How It All Started
Discovering U is committed to addressing the systemic barriers that hinder progress in economically and educationally disadvantaged communities. By advocating for equitable access to resources and quality education, we empower families and students to achieve their full potential. Our work centers on transforming the educational landscape, particularly in schools that are struggling with student achievement.
Discovering U proactively collaborate with families, communities, school districts, and school boards to improve student outcomes. Our State of Education initiative focuses on advocating for historically underserved schools, ensuring their unique challenges are addressed and their students are supported in reaching their full potential.
Our 7 Pillars for Change serve as the foundation of our State of Education initiative, we align with the Texas educational standards of effective school board governance and the focus on improving students' outcomes through collaboration with students, parents, communities, and school leaders.
-
All schools should ensure all students graduate with the essential knowledge and skills for life, college, career, and/or military service.
-
All schools should have strong visionary leaders.
-
All schools should be staffed with effective educators.
-
All schools should welcome parents, families, and community members as partners in decision-making for schools in their neighborhoods.
-
All schools should be equitably funded to meet the unique needs of their students.
-
All schools should maintain safe and supportive environments for all students.
-
All schools should have curriculum, programs, activities, and services that provide opportunities for students’ achievement and growth.
These pillars emphasize student readiness for life beyond school, the importance of visionary leadership, the recruitment of high-quality educators, equitable funding, safe learning environments, and a curriculum that fosters growth. Our advocacy ensures that these priorities remain at the forefront of efforts to transform struggling campuses.
We believe that lasting change is achieved through strong partnerships. By working together with students, families, communities, educators, and policymakers, we are committed to prioritizing student achievement and driving campus improvement, ensuring that every student—expecially those at underperforming schools—receives the targeted support, resources and opportunities necessary for success.
Janice Thomas, Founder and CEO of Discovering U and then-President of the Phillis Wheatley Metropolitan Alumni Association, played a critical leadership role during a crucial period for Phillis Wheatley High School. Faced with the threat of closure due to consistently poor academic performance ratings, the school found itself at a crossroads. Janice, a passionate alumna with deep personal ties to the school, mobilized parents, alumni, and the community to stand together in defense of the institution. Her efforts to advocate for the students and the broader Wheatley community proved vital in preventing the closure of the school.
Under her leadership, stakeholders were encouraged to become actively involved in the decision-making process, voicing concerns, raising awareness, and fighting for equitable solutions. The focus was not simply on keeping the doors of Wheatley open, but also on ensuring that meaningful reforms were initiated within Houston ISD. By pushing for changes that would address the needs of under-resourced schools, Janice championed educational equity, working to create opportunities for students who historically lacked access to quality education.
Through these efforts, Janice not only safeguarded the legacy of Phillis Wheatley High School but also laid the foundation for long-term improvements within the district, advocating for reforms that would benefit students and promote academic success in underserved communities.