Empowering Houston's Youth: Eight Million Stories and LISC Houston Join Forces

Eight Million Stories (8MS), a LISC Foot Locker grantee, is making strides in transforming the lives of at-promise youth in Houston through innovative programs that break down barriers to education and employment. Founded in 2017, 8MS focuses on disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline by providing comprehensive support, including educational programming, career readiness, social services, and personal development for youth aged 9-24. The collaboration with LISC Houston aims to expand the impact of 8MS’s programs, creating opportunities for young people to thrive. 

“At Eight Million Stories, we believe in the power of second chances and the potential within every young person,” says Marvin Pierre, Co-Founder and Executive Director. “Our mission is to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and empower youth to build a better future for themselves.” 

The School-to-Prison Pipeline: A Challenge Worth Solving 

Houston faces significant challenges, particularly in supporting young men of color who are disproportionately affected by school disciplinary policies that often lead to involvement with the criminal justice system. Many young people are disappearing from schools and the workforce, fueling a cycle of poverty and incarceration. Through its partnership with LISC Houston, 8MS aims to tackle these issues head-on by providing holistic interventions that address the root causes of disengagement and pave the way for future success. 

“We know that the barriers to success can seem insurmountable,” explains Pierre, “but with the right support, every young person can overcome them. We’re committed to meeting students where they are and providing the tools they need to succeed.” 

Programs Designed for Impact 

8MS offers several impactful initiatives, including the REAL (Reimagining Education and Life) Program, which supports high school students who have dropped out or are at risk of doing so. This program combines accelerated credit recovery, social and emotional support, career readiness, and enrichment activities to help students regain their academic footing and prepare for post-secondary education or the workforce. The collaboration with LISC Houston has enhanced the REAL Program's reach, enabling it to serve more students and expand resources. 

Another notable initiative is the REACH internship program, an eight-week summer opportunity that provides young people with professional work experience, mentorship, and career readiness training. The program aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping students with the skills needed to secure sustainable careers. With the support of LISC Houston, 8MS has been able to offer more placements and strengthen partnerships with local employers. 

"Our programs are designed not only to educate but to connect youth with mentors, employers, and opportunities that will change the trajectory of their lives,” says Pierre. These initiatives have had a profound impact, with over 85% of participants in the REAL Program reporting feeling hopeful about their future, while 88% believe the program has prepared them for success after high school. 

The Power of Partnership 

The collaboration with LISC Houston is part of a broader strategy to leverage community resources and create lasting change. As a LISC Foot Locker grantee, 8MS is among several organizations receiving funding through the Foot Locker Foundation's Community Empowerment Program. This program is a key component of Foot Locker Inc.’s Leading Education and Economic Development (LEED) initiative, which has committed $200 million to support youth in underserved communities. The grant funding, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, helps organizations like 8MS scale their programs and enhance their impact. 

The funding provided through this partnership has allowed 8MS to not only expand its reach but also to innovate its service delivery. For instance, the integration of hands-on learning experiences, paid internships, and individualized mentorship is making a profound difference in students' lives. The impact is not just limited to academic success; it extends to fostering hope and motivation among participants. 

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Growth 

As 8MS and LISC Houston continue to collaborate, there is a shared vision to deepen the impact and expand access to services. Plans are underway to broaden the scope of the REAL Program by establishing additional satellite campuses across the city. This expansion aims to accommodate the growing number of students who need alternative educational pathways. 

The partnership also emphasizes data-driven evaluation and continuous improvement. By tracking key outcomes such as credit recovery, graduation rates, and employment, 8MS ensures that programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of students. These efforts not only disrupt the cycle of poverty but also contribute to building a stronger, more resilient community. 

“At the heart of our work is hope—hope for a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive, no matter their background or circumstances,” Pierre emphasizes. 

Through initiatives like the REAL and REACH programs, 8MS and LISC Houston are helping youth develop the social capital, skills, and confidence they need to achieve long-term success. With a commitment to creating equitable pathways, this partnership stands as a model for how community-based organizations and local institutions can collaborate to drive meaningful change. 

What’s next for 8M Stories 

Eight Million Stories, in collaboration with Community Preschools, has secured a YouthBuild Grant from the US Department of Labor. This ($700,000) grant will fund local nonprofit, Eight Million Stories, to empower disconnected youth and young adults in Precinct 2 who have faced challenges within the education system or justice involvement.  

The YouthBuild Program, is a collaboration between Eight Million Stories, Inc., Community Preschools, Precinct 2, Precinct2gether, and Sunset United Methodist. The program will provide at-promise youth with valuable experience, credentials (NCCER CORE), and comprehensive wrap-around services essential for their success. 

Eight Million Stories now operates out of two locations: Pasadena and Gulfton. Locations for both locations can be found here: 

8MS YouthBuild (GED and Construction Training) 
709 Allendale Rd 
Pasadena, TX 77502 

8MS ED (GED and Job Readiness) 
6100 Hillcroft Avenue 
Houston, TX 77081 

For more information on Eight Million Stories and its programs, visit www.eightmillionstories.org. 

For more information, please contact Carolyn Andrews, Community Development Program Officer, at candrews@lisc.org.