EAST is dynamic. From the students tackling projects that last from hours to years, to the educators (facilitators, teachers, administrators, and others in the schools) who provide the challenge to make a difference and then the opportunity to learn as the students develop those projects, to the community partners who work with those students, to the supporters and sponsors that help make sure that the foundation for growth is there, everyone that is involved is part of a constantly moving effort. That dynamism and the energy it produces is what makes EAST so exciting. Constantly looking for- ward can lead to not taking the time to reflect—another opportunity to learn and grow, though from a different perspective— and celebrate what has been accomplished. “On to the next,” is a way to make sure we don’t become complacent, but it can also lead to tunnel vision (and make you tired). This report is an opportunity to reflect on the incredible work that is being done in EAST. Work that connects learners to their communities; work that allows elementary students to be major civic contributors; work that allows high schoolers to interact with professionals and gain a better focus on what their future could be; work that helps train educators to better prepare their students to take advantage of these opportunities. Taken as a whole, this work is making an impact on today and tomorrow. As you go through this report, realize that the dynamism of EAST means that you are reading a piece of history not an update. We have moved further than we can capture in a report that is bound to a specific point in time. If this is history, imagine how much more exciting the future can be.
Matt Dozer
President & CEO
