CODEXCEL Workforce Development Training Program

To understand the Systemic inequities and institutional failures that Black and Brown Americans face, we must first understand and address the major problems negatively contributing to the ability to earn an education and make a livable wage for underserved minority middle and high school students in this country, especially for Black and Brown students. Across the United States of America, public high schools are understaffed and under resourced, leaving their students, specifically Black and Brown students, unprepared for college entry or entry-level middle-income jobs, which often overlooks our target communities.

Underperforming Schools are leaving students ill-prepared for post-secondary education:

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  • Only 1 in 10 (10%) of high school graduates in 2013 earned a certificate or degree from a public 2-yr college in Texas within eight years.[3]
  • One out of five (20%) of high school graduates in 2013 earned a degree from a Texas public university within eight years. [3]
  • Less than half (50%) of Houston-area students enrolled in a CTE program in 2019-20.
  • In 2021 - 2022, Houston-area schools allocate an average of $3.66 per year for each student.[1][2]
  • Only 37% of HISD high schools were designated as college readiness schools.[1]
• Public Schools are becoming Post-Secondary Readiness Deserts for Minority Youth: Minority enrollment in Houston-area public schools is 91% of the student body, which is far more than the Texas public school average of 73%, leaving minorities from underserved communities at a tremendous disadvantage for obtaining college and career preparation and training.

The Racial Gap in STEM

• In 2018, Black students earned 7% of STEM bachelor's degrees, which is lower than their 10% share of all bachelor's degrees that year.
• Only 42% of Black STEM Ph.D.s finish their doctorates within ten years of completing their bachelor's degrees, compared to about 70% of their Hispanic peers, 68 percent of white peers and 65 percent of Asian peers.
• 58% of White students who declare a STEM major go on to earn a STEM degree, compared to 43% of Latinx students and 34% of Black students.
• Less than 10 percent of the U.S. STEM workforce is Black or Hispanic, even though they make up 32 percent of the population.

Key factors perpetuating minority STEM gaps include:

• Limited access to quality STEM education in schools serving minority communities.
• Fewer opportunities for mentorship and support from role models in STEM fields.
• Systemic biases and discrimination within STEM industries and academic institutions.
• Socioeconomic disparities, including lack of resources and support for students from minority backgrounds.
• Cultural stereotypes and societal expectations that discourage minority students from pursuing STEM careers.
• Inadequate representation of minorities in STEM-related media and outreach efforts.
• Insufficient awareness of available STEM opportunities and pathways among minority youth.

Starting as early as elementary school, CODEXCEL provides a continuum of STEM training, college prep, and STEM success by exposing minorities to STEM and continuing that object-oriented STEM training, certification, practicums, and apprenticeships throughout their middle and high school matriculation.

The CODEXCEL program trains minority youth and girls from underserved communities for college, jobs, and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (S.T.E.M.), creating local ecosystems of skilled individuals who uplift their communities, from underserved deserts to victorious villages.

To help fill open middle-income workforce positions with trained, skilled Black and Brown workers from underserved communities, the CODEXCEL training program works with a coalition of international corporations, small businesses, community colleges, understaffed school districts, the Texas Medical Center, state workforce agencies, truancy courts, faith-based organizations, and other local and national non-profits to help underserved middle and high school girls and underrepresented youth earn industry-standard certifications while they are completing their high school education or G.E.D. Our goal is to assist 100% of our enrolled student techs in completing the following three goals before graduating from high school:

1. Complete an industry-standard Healthcare IT, tech, or construction/real estate vocational certification.

2. Prepare for college or immediate hire into entry-level Healthcare IT, STEM, and Construction careers.

3. Gain an opportunity to complete an industry apprenticeship or instructor assignment within one of our CODEXCEL course.

The Target Population Profile: Black and Brown students in Grades 7-12 from underserved communities, starting with the fastest growing county in the United States (Harris County, TX) in the next 2 years, regionally (Midwest, South, and Southwest US) in the next 5 years, and across the United States in the next 8-10 years.

