EAST Initiative Logo
A NOTE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CEO

Every year, when we consider what EAST has accomplished, the lists and stories are too many to tell properly. EAST grew in ways that we have long hoped for but had not yet achieved. Everyone involved lived our goal of education aAccelerated by service and technology. Thousands of the people involved with EAST did find relevant individualized life-changing educational experiences. Communities were strengthened and will see benefits for years to come. From the wonder of small successes in getting technology to work or teaching someone how to use a tool that they were unfamiliar with to the celebration of being named a winner, or best example of what is possible in education. From neuroscience to veterinary prosthetics; from growing programs to being named the Nonprofit of the Year (by Arkansas Business), EAST has made the most of the last twelve months. EAST isn’t limited to a space or a group of people in schools. EAST is a network of students, facilitators, administrators, trainers, partners, and supporters committed to making sure that everyone that becomes involved with it has the chance to learn and serve; a chance to build the world we all want to live in. As you work your way through this year’s report, I encourage you to find your place in EAST. If you’re not already a part of the experience, join us.

Matt Dozer

CEO, EAST Initiative

A NEW LOOK

In efforts to tell our story differently, we collaborated with Mangan Holcomb Partners, a top-ranked public relations agency in the state of Arkansas, to share EAST in a more effective and creative way. Even with our new look, we have not lost sight of the vision:

EAST envisions a world where communities are strengthened through service and technology.

Student using computer

My participation in EAST has defined my future by giving me the tools to succeed: curiosity, an ability to connect seemingly polar subjects into one cohesive thought, the ability to teach, the aggressiveness to find answers, the confidence to lead, and the opportunity to be exposed to the world, and people I would have never met.”

Keeley Ausburn

Junior, Maumelle High School

About Us

EAST provides all learners with the opportunity to have relevant, individualized, life-changing educational experiences.

EAST IS

Service-based learning

Technology Driven

Student-Led

collaborative

EAST has 26 employees committed to transforming the lives of students in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania.

EAST is represented in

State of Arkansas outline

134

DISTRICTS IN ARKANSAS

49

Of these districts we have multiple schools with EAST

“EAST opens doors for students beyond technology. It builds confidence and allows students to explore things that help them find themselves. It introduces them to a world beyond their hometown and gives them the skills to connect with people differently.”

Heather Hite

Facilitator, McCrory High School

EDUCATION

The value of education is found in its sustainability. We believe that transformative educational experiences start with professional development and training. We take pride in providing the best professional development possible that transforms teachers into strong facilitators who lead their students to succeed.

576

Educators

were Trained

New facilitators

That attended phase training

= 72

RETURNING FACILITATORS

TRAINED AT SUMMER SEMINAR

= 188

COMMUNITY LEARNERS

THAT ATTENDED EDUCATION UNLEASHED TRAINING

= 205

NEW AND PREVIOUS ADMINSTRATORS

THAT ATTENDED EAST STAKEHOLDER TRAINING

= 111

Accelerated

Advancement in EAST is celebrated each year when we reflect on the impact of the EAST Conference, the number of newly established programs, and how the contributions of our sponsors and donors propel us forward.

Each March thousands of EAST students and facilitators come together for a three-day conference filled with competitions, student led exhibits and hundreds of thousands of dollars in sponsorships and awards. Without our sponsors and the numerous hours of service that are given by our volunteers, none of this would be possible. At Conference, students not only get to celebrate the successes of the school year, but they learn to network and sharpen their leadership skills.

The Timothy R. Stephenson Founder’s Award is given to the EAST program that best exemplifies the EAST values of Project Sophistication and Innovation, Student Growth and Engagement and Community and Collaboration. This honor and recognition is a culmination of a year of positive impact on all lives touched.

