 About EAST
The EAST Initiative began in 1996 in a single classroom in rural Arkansas and has since grown to over 230 schools in six states. In 2001, EAST incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit governed by a Board of Directors comprised of business, education, and government leaders. Working together with a dedicated executive and program staff, the EAST Initiative succeeds in delivering a relevant and life-changing experience for students that produces value for schools, communities, and the workforce.
Above all, the EAST educational model is student-centered. It has been recognized nationally as an innovative, relevant, and successful approach to education. In schools, EAST is a project-based, service-learning class that provides students with the most current, high-end technologies available in some of the most progressive fields in the world. However, EAST is more than a class offering and much more than a "computer class". At its heart, EAST is a coordinated attempt to provide today's students with an educational atmosphere that allows them to gain insight into their own abilities to acquire and use information, solve problems, and gain valuable experience on their way to becoming life-long learners. For educators, EAST provides an opportunity to focus on the strengths and develop the weaknesses of individual students. EAST classrooms are for all students.
To develop as learners for a new era, EAST students are equipped with the tools of the future. They routinely interact with hardware and software in animation, computer aided design, engineering design, visualization, database design, webpage design, programming, office automation, digital film making, virtual reality, global positioning systems, and geographic information systems. The students, working in teams, tackle sophisticated service-oriented projects. In the process of solving these problems, they learn to become creative, intuitive, adaptable learners who can solve unpredictable, real-world problems.
The EAST philosophy is based on the following educational principles:
- All students have value and deserve the opportunity to demonstrate their value to their school and community.
- Education must be relevant, challenging, purposeful, and student-centered.
- Educators should serve as resource guides and learner facilitators.
- Learning should be self-directed and oriented towards real-world projects.
- High expectations must be maintained and must drive all student efforts.
For those of us involved at the grassroots level, EAST is a passion. We’d be delighted to schedule a visit to our facilities or one of our school programs. Feel free to contact us:
EAST Initiative
8201 Ranch Blvd., Ste. B-1
Little Rock, AR 72223
(501) 371-5016
eastinfo@eastproject.org
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