CODEXCEL Engagement Goals

One-Year Plan (2023 - 2024): With the focus on securing strategic funding and partnerships with corporations, foundations, underserved Harris County schools and churches, our FY 2023 - 2024 engagement goals include:

• Presenting successful women and underrepresented minorities in STEM as the faces of engineering to train and mentor over 2000 elementary through high school students, especially Black and Brown students.
• Bring our CODEXCEL afterschool and weekend programming to 1000+ students with a goal of 50/50 girl-to-boy ratio (year to date 250+ students have been).
• Train over 50 STEM teachers across Harris County, preparing them for STEM instruction distinctively to girls, Black and Brown students, and other traditionally underrepresented students
• Train and certify 100 middle and high school Black and Brown students and other traditionally underrepresented students
• Give 20 Black and Brown students (including 10 girls) the opportunity to graduate from high school with an industry skill certificate or associates degree and part-time or seasonal employment with Healthcare, IT, real estate, engineering, or construction firms in their local communities throughout Harris County.

Five-Year Plan (2023- 2028): With a focus on building strategic partnerships with national faith-based organizations, regional and national school districts, corporations, and state workforce agencies (i.e., Texas Workforce Commission), our five-year engagement goals include:

• Instruct over 20,000 Black and Brown students (including 10,000 girls) in CODEXCEL afterschool classrooms,
• Train and certifying 10,000 middle and high school Black and Brown students (including 5,000 girls), and
• Give 1,000 CODEXCEL students (including 500 girls) the opportunity to graduate from high school with an industry skill certificate or associates degree and part-time or seasonal employment with real estate, engineering, or construction firms in their local communities throughout the United States.

10-Year Plan (2023-2033): Through Strategic Virtual Classroom Technology, State Agency Partnerships, and VR/AR implementation, our 10-year (2033) engagement goal includes:

• Open state and national satellite chapters dedicated to training girls and other underrepresented Black and Brown students toward over 100,000 certifications per year and helping them to secure part-time employment and summer apprenticeships and internships with local real estate, engineering, and construction firms and corporations across North America.

CODEXCEL STAFF 

Our CODEXCEL Staff has over 250 years of collective professional success in STEM Careers. Furthermore, the diversity of our board of directors, advisory board, and staff directly reflect the communities that we serve. 

Staff 

•Tori Cole (15 years of Tech Startup Experience, Former Executive, HP Inc) – Founder, Board Member, and Executive Director – a full-time volunteer unpaid position 

•Michelle Sanders (20-year STEM Education & Equity Specialist)- CODEXCEL Curriculum Specialist and Grant Administrator; CODEXCEL Builders Instructor

•Cheryl Cole (Retired | UNT Grad | Over 45 years of Logistics Director Exp.) –Board Member and Communications Director –a volunteer unpaid position 

•Carlos Alba (Computer Science student, University of Houston) - CODEXCEL Prep and Plus Instructor

•Jacob Jammer - HS Honors Student, CODEXCEL Communications Specialist 

Executive Board Members – All volunteer, unpaid positions 

•Michael Cole (Retired | Over 40 of Technical Instrumentation Experience) –Training Advisor 

•Shavon Barrie (B.S. Eng Mgmt./Math, MBA | 15 years of PMO Exp.) -CODEXCEL Curriculum Specialist 

•TJ Tijani (B.S. Mech Eng| 10 years of Real Estate Exp.) - CODEXCEL Builders Curriculum Advisor

Advisory Board 

•Joel Garza (Retired Veteran | Certified Commercial Drone Pilot) -Consultant, a paid 1099 contract position 

•DajLeon Farr (BGS | Former NFL Player | 10 years of exp) -Marketing Advisor, an unpaid position

PROXIMITY

All of our board members have risen above similar backgrounds as our target students to become successful businessmen and women in our respective careers. All of our staff and board members live, work, socialize, and worship in the communities that we serve. Therefore, we encourage open interaction and receive continuous feedback from our target population on a daily basis.

