As school districts in North Texas return to class, a non-profit is working with kids from "marginalized communities" to help them succeed long-term and provide them with the same opportunities as other students. Big Thought says its mission is to "help [kids] determine and drive their own outcomes by equipping them with tools to navigate real-life challenges."
"A lot of times we give students the options of 'doctor,' 'lawyer' or 'athlete,' definitely attainable but very broad," said Kristina Dove, director of Big Thought's "creative voices department." "We like to go in and provide students in these after-school spaces an opportunity to really explore a little deeper what it is they truly find passion in and give them a spark."
Dove said Big Thought works with kids who may dream of becoming a professional actor or athlete to show them similar careers they might be passionate about.
"If you want to be an athlete, what does it mean to learn the game and become an agent or coach?" Dove said. "In a theater class, you may be able to go work with the lights or work with the script."
Dove said Big Thought encourages kids to start trying new things at a young age to find those activities they could ultimately turn into a career. She said that can also teach kids social and emotional skills along with developing the ability to solve problems.
"The beauty of what Big Thought does is we encourage students to try. If you fail, fail forward, start something else, re-create that idea," Dove said.
The Intercultural Development Research Association said 19% of high school freshmen in Texas leave school before they graduate. The organization said Black and Latino students are twice as likely to leave as white students.
Dove said Big Thought works with 600 partner agencies to help kids remain in school. She said some kids from a low-income or disadvantaged background may see a job that pays $15 an hour as a reliable path, but that job is not likely to allow for long-term growth once that student reaches adulthood and starts a family.
"We want students to push past that status quo and really be who you were created to be," Dove said. "Not saying you're not created to work at that 15-dollar-an-hour job, but is that really what's driving you? That's our mission is to really find that passion, create what we can from that passion through our programs and set them up to be thriving citizens."
Some young people stay with the program through the age of 24 and become mentors.
"Sometimes mom and dad are having to work, or maybe it's just mom and she's carrying the load by herself," Dove said. "It's important we have these programs that really encompass mentorship, too, for our students who are really in need of that caring adult to walk beside them."
Dove urges people to get involved with a local organization, library or school if they would like to help. She said even someone volunteering to read to kids at the library can help children from backgrounds without a strong role model see their potential.
Details about Big Thought are available here.
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