Students are able to see themselves in the figures and think of strategies to overcome personal struggles and obstacles.
LaShawn Sims, University of Michigan College of Engineering
School Culture and Transformation Grant, Lansing School District
It gives me immense pleasure to offer my highest recommendation for the IT Figures Program. I recently entered into a contractual agreement with this organization as they provided four professional development sessions for schools here in the Lansing School District, and the program is phenomenal. The emphasis on core concepts such as character development, self- esteem, and establishing goals is so critical during this time as many of our children are dealing with issues of isolation and anxiety as a result of the pandemic. This is without a doubt the most innovative, culturally relevant, and interactive program that I have had the pleasure to be a part of. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the level of engagement for students, however the facilitators presented the material in such an enthusiastic manner that the students were eager to take part in the program, and I’ve received nothing but positive praise.
I would strongly encourage other school districts to take advantage of this opportunity for their students and families. I look forward to continuing the partnership with the IT Figures program during the 2021-2022 school year as this is the highest quality and most beneficial program towards meeting the social emotional learning needs of our students.
Kyron Harvell
Project Director of the School Culture and Transformation Grant, Lansing School District
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Dear Tiffany and Cedric,
On behalf of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, I want to thank you again for the wonderful workshop you provided for the Education Team. It was a perfect team-building exercise and my staff loved it. Your collection of African American superhero action figures was very impressive, especially to those here who faithfully follow science fiction, comix and graphic novels. You really pulled out all the stops in terms of depth of information, sensitivity to issues affecting our youth, and as regards the future of STEM careers, which we need to gear up for. The fact that you and wife Tiffany are juggling full-time careers and making time to pursue this type of social-emotional work to support our kids is inspiring to say the least. I think your presentations would be great experiences for middle school students, with aspects working well with teens and professional adults. We are looking forward to your next presentation here at The Wright.
Thank you again for your creativity and passion.
Reggie Woolery
Director of Education, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
MDOT Youth Development Program
I have worked with youth for over 20 years. I have children of my own, family members, coached sports, worked with students at school, and served adjudicated youth. One of the most challenging things to do is get the attention of young people, especially teenagers. I hired IT FIGURES to provide a mentoring workshop to 100 + high school and college students for the MDOT Youth Development Program. I was able to see the facilitators earn and keep the attention of this large group. They provided a sensational experience where students were able use their cognitive skills, communicate in large and small group settings, and even offered greater perspective by sharing historical facts about diversity and special talent that we all have that make the community a stage for superpowers. The facilitators shared history, careers and a display of action figures, sneakers, costumes, and a special activity that helped them identify each of their special talents that could be a used to pursue STEAM achievements. This workshop was a big hit for the group. The demographics of the group contained male and female students from Lansing, Jackson, Ann Arbor, and Adrian. I did not get 1 complaint. The students even complimented the fact of how nice it was to see a married couple working together to activate their own superpowers the “T-3 Powers” (1. Talent, 2. Teaching and 3. Teamwork). This was surely one of the best investments that we made that summer. The pair stimulated genius among my youth participants. I will look forward to working with them again.
James Jackson, Sr.
Diversity Recruitment Strategy Coordinator, MDOT Transportation
University of Michigan Make a Difference Program and Ann Arbor African American Museum
IT Figures is an outstanding company!
I first used IT Figures program with an undergraduate student group. This group had recently transferred from small private liberal arts colleges to a top-tier engineering school at a top-ranked university. The transition for these students presents obvious and not so obvious challenges and inherent adversities. The creative and interactive techniques used in the workshop are engaging. Individuals identified applied the learning to their own personal life situations.
I was so impressed by the professionalism of the company and the outcomes, I recommended them to the African American Cultural Historical Museum of Washtenaw County. The Museum invited IT Figures to conduct a workshop virtually during their Kwanzaa Community Celebration in December 2020. I was impressed by the way they translated the in-person workshop to a virtual format for a mixed group of youth and adults. The audience loved the experience and wanted to continue the workshop after the workshop ended.
I would highly recommend IT Figures for your organization. Their message of using your strengths—“Superpowers” to overcome adversities is appropriate for and can be tailored to multiple age groups.
Dr. Debby Covington
Director of Partnerships, Outreach and Retention, U-M College of Engineering
Chair of the African American Cultural and Historical Museum
University of Michigan Think a Bit Program
We hosted IT Figures for a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) summer camp for middle school students. I was impressed with their exhibition and professionalism. Our students were engaged and easily related to the content. The connection they make to super hero strengths and character traits is outstanding! Students are able to see themselves in the figures and think of strategies to overcome personal struggles and obstacles. I look forward to a continued partnership with IT Figures.
LaShawn Sims
Program Manager, University of Michigan College of Engineering