The Dallas Independent School District (DISD) is the second largest school district in Texas.
Here are four facts about DISD:
- In 2021, 20% of DISD students did not graduate high school within four years.
- 66.4% of DISD students are at risk of dropping out.
- The dropout rate of students in the 2021-2-2022 school year was 4.5%. (The state average is 2.4%)
- Only 10% of DISD students who took college entrance exams in 2023 were college ready.
Though we have team members that live all over the Western Hemisphere, Beck Tech’s hometown is Dallas, Texas. As a company whose mission is to make the world a better place through our core values of passion, innovation, and caring, we are honored to be able to support organizations that are also dedicated to improving lives.
This month, Hermon Afework, Beck Technology Demand Gen Lead, chose The Compelling Why, a North Texas non-profit that provides resources to traditionally underserved students for them to succeed academically, in their careers, and in their lives.
Hermon says, “The Compelling Why, a remarkable organization, bridges the gap to higher education for countless low-income and at-risk youth. It transformed my life and those of family and friends who faced challenges. Their dedicated network of professionals and educators guides students from struggling schools to universities and technical colleges, equipping them with career-ready skills through workshops on professional attire, resumes, college applications, and volunteer opportunities. They even offer SAT/ACT prep and connect each student with diverse, inspiring professionals who prove your background doesn't define your future. These exceptional volunteers went above and beyond, attending our games and school events when no one else could.”
"Indeed, education has helped to build a better world."
- Christopher J. Thomas
It is proven that education has only positive effects on individuals, communities, and the world overall. Education reduces poverty, increases long-term economic growth, promotes unity and inclusion, and even impacts physical health.
The Compelling Why serves middle and high school students of color that show “promise” through Success Session seminars and leadership programing that emphasize the importance of education, teaches the value of personal responsibility, and helps motivate students to reach their maximum potential.
"The Compelling Why mission is to prepare students with the necessary skills and mindset to succeed in school, career, and life. This is achieved by enhancing students’ perception of education’s value, encouraging enrollment in academic and life skill programs, promoting personal responsibility, defining one’s purpose, fostering self-motivation, and developing leadership skills to reach their maximum potential."
Led by business and community leaders that look like the students that attend, the half-day Success Session and the 72–90-minute Leadership Program is where students are taught how to reach their goals, achieve more, and be confident in their ability to be whatever it is they want to be.
Founded in 2010 by Torrence Robinson, The Compelling Why mentored over 1,200 students in the 2022-2023 school year and operates in 26 North Texas schools in 6 districts. The Compelling Why works with these districts and school staff to identify “academic middle” students and they are then invited to attend a Success Seminar and/or a Leadership Program.
Torrence, Senior Director of Global Community Affairs at the Fluor Corporation and President of the Fluor Foundation, says, “We believe there is value, particularly in our local community, in exposing students to role models – business and community leaders, entrepreneurs – who mirror them in terms of gender and ethnicity. Our main objective is to increase the number of students engaged in school- and community-based programs that provide academic enrichment and promote college-going culture. Our window for making an impact is about two school semesters. That allows time for students to enroll in electives where enrollment is once per year.”
Giving Back to Our Communities
Every month, Beck Technology contributes financially to a charitable organization of a Beck Tech team member’s choice. We are afforded this privilege through our Beck Tech Cares initiative. Throughout each month, employees recognize each other through a virtual high five system.
At the end of the month, we meet to read these high fives to each other, and one person is picked to be that month’s Beck Tech Cares winner. They then get to choose an organization to which Beck Technology will donate money.
To date, we have donated to 74 charitable organizations.