By 2025, our goal is to open state and national satellite chapters with local, CODEXCEL-trained instructors dedicated to training CODEXCEL students toward over 100,000 certifications per year and helping them to secure part-time employment and summer apprenticeships and internships with local real estate, engineering, and construction firms and corporations across North America.

In March 2022, Tori Cole, donated a 2200-square-foot building to City Hope of St. Louis, Missouri to serve as our first Victory Village satellite campus, bringing the CODEXCEL training program to students and teachers in one of the most underserved areas in the city.

An organization in its Growth stage is defined as an organization with an established product, service, or business model that is rolled out in one or more communities. Victory Village Inc is currently in this stage because we have made a significant impact throughout Harris County and beyond through networking and gaining community support since our inception in 2017.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Since 2017, Victory Village has accomplished the following:

• 2000+ elementary, middle, and high students from 20+ schools in Harris County have been directly served through our afterschool and weekend programming
• 100% of our active 2023 students have earned their FAA TRUST recreational drone pilot certification to code and pilot recreational drones
• Two students have graduated from Associate dual degree programs and as a dual-credit High school seniors; One student will graduate in May 2025.
• We are partnering with Lone Star College for classroom space for our Summer and Fall 2024 CODEXCEL classes and Afterschool STEM programming to over 500 elementary, middle, and high school students
• In partnership with Best Buy Geek Squad Academy, we hosted the CODEXCEL Geek Squad Academy Summer Camp in August 2023, the largest STE(A)M summer camp in east Harris County serving over 150 students. We are planning to host over 200 minority students in 2024.
• We partnered with South Union CDC to virtually train over 30 African girls and Black American teens how to 3D-print masks and mask accessories during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• We are currently partnering with the Texas Medical Center of Houston (TMC) to train our CODEXCEL students on how to 3D-print common replacement parts for Healthcare Systems and equipment and handicap assistance tools for quicker and less costly equipment repairs.

Victory Village Corp faces several barriers that we hope Solve can help us overcome, primarily in the areas of financial and technical support.

1. Financial Barriers: As a nonprofit organization, Victory Village often struggles with limited funding and resources to expand our programs and reach more youth in Harris County. Solve can connect us with partners who can provide both monetary and non-monetary support to help us overcome this barrier. For example, access to grants, donations, and fundraising opportunities through Solve's network can provide the necessary financial resources to acquire land and build the CODEXCEL Workforce Training facility, as well as sustain and expand our vocational training programs.

2. Technical Barriers: In today's rapidly changing technological landscape, keeping our vocational training programs up-to-date with the latest industry standards and technologies can be challenging. Solve can connect Victory Village with technical experts and partners who can offer guidance, expertise, and resources to enhance the quality and relevance of our programs. For instance, partnerships with technology companies or educational institutions can provide access to cutting-edge tools, software, and curriculum development support to ensure that our students are well-equipped for success in their chosen fields.

By leveraging Solve's network and resources, Victory Village aims to address these barriers and advance our mission of empowering youth through vocational training and workforce development. While financial and technical support are key areas where Solve can assist us, we are also open to non-monetary support such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to expertise that can help us overcome legal, cultural, and market barriers that may arise in our journey. Ultimately, our goal is to create sustainable solutions that have a lasting impact on the lives of youth in our community, and we believe that Solve can play a crucial role in helping us achieve this vision.

The CODEXCEL program is creating a local technology ecosystem for advancing minority youth in the fields of STEM and Construction, helping to make middle-skill training accessible to all students regardless of race and economic status. We are training pre-teens and teens how to design & develop software and technology products, earn technical certificates and licenses, gain equity on their product portfolio, and have the potential to earn income to help their families with household expenses while completing their high school education without needing to falling into illegal trades. By 2025, our goal is to assist at least 100% of our projected 100 CODEXCEL graduates in securing full-time employment with healthcare technology firms, hospitals, corporate sponsors, and Victory Village Inc. 

Furthermore, another goal is to develop and train STEM teachers and parent volunteers in underfunded schools on how to teach Black and Brown students from underrepresented communities through object-oriented classes in creative environments that inspire ingenuity. By doing so, we are helping to create open, inclusive spaces for minority students to learn and thrive in STEM without the fear of being marginalized or castigated as abnormal by peers and teachers.

