Entrepreneurial Educators
ADOLESCENT FLOURISHING
INITIATIVE
Promoting Adolescent Flourishing
MOST ADOLESCENTS TODAY DO NOT EXPERIENCE THEIR K-12 EDUCATION AS A CONNECTED, PURPOSE-FILLED LAUNCH INTO ADULT LIFE.
WE WANT TO CHANGE THAT.
There is considerable evidence that students in private, religious, and homeschooling environments experience more care and connectedness from staff and peers along with a greater sense of purpose and meaning. However, few schools of education in our nation’s colleges and universities focus on cultivating teachers and leaders for these alternative institutions.
The Adolescent Flourishing Initiative (AFI) aims to change that trajectory for educators. We will equip K-12 teachers, leaders, and entrepreneurs with the framework and tools they need to provide young people with the foundation for a flourishing life.
What we do
To achieve these ambitious goals, AFI will focus on four distinct objectives
Researching
The impact of virtue cultures and character education on adolescent flourishing
Publishing
Findings to equip and inspire educators and educate policy-makers
Convening
Scholars, innovators, and leaders to advance research into application
Training
A new generation of educators and entrepreneurs to implement our findings
AFI will examine distinctive K-12 educational institutions to determine,
“What practices create a common culture among adolescents that leads to flourishing?” and “What is the application of this research for educators?”
We will work with practitioners from diverse educational models with a particular focus on those institutions that support character education and virtue development to determine the best way to support a young person's sense of connection and purpose, the universal fundamentals of human flourishing.
AFI will undertake the creation and dissemination of new models of institutional development and teacher training to foster a healthy culture among youth. If successful, AFI will be one of the most critical transformations of education in the early 21st century. We seek to have a measurable impact on our families, our communities, and our country as the children served by these purpose-driven, pioneering educators thrive and grow.
WHY IT’S IMPORTANT
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Research indicates most adolescents in the United States today do not experience their K-12 education as a connected, purpose-filled journey into adult life.
Yet, some school subcultures provide a better sense of meaning and purpose than others. we need to examine Those cultural characteristics that better serve young people - even if the Resulting suggestions are unpopular.
Behavioral health disorders, primarily substance abuse and mental illness, have been described as the chronic diseases of the young—they typically first appear during adolescence. If K-12 education fails to foster authentic connection and purpose, we will see a growing public health crisis with grave implications for a generation of youth destined to lead our nation.
With its reputation for intellectual independence and a resolute commitment to academic freedom, UATX is attracting world-renowned scholars who are committed to an integrated, non-ideological study across disciplines. Together, we have the opportunity to create the leading program for future educators and entrepreneurs seeking to increase adolescent flourishing in the United States – and potentially the world.
who
we are
AFI is led by Executive Director Michael Strong, one of the most experienced designers of innovative school programs in the United States and one of the most influential creators of high performance alternative schools in the world.
Michael Strong
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Lauren Postler
Among Michael's well-known innovations at his schools is Socratic Practice, a form of text-based intellectual dialogue designed to increase SAT verbal scores and increase intellectual sophistication. As an expert in this space, he is the author of The Habit of Thought: From Socratic Seminars to Socratic Practice and has consulted for hundreds of schools and universities across the world.
Michael's work as an educational entrepreneur led to a partnership with John Mackey, the founder and CEO of Whole Foods. John and Michael co-founded a non-profit that gave birth to well-known programs, including Conscious Capitalism and Peace through Commerce. Michael is also the lead author of Be the Solution: How Entrepreneurs and Conscious Capitalism Can Solve All the World's Problems. He is uniquely qualified to lead AFI at UATX.
Leading alongside Michael is Lauren M. Postler, Director of Strategic Growth for AFI.
Following in the footsteps of a family dedicated to military and spiritual service, Lauren strives to apply the principles of servant leadership in all her endeavors. She is deeply committed to what she calls the “Four E’s of Economic Prosperity” for all: education, entrepreneurship, energy & elections.
With almost 20 years of experience in strategic planning, change management, capacity building and collaborations for nonprofit organizations and Fortune 500 businesses alike, Lauren brings a wealth of knowledge, a dynamic skill set and a passion to her work with mission-driven organizations. Her previous involvement in fundraising with leaders in the oil & gas industry and background as a social worker has lent itself to both a “grass-roots” and “big picture” approach helping social entrepreneurs build their brands and raise capital to fuel their cause.
She previously worked on health & human service legislation, served as the Executive Director of Saint Anne School Foundation in Houston, Texas, and as the Director of Strategic Growth for the “LaunchPad” collective of entrepreneurial programs across the University of Texas System.
SUPPORT OUR EFFORTS
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UATX has already received a seed grant of $100,000 for AFI, enabling us to begin hiring.
We are actively raising $3 million to attract additional industry-leading experts, host cutting-edge events for thought-leaders, and launch ground-breaking research projects in order to establish the world's leading, university-level program focused on preparing K-12 educators to prioritize adolescent flourishing. Investment opportunities include
Investment opportunities
- Research Budget - Addendum Available with Pilot Opportunities: $1.5 million
- Executive Leadership & Support Staff: $600,000
- Four (4) Conferences to Inform Research, Publishing & Training: $400,000
- Journal of Adolescent Flourishing: $250,000
- Administrative & Operating Costs: $250,000
With your support, AFI students and faculty will be at the forefront of the development of new educational models that advance human flourishing.
Contact Lauren Postler to learn more at LPostler@uaustin.org.