on experience in multimedia production. The program focuses on:
 

  • Career-Oriented Training: Offering hands-on experience in video production, editing, photography, and storytelling.
     

  • Fostering Creative Expression: Encouraging students to explore and express their unique voices through various media.
     

  • Connecting to Real-World Projects: Enabling students to create content that addresses cultural, environmental, and community history and stories.
     

Types of Stories Focused On

HTX Voices focuses on a diverse range of stories that highlight:
 

  • Environmental Health: Documenting initiatives and challenges related to environmental sustainability and community health.
     

  • Cultural Heritage: Celebrating the rich cultural diversity within our community and preserving important traditions.
     

  • Community History: Highlighting stories of individuals and groups working to make a positive impact in their communities.
     

  • Student Experiences: Sharing personal narratives of students' journeys, challenges, and successes.
     

Collaborative Efforts and Young Adult Involvement

Since 2023, HTX Voices has evolved into a collaborative effort involving young adults who were once students in the program. These alumni continue to contribute by mentoring current students, leading projects, and producing content that maintains the program's high standards. This ongoing collaboration ensures that HTX Voices remains dynamic and relevant, continually benefiting new generations of students.

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Alignment with Our Portrait of a Graduate

Our work with the XQ America Super School Project and HTX Voices aligns with the principles outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate by providing students with opportunities to develop as:
 

  • Skilled Communicators: Learning to convey ideas effectively through various media.
     

  • Critical Thinkers: Analyzing and creating content that addresses real-world issues.
     

  • Innovative Problem Solvers: Using creativity and technical skills to produce impactful stories.
     

  • Community Leaders: Engaging with and making a positive impact on their communities through storytelling.
     

Impact of the XQ Super School Project

Since its implementation, the XQ Super School Project has had a profound impact on Furr High School and its students:
 

  • Increased Graduation Rates: Personalized learning and career-focused pathways have contributed to higher graduation rates and student success.
     

  • Enhanced Student Engagement: Innovative projects and real-world applications keep students engaged and motivated to learn.
     

  • Community Transformation: By involving the community and addressing local issues, the school has become a hub for positive change and development.
     

Focus Group Insights

From our focus groups, we learned that the innovative practices and personalized learning pathways introduced through the XQ Super School Project have significantly increased student engagement and satisfaction. Parents and community members have also expressed their appreciation for the school's efforts to involve them in the educational process, further strengthening the bond between the school and its community.
 

A $10 Million Investment with Huge Impacts

The $10 million grant from XQ America enabled Furr High School to implement these transformative changes. This investment has funded state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge educational tools, and comprehensive training programs for both students and teachers. The impact of this funding is evident in the improved academic outcomes, enhanced student engagement, and the overall positive shift in the school culture​​​​.
 

Conclusion

The XQ America Super School Project transformed Furr High School into a model of innovative, student-centered education. Under the guidance of educators like Juan Elizondo and leaders, the school continues to empower students to reach their full potential through personalized learning, community engagement, and career preparation. This ongoing commitment ensures that Furr High School remains at the forefront of educational excellence, preparing students for a bright and successful future.

 

Join us in celebrating the achievements of Furr High School and supporting our mission to transform education through the XQ America Super School Project.

 

For more information, please visit XQ Super School at Furr High School.

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