With this program, we are creating "techno villages"  that other similar non-profits and school districts are already imitating throughout this nation and internationally. We are changing the landscape of how our youth learn STEM, train in STEM, and develop into STEM professionals that give back to future generations. In fact, we are partnering with City Hope in St. Louis and The BRIDGE in Harrisburg, PA to enact CODEXCEL satellite campuses to expand our program nationwide. Furthermore, we are working with South Houston CDC and the Texas Medical Center of Houston to expand our program virtually into satellite campuses and households in Africa, training girls on how to design and build technologies through 3D printing and Virtual/ Augmented Reality.

Problem: Many Black and Brown youth from underrepresented minority communities across America lack access to middle-skill vocational training and struggle to find employment opportunities that align with their technical skills and interests, leaving them in desperate and often destructive situations. 

Victory Village Activities to Solve the Problem: 

1. Offer vocational training programs through CODEXCEL in various industries such as healthcare technology, biomedical engineering, drone design and piloting, construction, and business entrepreneurship. 

2. Partner with corporations, schools, non-profits, churches, and businesses to expand the reach and impact of our programs. 

3. Provide hands-on learning experiences, skill development workshops, career counseling, and job placement assistance to participants.

4. Establish a permanent CODEXCEL Workforce Training facility to serve as a dedicated space for our programs and community events.

Outputs: 

1. Increased enrollment and participation in CODEXCEL vocational training programs. 

2. Expansion of program offerings and partnerships to offer specialized middle-skill vocational training. 

3. Enhanced skills, knowledge, and confidence among participants.

4. Creation of a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Immediate Outcomes: 

1. Graduates of CODEXCEL programs secure employment in middle-income Healthcare, STEM, and Construction fields or pursue further education opportunities to become highly skilled medical professionals and technologists. 

2. Participants develop valuable life skills, interpersonal relationships, and a sense of belonging to a supportive community. 

3. Increased community engagement and collaboration among stakeholders.

4. Positive feedback and testimonials from program participants, partners, and community members.

Longer-Term Outcomes: 

1. Reduction in unemployment rates among youth and young adults in Harris County, particularly within the Healthcare sector. 

2. Economic empowerment and self-sufficiency for program graduates and their families. 

3. Strengthening of the local workforce and economy.

4. Provide opportunities for trained workers to provide healthcare services to underrepresented communities of color.

Evidence:
Our theory of change is supported by feedback from program participants, success stories of graduates who have found employment, continued their college education, and/or started their own businesses, partnerships with local organizations, and ongoing evaluations of program effectiveness. Additionally, research on the positive correlation between vocational training and improved employment outcomes reinforces the importance and impact of our programs on the target population.

Our impact goals for Victory Village Corp's solution are centered around empowering youth in Harris County through vocational training and workforce development programs. We aim to create a transformational impact on the lives of individuals and the community as a whole. Our impact goals are as follows:

1. Goal 1: Increase Employment Opportunities, particularly in the Healthcare, Technology, and Construction sectors: Our primary goal is to increase employment opportunities for youth in Harris County by providing them with the technical skills, training, and support they need to secure meaningful employment in their chosen fields.

   - Indicator: Percentage of program graduates who secure employment within six months of completing the CODEXCEL vocational training program.
   - Indicator: Average increase in income for program graduates compared to their pre-program earnings.

2. Goal 2: Foster Economic Empowerment: We seek to foster economic empowerment among program participants and their families, ultimately leading to greater financial stability and self-sufficiency.

   - Indicator: Percentage of program participants who report an increase in financial literacy and budgeting skills.
   - Indicator: Percentage of program participants who report an improvement in their ability to meet basic needs (housing, food, healthcare, etc.).

3. Goal 3: Strengthen Community Engagement: Our goal is to strengthen community engagement and collaboration among stakeholders, including participants, partners, and local organizations, to create a supportive ecosystem for youth empowerment.

