Education Opens Doors 2023

The mission of EOD is to activate all students to determine and pursue an informed future. In 2010, several Teach for America DFW alumni, led by Jayda Batchelder, identified a significant gap in college and career knowledge and the ability to effectively translate that knowledge into a course of action in the middle/high school classrooms that they taught. As Jayda and her peers worked to ensure that students thrived academically, they recognized that content mastery alone would not enable their students to achieve postsecondary success. As a first-generation college student, Jayda knew the challenge this lack of information and experience posed as students navigate through their educational career. Jayda's experience led her to partner with fellow alumni to develop the first EOD Student Guidebook. 2 years later in 2012, Jayda founded EOD. Since that time critical resources have been provided to more than 80,000 students.

For the 22-23 school year, EOD’s program will provide 15,000 students with 1,200 additional minutes of active college planning and career preparation discussion across 1 academic year. Our school-based program is refreshed annually and available online through a digital learning management system, TEKS-aligned, student centered, culturally responsive and inclusive. The curriculum is designed to be implemented in-class to promote active learning and group discussion around every student's diverse selection of postsecondary path options - going beyond 4-year colleges to include discussions of vocational/technical schools, entering the workforce, etc. Specific curriculum topics include academic preparation, high school choice, college affordability, and more - all of which are not traditionally taught in classes during the school day. Interactive activities and lessons focus on course selection, professionalism, time management and how to build character for life beyond graduation day.

Teacher Testimonials: 

• “I believe that the EOD Program adds value to learning. Students are being informed on what to expect when going to high school and how grades, ranks, money management, etc. have an effect on their future.”

• “The EOD Program's curriculum is well-rounded and allows space for critical thinking, research, presentation/public speaking skills and the list can go on. Not only are the student skills being strengthened but they also get to participate in lesson plans that benefit them personally, both as a student and an individual. With that material, there can never be a learning loss so thank you to EOD for providing that.”

• “The program is so well thought out and easy to deliver. I also love the fact that I can potentially pass it off to another staff member and know all of the content is there.”