A BRIEF REVIEW

December 2022

BRIEF Partners with Clemson University and Naval Information Warfare Center on Capstone Project

BRIEF is so excited to be the first nonprofit chosen by Clemson University's School of Computing to work with senior Computer Science majors in the Capstone Program. The dynamics of this partnership have been truly amazing! Our kids are inspired by the Clemson students as they learn that computer science and AI skills will open the door to a future of financial security through a rewarding career. Instead of being told they will fail, they are encouraged to develop their God-given skills. Clemson students, in turn, are inspired by these kids and their hearts are opened to give back to our community. We love having the Clemson students visit with our BRIEF students!

The Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC), located in Charleston, SC, became a part of this project after meeting a Clemson graduate, Helena Upshaw, from the Spring semester 2022 Capstone team at a banquet in Charleston, SC. Hearing her excitement about the work on the Capstone project and her passion about how this project will help those less fortunate in the community, NIWC believed this aligned with their Workforce Development Initiative and reached out to Clemson University and BRIEF.

Marcus Schoultz, STEM Mobile Applications Technical Lead, and his team of developers mentored the Clemson students as they designed and built the framework for a mobile app to be used by our BRIEF Computer Science and AI students. The mobile app will help build the self-confidence of our kids while sharpening their technical skills. We are looking forward to ongoing work in the spring of 2023.

A big thank you to the BRIEF Capstone team of Gary Allen, Steffen Dreesen, Kathryn Smith and Jalen McCloud. Much appreciation to Prof. Carrie Russell, Prof. Mitch Shue, Dr. Jerome McClendon, Dr. Jamaihus Walton and Dr. Rose Lowe (retired) of Clemson University for your guidance and commitment to this project!

Volunteer Highlight

Meet Mr. Daniel, BRIEF's Director of Middle School Hands On Science Lab. Daniel is more than a teacher, he is gifted at reaching the hearts and minds of students. A graduate of North Greenville University, Daniel now lives in Pickens County with his wife Kayla and their son, Elijah.

Daniel's love for science is contagious and quickly embraced by the students.Teaching information is important, and Daniel brings so much more to the learning experience. This is especially important after students have spent a long day in school. They need something fresh and exciting. Daniel says it best, "There is an old saying that goes, "People rarely remember what you say, but they always remember how you made them feel." At BRIEF, the students don't just leave smiling - they arrive that way too. I am honored to be a part of the BRIEF team as we invest in the hearts and minds of the students to make an impact that is multi-generational in scale."

We focus on teaching our kids communication, teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking. Daniel speaks about the importance of these skills, "Though it goes without saying, this world is a tough place. However, it will be made even tougher if people are not well-versed and well-practiced in these areas. BRIEF's hands-on workshop seeks to help participants develop the soft skills necessary to be empowered as leaders in overcoming life's many challenges. I believe the greatest iniquity in life is to withhold a child from their true potential. At BRIEF, we seek to be the salt and light in our community by removing potential stumbling blocks that may present themselves in the children's path to success."

BRIEF is grateful to our faithful financial supporters of 2022. Your generosity has made it possible to help these students break free from the cycle of poverty and thrive in life.

Thank You!

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December 2022

Volunteer Highlight

﻿Stay connected to more BRIEF updates by following our social media accounts, joining our mailing list,

and visiting our website.

Stay connected to more BRIEF updates by following our social media accounts, joining our mailing list,