Our Story
The seeds for Houston Youth Empowerment Services (H*YES) were sown long before its official establishment in 2021. At its core was Nicole Fuhrmann's deep-seated desire to give back to the community. While this aspiration had always been a burning ember in Nicole's heart, it was during a casual lunch conversation that it found its spark. It was there, amidst shared meals and dreams, that she and Ernest Fuhrmann (her husband and soon-to-be co-founder) christened the organization with its now iconic name,"Houston Youth Empowerment Services."
Ernest, brimming with enthusiasm, became particularly keen on the idea of promoting financial literacy among Houston's youth, recognizing the transformative power of such knowledge. Yet, it was Nicole's unwavering spirit that led HYES to its first significant charitable act. By October
2021, she had successfully forged a partnership with BEAR, launching HYES's inaugural toy drive. This initiative not only marked the start of the organization's community engagement but also set the tone for its future endeavors.
The early stages of HYES were buoyed by the generosity of DataLog and GeoVision, which proudly stood as its maiden donors. Recognizing the potential of the newly-formed non-profit, they played a pivotal role in championing its cause. The oilfield community, deeply intertwined with Houston's industrial landscape, also heeded the call, further fueling HYES's mission.
Today, under the guidance of Nicole, alongside Ernest, and Jackie Palmer, H*YES has channeled over $50,000 into empowering Houston's youth, transforming countless lives and shaping a brighter future for the community through STEM Education, Financial Literacy, and Sports Education.
STEM Education:
We are firm believers in the transformative power of STEM education for our youth. With this conviction, our programming is meticulously designed to introduce and nurture future career aspirations at an early stage.
Financial Literacy:
Our objective is to empower the youth by fostering early adoption of healthy financial decision-making, thereby equipping them with the necessary skills to navigate and excel in the future.
Sports Education:
We firmly believe that sports play a crucial role in offering essential structure to the lives of youth, contributing significantly to their future development.
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Inequity in Opportunities
In Houston, many youths face a persistent disparity in access to crucial educational and developmental resources. This lack of access doesn't just affect their academic performance— it limits their potential for future success and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.
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Gaps in Early Childhood Education
The foundation for lifelong learning and success is laid at a young age. Yet, many children in our community miss out on these foundational experiences, putting them at a disadvantage that often persists throughout their lives. Beyond academic support, many youths lack exposure to sports education, financial literacy, and emotional health lessons
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Shortage of STEM Education
Despite the evolving global job market demanding skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), many schools, especially in low-resource areas, fail to provide adequate or any STEM programming. In the Houston area, there's a noted discrepancy in school resources, which often leaves schools in low-income neighborhoods without robust STEM programs.
