Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Waterfall Academy
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 901 Waterfall Way
City: Richardson
State: TX
Postal Code: 75080
Main Phone: 9722138357
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.waterfallacademy.com
Employer ID Number: 83-0616239
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 11/21/2023
Requested Amount: $10,000

Project Title: WATERFALL TECH – 18+ Program
Project Description:

Waterfall Academy is a school for children with learning differences, notably Autism. Founded in 2018 with two students, we now serve 27 students and their families.
Waterfall Academy has established an 18+ student program pilot – WATERFALL TECH. This extension of Waterfall Academy will focus on life and work prep.
Career Pathing – We will leverage a Career Path gamification program that is the first of its kind, animated/interactive career exploration video game experience, funded by The National Science Foundation. Using game-based learning, students explore a "Day in the Life" of over 20 careers, covering 15 job sectors.
Advanced Social Skills – We will leverage a gamification program focused on advanced Social Skills including the following; learning how to identify feelings in others, understanding the importance of "eye contact" when talking with someone, reading non-verbal social cues, identifying appropriate coping strategies, learning how to start conversations, learning how to be part of a group, learning about the hidden rules in social situations, watching social situations unfold, and seeing how behavior can have negative or positive consequences.
Health and Wellbeing – We will deploy SyncUP ↑, an exciting new program addressing health and wellbeing, with a special focus on providing support for students in critical thinking around their personal overall health, wellness and readiness for a healthy lifestyle.
Transportation and Independence – A progressive series of transportation exercises will be arranged under decreasing supervision over time until students are capable of independent travel. Individual assessments will be conducted to assure that each student is ready to navigate the outside world. Consultations with therapists and student families will be arranged to develop an agreed-upon schedule on the path to independent travel. Parental permission will be obtained, and progress tracked.

Total Project Budget: $61,725

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Founders are the main initial source, potential foundation grant support

Project Duration: Started in Fall 2023 – on-going program
Geographical Area Served: Metro Dallas Area
Age Group To Be Served: 18-26

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Mrs.
Contact First Name: Connie
Contact Last Name: Rodriguez
Contact Title: Head of School / Co-Founder
Contact Phone: 2146939365
Contact Email: connie.r@waterfallacademy.com