   - Indicator: Number of community partnerships established or strengthened through collaboration with schools, non-profits, churches, and businesses.
   - Indicator: Percentage of program participants who report feeling connected to their community and supported by local resources.

4. Goal 4: Long-Term Impact: We aim to achieve long-lasting impact on the lives of individuals and the community by equipping youth with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive in the long term.

   - Indicator: Percentage of program graduates who remain employed or pursue further education/training opportunities one year after completing the CODEXCEL program.
   - Indicator: Number of success stories and testimonials from program graduates highlighting the long-term impact of the program on their lives and careers.

To measure our progress towards these impact goals, we collect data on the above indicators through surveys, interviews, focus groups, and program evaluations conducted at regular intervals. We also track key performance metrics related to program enrollment, completion rates, and participant outcomes to assess the effectiveness and success of our solution. By monitoring our progress against these indicators, we can continually refine and improve our programs to maximize their impact on the target population.

The core technology that powers Victory Village Corp's solution is a combination of modern educational technology tools and traditional hands-on learning methods. Our approach blends the use of AR/VR digital platforms,3D printers, drones, software applications, and online resources with practical, real-world experiences to deliver effective vocational training and workforce development programs to youth in Harris County.

1. Online Learning Platform: We utilize an online learning platform to deliver educational content, instructional videos, interactive modules, and assessments to participants. This platform provides a flexible and accessible way for students to engage with course materials, track their progress, and receive feedback from instructors.

2. Virtual Classrooms: In addition to the online learning platform, we use VR and AR technology, virtual classrooms, and video conferencing tools to facilitate live sessions, lectures, and workshops. This allows students to interact with instructors and peers in real-time, ask questions, and collaborate on projects remotely.

3. Skills Assessment Tools: We leverage technology-based skills assessment tools to evaluate participants' proficiency levels, identify areas for improvement, and tailor instruction to meet individual learning needs. These tools help us track participants' progress and ensure that they are mastering the necessary skills to succeed in their chosen fields.

4. Hands-on Training Equipment: While digital technology plays a significant role in our programs, we also prioritize hands-on learning experiences. We provide participants with access to state-of-the-art equipment, VR and AR tools, 3D printers, and materials needed to practice and apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world setting. For example, our healthcare technology trades program utilizes virtual and augmented reality systems to mock surgical and imaging environments for practical training.

5. Mentorship and Support Networks: Technology enables us to connect participants with industry professionals, mentors, and support networks through online networking platforms, forums, and social media groups. These connections provide valuable guidance, advice, and networking opportunities for participants as they navigate their career paths.

In summary, Victory Village Corp's solution harnesses the power of modern educational technology tools to deliver high-quality vocational training and workforce development programs to youth in Harris County. By combining digital platforms with hands-on learning experiences and mentorship opportunities, we aim to empower individuals with the skills, resources, and support they need to succeed in the 21st-century workforce while also respecting and preserving traditional knowledge systems and technologies that may be relevant to their chosen fields.

Full-time Staff(Executive Director and Communications Director): 2

Part-time Staff (Curriculum Specialist and Instructor): 2

Contractors (Media Specialist, Maintenance worker, and Driver): 3

Victory Village Corp was established in April 2017, 7 years ago.

The Solution: The CODEXCEL training and apprenticeship program under Victory Village Corp was implemented in June 2018, 6 years ago. It was started by the original advisory team of Tori Cole, TJ Tijani, and Brandy Richard.

THE VICTORY VILLAGE DEI STATEMENT

Diversity: We value the diversity of the Victory Village Corp staff and Victory Village's larger community, and we believe that our staff should reflect the various communities we serve.

Equity: We engineer our systems, policies, and resources with the goal of providing people of all ethnicities and backgrounds a honest opportunity to work, live, and be successful in their respective livelihoods. 

Inclusion: We strive to foster a holistic environment for everyone to feel supported and included. Victory Village creates an inclusive atmosphere for underrepresented and underserved individuals to find a village of support within our organization committed to their success- financially, emotionally, and spiritually. We know that when solutions are developed with the entire village in mind, then we will see a positive structural change and promotion of inclusivity in the traditional constructs often characterized by gender and minority exclusivity. When this happens, it benefits everyone.