2018 overall founder's award winner

Armorel High School

Armorel, Arkansas

106

Conference

volunteers

Supported the event including

EAST ALUMNI, PRESENTERS, AND

JUDGES FOR COMPETITIONS AND THE CONFERENCE SHOWCASE

35

Breakout

Sessions

offered

along with our volunteers

we shared conference with

THREE Thousand

Six hundred and eighty-six

attendees

east conference was made possible through

$205,531

in conference sponsorships

Increasing the opportunities for students to have a positive impact on their education and communities is what guides growth at EAST.

16

Schools added east

in the 2017-2018

school year

WHICH GREW THE EAST NETWORK TO

TWO HUNDRED

FORTY-SIX SCHOOLS

PROGRAMS BY SCHOOL CLASSIFICATION

New school graphic

Service

Serving the community is the heartbeat that drives the EAST experience and allows students to hone their skills in problem-solving and civic engagement. Whether working to provide quality family photos to those who may not be able to afford them or creating experiences in virtual reality to help students overcome social anxiety, EAST students and volunteers actively worked to change their lives and the lives of others.

Over the last year, EAST Students completed

2,257,536

Hours of service

in their local communities

valued at

more than

$54 Million

community members

completed an additional

90,954 hours

of service to the schools

& east projects the students

were working on

partners and volunteers

also donated

3,689 hours of service

valued at $91,093

working with the east staff

and on behalf of the nonprofit.

“These kids are brilliant and they’re getting real-life experience [using virtual reality tools]. I continuously tell friends and colleagues about the magic that is EAST and how this partnership changed my professional life and allowed me to go back to high school again.”

Sara Scott

Village House Adult Day Program

Bella Vista, Arkansas

technology

At EAST we love technology! From podcasts to student training, we use technology to enhance everything we do. Partnerships with organizations such as Facebook help EAST students around the region learn and grow in their communities.

Technology is helping us tell our story to a broader audience thanks to our partnership with EduTech Guys. Our podcast segment, EAST Update, has become a staple in their weekly show. Tune in weekly or visit our website to learn, laugh, and grow with EAST.

Student training sessions demonstrated our commitment to technical training and the edge it gives EAST students as they serve their communities and prepare for their futures.

1,045

STUDENTS TOOK PART IN THESE SPECIALIZED TRAININGS.

In 2017, Facebook’s TechStart program continued to support computer science education throughout Arkansas. EAST was proud to help lead in this effort and partner with the Arkansas Governor’s Office, the State Department of Education and the Arkansas Public School Resource Center (APSRC). Together, we are committed to ensuring students have the opportunity to experience computer science and coding at the leading edge of this technology.

"Make an investment in something that matters. I support EAST because it supported me."

EAST Alumni

Class of 2006

development

Every student, project, and accomplishment profiled in this report was made possible by supporters of EAST. If you are a volunteer, donor, or partner, we want to thank you and ask for your continued support. If you are just learning about EAST for the first time or would like to become more involved, contact us today.

EAST WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR NEW SPONSORS WHO SUPPORTED THE ORGANIZATION IN 2017-2018:

and continue to thank the over 35 legacy sponsors

areas of potential support include:

event sponsorships + student training

professional development for teachers

support of after school and summer projects

adding east programs in schools that don't have them

planned giving + much more!

AT&T Arkansas provided $20,000 to support cybersecurity training and programming for EAST students.

EAST received $12,000 from the Smithsonian’s Museums on Main Street Program to help fund 5 local history projects, and develop local history online training for students.

“On behalf of the more than 20,000 students enrolled in EAST this year and the nearly quarter million who have had an opportunity to be in EAST since its beginning, thank you for recognizing this organization, which has provided so many opportunities to make a difference our communities and our lives.”

Jaclyn Johnson

Malvern High School 9th year EAST student

Nonprofit of the year

Communications

A proud and humbling moment in EAST history happened this year. EAST was named Nonprofit of the Year at the Arkansas Business of the Year 30th Anniversary Awards Ceremony.

