July 13, 2020
To help you navigate these uncertain times, we’ve compiled timely news and resources related to small business, education and connectivity. We hope this provides both information and comfort as we continue to weather these challenges.
T.D. Jakes Foundation in Action
On Sunday, Cheryl Hall from the Dallas Morning News highlighted some of the help the T.D. Jakes Foundation received from corporate friends and partners to ensure that the STEAM Academy was free and accessible to as many students as possible.
Greg Jackson’s mission this summer: teach children to love science and travel. Read our blog post to learn about Greg and how he’s helping thousands of young people around the world learn the joys of science as an instructor at STEAM Academy 2020, a first-of-its-kind online program hosted by the T.D. Jakes Foundation in conjunction with the Dallas Mayor’s Office, the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and the Dallas Regional Chamber.
As President and COO of Jacobs, a $13 billion global firm that provides a full spectrum of professional services, Bob Pragada acknowledges that businesses must be more deliberate in creating inclusive and diverse work environments. Read more about Bob in our Take Five blog series.
During an hour-long online discussion with Susan Jenevein, Director of Philanthropy at Tolleson Wealth Management, Chairman T.D. Jakes spoke about the racial unrest sweeping the nation and the steps we can take to promote mutual understanding and positive change. Watch the conversation.
Small Business Assistance
The City of Dallas, in collaboration with more than 200 business organizations, has formed a first-of-its kind small business ecosystem—Broaden Urban Investments to Leverage Dallas (B.U.I.L.D.)— that focuses specifically on small- and medium-sized women- and minority-owned businesses. B.U.I.L.D. is designed to “unify the wealth of resources and initiatives across Dallas county to provide a centralized resource for small businesses at every stage of the business cycle.” Learn more.
The Dallas County Commissioners Court approved an additional $30 million for small business assistance, which will go to expanding the number of businesses that are eligible to receive forgivable loans from the program and increase maximum loan amounts.
Looking for a Job?
In need of a job? The Small Business Authority is hiring temporary employees to assist with disaster relief efforts (bilingual language skills a plus). Learn more about open SBA positions.
Supporting Black-owned Businesses
In the era of COVID-19 and mass protests arising from the killing of George Floyd, Black business owners are on the frontlines of this national emergency, getting creative to stay afloat and expressing gratitude for the increasing number of customers seeking out Black-owned businesses. Read the story on CNBC.
Last Tuesday was Blackout Day, which encouraged Black shoppers to only spend money at Black-owned businesses. Black Americans hold just 2.6% of the nation’s wealth while constituting 13% of the population, according to the Brookings Institution. Read about the Blackout movement at USA Today.
Education Update
Worried about prolonged learning loss? Dallas ISD has launched “Summer Bridge to Math Success, a program airing weekdays from noon to 2:30 through Friday, August 7, on KERA TV. During this time, Dallas ISD math teachers will provide targeted, engaging instruction for students in kindergarten to eighth grade. Learn more.
The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees recently met with administrators to discuss steps to improve the educational experience for Black students and ensure they have equal access to opportunity. During the workshop, trustees and administrators discussed several proposals to address racial equity in the schools, including hiring additional mental health professionals, increasing representation of Black male teachers and creating an Advanced Placement Taskforce to encourage more Black students to enroll in AP courses.
Texas students now have access to thousands of titles online for free. Through a statewide collaboration between Texas Education Agency and Renaissance, a new online literacy portal, myON, will offer digital books and new articles in English and Spanish for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Learn how to get started here.
Together, we can and will get through this.
Hattie Hill
President & CEO
T.D. Jakes Foundation
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