The CODEXCEL Training Program

To help fill open workforce positions with trained, skilled workers from underserved communities, Victory Village Corp offers the CODEXCEL training program, working with a coalition of the Texas Medical Center of Houston, healthcare technology corporations, understaffed schools, state workforce agencies, truancy courts, faith-based organizations, and non-profits to help underserved middle and high school students earn industry-standard certifications while they are completing their high school education or G.E.D. Our goal is to assist 100% of our enrolled student techs in completing an industry-standard certification and life skills training, preparing them for college or immediate hire into entry-level Healthcare Tech, STEM, and Construction jobs and apprenticeships after high school graduation. These certifications include but are not limited to Epic Certification, Healthcare Technology Specialist Certification, FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot Licensing, and OSHA 10. 

CODEXCEL workforce trainings, internships, and apprenticeships will support the following industries:

• NAICS 339100          - Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing
• NAICS CODE 481219 - Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation
• NAICS CODE 541922 - Photographers Specializing in Aerial Photography
• NAICS CODE 541511 - Custom Computer Programming Services
• NAICS CODE 518210 - Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services
• NAICS CODE 541330 - Engineering Services
• NAICS CODE 23        - Construction
• NAICS Code: 541380 - Testing Laboratories

CODEXCEL training program, apprenticeships, and internships will support the following Middle Skill STEM Occupations - identified on the Texas Workforce Investment Council website as the leading occupations of the future for Gulf Coast Texas.

THE CODEXCEL PROGRAM SERVICES

The VICTORY VILLAGE CODEXCEL training programming will consist of the following programs:

CODEXCEL PREP Training Cohort – A year-long computer science development program for middle and high school students.

CODEXCEL Certification and Apprenticeship Tracks - Once students reach the age of 16 years (or receive a hardship work permit), we offer two CODEXCEL certification and industry apprenticeship tracks:

CODEXCEL Plus Training Track - A year-long advance technology and 3D printing certification and paid apprenticeship program for high school students. Track entrance is based upon skills and career assessment scoring for each student.

CODEXCEL Builders Training Track – A year-long construction, drone piloting, and energy industry inspection development program for high school students. This track was started in Summer 2023.

CODEXCEL Geek Squad Academy Summer Camp and STEM Days – Hosting camps and day-long classes for youth and teens to learn entrepreneurship principles, software/hardware programming, and technology product design through instructor-led classes and guided projects. Each camp will culminate with a Go-Live Day of presentation of the completed product or service for a local small business or non-profit organization.

Victory iTECH Cafe - In 2020, we converted a 40-foot metro bus into a mobile workforce training lab and community café. We host community healthcare seminars, health classes, CODEXCEL technical trainings, and community events for youth, parents, and families in collaboration with healthcare partners.

TOTAL FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO DATE SINCE 2017: $106,975 in grants and monetary donations

TOTAL SPONSORSHIP TO DATE (FINANCIAL, IN-KIND, AND PRO BONO) SINCE 2017: $684,475

Fundraising and Partnership Strategy

While we have received operational and programming funding from our main corporate sponsors such as Dow, Toyota, Best Buy, and Walmart, we are currently working to gain more corporate sponsorship, partnership, and funding through the Texas Medical Center (TMC), government entities such as the Texas Workforce Commission, Lone Star College, and various foundations committed to STEM success and decreasing equity gaps for Black and Brown students.

Funding Alternatives

To meet our five-year expansion goal, Victory Village Corp is planning on leasing spaces within partner nonprofits and schools to host weekday and afterschool CODEXCEL trainings and programming, tripling the impact of our programming within two years. We realize that such programming will generate a need for more funding sources. Therefore, as a condition of our board membership, starting in FY 2023 each of board member has committed to donating $2000 each annually in personal funds and securing a minimum of $10000 in annual corporate, family, and friends’ donations for the lifetime of their membership. This totals to $72,000 in additional annual funding.