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Out For Education

Quarterly Newsletter - December 2023

Out For Education Quarterly Newsletter - December 2023

Greetings!

Thanks for subscribing to our quarterly newsletter! It is our hope that our newsletters will provide you with updates on our Board's progress, see what wonderful things we've been doing for students, and provide event reminders for the organization and our community partners.


If you did not receive this newsletter via email, be sure to hit the "follow" button to be added to our distribution list!

Board Officers

Meet our newly elected board officers. You may recognize some familiar faces. Brandi and Roy have been elected to lead OFE as President and Treasurer. Additionally, we have two new faces: Ryan and Wayne. If you see us out and about please say hi! Let's connect!
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President: Brandi Lira

Brandi has 17 years experience as an educator, 10 in school leadership as an assistant principal and high school principal. She was named OutSmart Magazine's Gayest & Greatest Female Favorite LGBTQ High School Teacher for 2023. This is Brandi's third year on the board with Out For Education. She has served as board secretary for the last two years.

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Vice President: Wayne Lopes

Wayne has served as an educator for 14 years, six in school leadership as an administrator. Additionally he was an adjunct professor and served on various educational committees with ISDs and TEA. This is Wayne's first year serving on the board for Out For Education, but he has served as a volunteer and avid supporter of the organization for many years.

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Treasurer: Roy Rivera

Roy Rivera Jr., PT, PhD, DPT, MCHES, is a licensed physical therapist and owner of Elation Physical Therapy in Houston, Pearland and Cypress, Texas. Working across a variety of health care settings, Dr. Rivera has a philosophy and interest in helping people, which is evident through his philanthropy within the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Rivera has been with the Out For Education board for several years.
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Secretary: Ryan Fountain

Ryan is a Michigan native who has served in Texas education for the last 11 years. With experience as a music educator, elementary teacher, and district administrator he understands the growing needs for financial support in order for our students to reach higher educational dreams. Ryan received teacher of the year in 2020 and was hired onto the new teacher induction team for his district in 2022 as an instructional specialist. He joined the Out For Education board in August of 2023 and currently serves as board secretary and director of fundraising.

2022 - 2023 Report Card

Every year we strive to serve more and more LGBTQIA+ students and this year we've done just that! Check out our annual report card by clicking the file below to view the details of our FY23!

What We've Been Up To

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Katy Pride

We had a wonderful time engaging with all the friends, families, and organizations at Katy Pride this October! There were so many people that showed up in support of our community. The love was definitely apparent!
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Yoga & Chillz with Yogi Dynamics

Huge thanks to Mike and Chi of Dumpling Dudez and Yogi Dynamics who hosted two yoga & chillz sessions in honor of OFE. Between the two events, participants raised over $450! 100% of these funds will be used to provide scholarships to LGBTQ students in Houston.
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Woodlands Pride

Ryan & Wayne participated in Woodlands Pride this October and it was one for the books! There were so many different vendors to visit and people to chat with. If you have not had the pleasure to experience this event, we highly recommend you attend next year!
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Rice Pride Fall Festival

We joined Rice PRIDE for their first ever Fall Festival! It was a great event, where proceeds were donated to the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT) and the Lesbian Health Initiative of Houston (LHI). There were games, fun contests, food, and live performances. We even ran into a scholarship recipient!
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OutSmart Magazine's Gayest & Greatest Reader's Choice Awards

We are proud to announce that two of our executive board directors were named Gayest & Greatest Reader's Choice winners for 2023. Congratulations to Dr. Roy Rivera for defending his title as Best Physical Therapist! Congratulations to Brandi Lira for being named Favorite Female LGBTQ High School Educator!

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Pride Threads Website Relaunch

Out for Education joined Mell at Gristworz for the We Are Pride Threads Website ReLaunch. Thank you to everyone who joined us to help raise money and make this relaunch a successful event. Congratulations Mell! We can't wait to see what this new year has in store for you and your business.
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1st Annual Jingle Belles & Balls Fun Run

We hosted our first annual Jingle Belles and Balls (and everything in-between) Fun Run. Y'all showed out with some amazing costumes! With your help we raised over 4,500 dollars! Thank you to all the donors, participants, Houston Pride Band, Violet, Pride Threads and Buddys Bar! We can't wait to continue this new annual tradition.

Scholarship Applications are OPEN!

The 2024 scholarship application window will remain open Monday, October 16, 2023, through February 23, 2024 (11:59 p.m.). Applicants will apply online using a link that is posted to our social media accounts and website.


Important Notes:


  • Most students spend about 30 minutes to an hour submitting their applications with the essay taking up most of the time and effort
  • Most recent transcript is required
  • Teacher/professor/professional recommendation is required
  • There is a service requirement for all recipients (volunteering/participating with OFE)
  • Open to LGBTQIA+ students of all ages (high school seniors and beyond)
  • Open to students whose parents are in the LGBTQIA+ community
  • Students who received an OFE scholarship in the past and wish to apply for an extension will do so through the same application link. One application for all!

Upcoming Events

January

January Mix & Mingle Happy Hour (Date TBA)

Barrys Bootcamp Workout (Date TBA)

February

Love No So Straight Up, February 14th, 2024

Scholarship Interview Volunteer Opportunities

Donate to OFE Now!
Out For Education relies on donors like you to keep our mission alive. Please consider making a contribution so that we can continue to provide scholarships to LGBTQIA+ students and their families! 100% of funds go to students!
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Stay Connected!

If you're interested in giving back in other ways or have questions about how to support Out For Education, email/text us using the information below or inbox us on any social media platform.

Email: contact@outforeducation.org
Website: www.outforeducation.org
Location: PO Box 66710 Houston, Texas 77266
Phone: 281-671-0029

Instagram: outforedhouston
Facebook: facebook.com/outforeducation
Twitter: @outforedhouston

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