ANNUAL REPORT · 2017-08-04 · A Letter from the Board Chair 1. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Marni Mohr, Chair Brian Kirsch, Vice-Chair ... Richard W. Courts IV Kappy Kellett deButts Sadie

2016ANNUAL REPORT

A L E T T E R F R O M T H E B O A R D C H A I R

Dear Friends,

At conferences and learning centers across the country, educators, thought leaders, and decision makers are engaged in dialogues that grapple with new definitions of success, growth, and proficiency. Creating personalized development goals and student-centered environments, and enabling mobile learning, are among the leading ideas and theories. In short, innovation is a key word in education.

Innovation has also been the pivotal guidepost for Odyssey throughout 2016. Odyssey’s 2015-2020 strategic plan seeks to build on the foundations of our past summer programming to create a robust, year-round academic organization that can expand the ambitions of Atlanta students and empower them on a successful journey to college and beyond. Guided by four key pillars of growth and change, Odyssey has set out to strengthen the academic rigor of its curriculum. Central to this strategic goal has been a concentrated effort to incorporate STEAM—science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics—into each grade level at Odyssey. Funded by a generous three-year grant by the The Goizueta Foundation, Odyssey launched this effort by hiring specialized STEAM teachers and adding state-of-the-art equipment and technology to bolster the experiences of Odyssey’s summer classes.

A second essential goal of our strategic plan is to improve student recruitment and retention. As a result of extensive outreach to Atlanta schools, a new online application, and improved communication channels, Odyssey served 367 students in 2016—a 10% increase—and improved retention to 70%. While Odyssey’s scholars have fun, they also work exceptionally hard each summer with long days and high expectations. But as the old saying goes, “It’s not work if you love what you do.” It is especially rewarding to see that so many scholars love their time with Odyssey, and make the commitment to return each summer.

The increased academic rigor and innovation in the classrooms have similarly called for enhancements and changes in Odyssey’s business operations and institutional capacity. Each of these demands has called for an increase in investment from Odyssey supporters and donors. Odyssey’s efforts to grow and expand would not be possible without the incredible generosity of donors and countless volunteers—from our Brunch Committee, 5K Quest Run volunteers, student volunteers, mentors, and community members who read with our students.

On behalf of Odyssey’s Board of Directors, I would like to thank all of our supporters for helping us touch the lives of Odyssey scholars, and I invite you to join us on our journey of innovation, building a brighter future for Atlanta’s youth, by visiting the program during the summer and attending our special events.

With warm regards,

Marni Mohr2017 Chair, Board of Directors

Marni Mohr Odyssey Board Chair and Brian Kirsh Odyssey Board Vice-Chair

Jeff Cohen, Executive Director

A Letter from theBoard Chair

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B O A R D O F D I R E C TO R S

Marni Mohr, ChairBrian Kirsch, Vice-Chair

Jackson BenderLeslie Hazle BusseyRayford L. DavisJoseph H. “Scoot” DimonJason F. EstevesEmily HeimermannScotty JonesJennifer KellettJennifer P. LatzJason MarshallYancey McCollumRichard McPhailAshley MillerDeborah Penley MillerSwati PatelRobert RyshkeJohn F. “Sandy” SmithAnna WickPolly WilliamsSteven I. Woodard

T H E O D Y S S E Y P R O G R A M

Odyssey, an educational program with a proven track record of success, works with motivated public school students to help improve their school performance and instill a love for life-long learning. Targeting Atlanta Public Schools students in grades 1-12 from disadvantaged communities, Odyssey offers a comprehensive summer program for nearly 370 students, focusing on a core academic curriculum, the arts, and exposure to critical thinking skills. Odyssey encourages students to embark upon a quest for knowledge and a journey toward higher education.

Offering educational enrichment to children who might otherwise not have access to these experiences has always guided Odyssey’s program. All programs, offered for only a $35 registration fee as a sign of a family’s committee, are held on the campus of The Westminster Schools for six weeks each summer. Transportation from local elementary schools or from the Arts Center MARTA station is provided, as are lunch and snacks. Elementary children also receive breakfast.

Odyssey’s program targets “middle third” students: those students who may need the extra push, the nurturing environment, and the sense of community that a multi-year summer program like Odyssey can provide. We focus on families from Title I schools for whom education is important and on students who are willing to make the

A D V I S O RYC O U N C I L

Mary J. BaileyRobert A. BoasJames E. Bostic, Jr.Sunny H. BurrowsWilliam Clarkson IVLaurie ColemanRichard W. Courts IVKappy Kellett deButtsSadie J. DennardDon DoranKeith EvansPeter A. FozzardThomas K. Glenn IISusan T. HamiltonAnne HarperCecily Harsch-KinnaneSusan HawkinsJudith Varn HaysBarbara Benson HowellBarbara W. LevyPatricia E. LummusCarolyn Cody McClatcheyThomas F. McWhirterJames H. MorgensTeresa W. PendergrastChristine RaglandMark B. RileyB. Clayton RoladerJane J. StratigosLindsey B. SykesSteve B. TyeComer Yates

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commitment to Odyssey for multiple summers.