“Every day we work to make sure that our students have a transformational educational experience, and it’s thrilling to see others take note of the hard work we do for our students, work that’s made possible thanks to our numerous supporters and sponsors in both the public and private sectors.” - Matt Dozier, President and CEO of EAST.

EAST Quarterly, or EQ, is the magazine of EAST. Produced four times a year, the publication highlights: student achievements in projects and community impact, educators, alumni, technical tips and much more. The magazine is available in printed form at the EAST office and online at http://issuu.com/eastquarterly.

for daily and weekly updates, find east online:

financial results

Statement of financial position

Assets June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017
Cash $3,553,223 $3,443,779
CASH - CAPITAL RESERVE 200,000 150,000
ACOUNTS RECEIVABLE 33,106 1,238
PREPAID EXPENSES 50,684 60,468
FIXED ASSETS, NET 2,315,340 2,331,655
OTHER ASSETS 3,482 4,414
TOTAL ASSETS $6,155,835 $5,991,554
LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES $1,525,880 $1,376,064
DEBT 1,513,272 1,679,666
TOTAL LIABILITIES $3,039,152 $3,055,730
UNRESTRICTED NET ASSETS $3,116,683 $2,935,824
TOTAL NET ASSETS 3,116,683 2,935,824
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $6,155,835 $5,991,554

SEE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

REVENUES & OTHER SUPPORT June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017
STATE OF ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION:
APPROPRIATIONS $1,927,590 $1,742,998
GRANTS 494,857 501,819
2,422,447 2,244,817
CONTRACTS 176,966 258,779
EVENT REVENUE 192,882 164,013
IN-KIND REVENUE 76,755 78,343
OTHER REVENUE 201,552 112,784
TOTAL REVENUE AND OTHER SUPPORT $3,070,602 $2,858,736
EXPENSES June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017
PROGRAM SERVICES $2,327,060 $2,181,701
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 457,490 462,855
DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDRAISING 105,193 116,736
TOTAL EXPENSES $2,889,743 $2,761,292
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS $180,859 $97,444
NET ASSETS, BEGINNING OF YEAR 2,935,824 2,838,380
NET ASSETS, END OF YEAR $3,116,683 $2,935,824

SEE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EAST Board of directors

2017-2018

Chairperson

Mr. David Moody

Principal

Jacksson David, LLC

VICE-CHAIRPERSON

Mr. Dale Johnson

Senior Vice President

Advanced Commercial Banking Division FIS

SECRETARY

Mr. John A. Riggs, IV

CHAIR, FINANCE AND AUDIT COMMITTEE

Mr. Brent Staley

CEO

Staley, Inc.

CHAIR, DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Ms. Mildred Franco

Executive Director

Innovation Hub,

An Initiative of Go Forward Pine Bluff

CHAIR, RECRUITMENT COMMITTEE

Dr. Jim Rollins

Superintendent

Springdale Public Schools

Mr. Jim Boardman

Retired, Assistant Commissioner

Arkansas Department of Education

Ms. Karen Eoff

Director

Southeast Arkansas Education

Service Cooperative

Mr. Jason Everett

Agency Owner

Everett Agencies of Liberty National

Dr. Michael Gealt

Executive Vice President/Provost

Central Michigan University

Dr. Dean Kahler

Vice Provost for Strategic

Enrollment Management

University of Idaho

Dr. David Rainey

Education Consultant

Dr. Andrew Rogerson

Chancellor

UA Little Rock

Ms. Victoria Washington

CEO/President

Vision IT LLC

Dr. Charlotte Lewellen Williams

Associate Professor and Director

Clinton School Center on Community Philanthropy

"The discipline students learn in EAST helps with the mental discipline to get through challenges. It helps them realize, ‘I can do hard things,’ so when it comes time to do stuff that seems difficult, the students already know, I can do hard things and that is what has helped improve my child’s academic performance the most.

Dr. Susan Bryant, Child Psychologist

North Little Rock Middle School EAST Parent