Special Initiatives

In addition to our core services, CISDR offers a variety of initiatives and programs designed to address academic areas and subject matter of particular concern to our students.

Bright Kids Literacy Programs
  • Reading Improvement: This phonics-based program addresses the literacy needs of at-risk students in first through third grades. Students in the Bright Kids Reading Literacy Program a paired with a volunteer tutor and meet one hour per week to strengthen their reading skills by focusing on letter and sound identification, writing skills and reading comprehension. The program also serves to increase parental involvement in their child’s academic success by encouraging participation in school events and by providing regular progress reports.
  • Easy (Earn, Access, Save-spend-share, Yield): As the financial literacy component of the Bright Kids Program, EASY is designed to help students understand how to earn and manage money through experiential learning activities.

ExxonMobil GEMS (Girls Exploring Math and Science)
GEMS is a math, science and technology program offering unique classroom and experiential learning opportunities to strengthen girls’ interest and skills in these academic areas. Open to economically disadvantaged students in elementary and middle school, GEMS fosters increased confidence levels and enthusiasm for the subject matter, while introducing participants to programs of study and careers that require skills in these areas.

Mobile Services Team
The Mobile Services Team works in tandem with campus staff to deliver targeted information in the areas of health and wellness, gang prevention and life skills. Programs are conducted in small-group settings at CISDR partner schools or from the agency’s 35-foot, custom-designed mobile unit housing two self-contained classrooms.

Student Community Partnership
The Student Community Partnership (SCP) provides summer internships to high school students allowing them to gain valuable real-world work experience. Participants receive pre-employment training to develop an understanding of the attitudes and behaviors necessary to gain and retain employment, utilize problem-solving techniques and strengthen communication skills.

Wachovia Building Leaders
This innovative program targeted at students in grades 4 and 5 develops strengths and assets in at-risk children to enable them to emerge as leaders in the middle and high school years. The program’s core curriculum centers on cultivating six pillars of character, including trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Through experiential activities participants learn and practice leadership in a meaningful and authentic way. The program is coordinated through the CISDR corporate office for implementation in Houston, San Antonio, Austin and Dallas-area public schools.