Odyssey’s summer curriculum exposes students to concepts they cover during the school year, but in a more creative, enriched, and experiential environment. Our goal is to make a measurable impact on the academic achievement, career aspirations, and lives of Odyssey’s students.

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Odyssey Program EvaluationOdyssey’s SMART Objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound) were created in 2008 to quantify and measure the progress of Odyssey’s students and of the program itself. The objectives have been continually revised as the program has evolved.

A Quest for Knowledge…

- 80% of Odyssey Elementary students will improve in reading

- 90% of Odyssey students will read a minimum of 2 grade level

appropriate books

- 80% of Odyssey Elementary, Middle and High School students

will demonstrate writing improvement

- 80% of Odyssey Elementary and 70% of Odyssey Middle and High

School students will meet mathematics expectations

... A Path to College

- 90% of Odyssey students missed 3 days or less during the six week

Odyssey program

- 60% of Odyssey students were returning students

- 50% of the Odyssey students who complete the program during their

9th grade summer will remain in the program through their 12th grade

summer

- 90% of the Odyssey students participating in 12th grade will graduate

from high school

A comprehensive Odyssey SMART Objectives Report is available on our website.

One of the distinguishing features of Odyssey’s program is the use of master teachers, many who have received honors of distinction for excellence in their field, including APS Teachers of the Year, and recipients of special funding grants for classroom innovation.

Odyssey teachers come from The Westminster Schools and the Atlanta Public Schools and surrounding school districts. Teacher-student ratio ranges from 1:10 in the lower grades to 1:12 in the upper school. Year to year retention among teachers is as high as 90%. Many Odyssey teachers have returned to work with our students every summer for more than a decade.

O D Y S S E Y FA C U LT Y

“Summers at Odyssey have been the best summers of my life.”

- RETURNING 10TH GRADER

“I love that we learn about Rocket Science at Odyssey. It’s so cool.”

- 2ND GRADER

“For me, teaching in Odyssey is all about building relationships. Relationships with my new class of students each summer. Relationships with my former students and families that return each year, allowing me to see how they have grown and changed over the school year. Relationships with the wonderful, dedicated faculty that I have the privilege of teaching with each and every summer. Relationships with the many volunteers who give of themselves each summer to help us make this program a success. For all of these relationships, I am truly thankful. I am a better teacher because of Odyssey!”

- ODYSSEY ELEMENTARY TEACHER

“The classes are fantastic - small enough that I get to know my individual students and large enough that students get to interact with one another and really get to discuss what we are learning.”

- ODYSSEY MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

“I could not be happier teaching at Odyssey. I love the new diverse teachers I get to work with at Odyssey. It’s a whole different group than during the school year and I feel that my skill set grows professionally with different colleagues as they all bring different things to the table.”

- ODYSSEY MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

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S P E C I A L O D Y S S E Y E V E N T SA N N U A L B R U N C H

The Annual Brunch is Odyssey’s primary fundraising event of the year. The 7th Annual Brunch was held on February 6, 2016, at the St. Regis Hotel in Buckhead. Chaired by Molly Caine and Mary Ann Groton, the event brought together more than 500 Atlantans who share our commitment to educational access for all of Atlanta’s youth. It was a warm and festive morning including a networking brunch and raffle.

In his keynote remarks, UCLA Professor Pedro Noguera inspired and rallied the audience to join together to provide the hope and inspiration that Atlanta’s students need to succeed. The 2016 Odyssey Scholar Award was presented to Shirtoria Smith, an Odyssey graduate, now a Posse Scholar at The College of Wooster, who shared her personal story on how Odyssey gave her a vision and the tools to make her college dreams come true.

2 0 1 6 S P O N S O R S : Platinum | The Coca-Cola Company • The Home Depot FoundationSilver | BNY Mellon Wealth Management • Dorsey Alston, Realtors • Jack Minson and Richard Edge of UBS Private Wealth ManagementBronze | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties • Enterprise Holdings, Inc. • Georgia Power Company • Gramercy Fine Linens & Furnishings • MetroDerm P.C. • Momar, Inc.•Neiman Marcus • Northside Hospital • Vein Center of North Georgia • The Westminster Schools • The Zeist Foundation, Inc.Media Sponsor | The Atlantan

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“Without the aid from

Odyssey and the academic

support, college wouldn’t

have seemed obtainable.

And with Odyssey, college

becomes a reality. It becomes

more than a dream.”-

SHIRTORIA SMITH, 2016 ODYSSEY SCHOLAR AWARD RECIPIENT

PAT R O N S : Valedictorian | Marni and Julian Mohr, Jr.Salutatorian | Chrissy Boggess, Robin Croft, Caroline Lockerman, Yancey McCollum, Ashley Miller, Swati Patel, Kelly Regal, Marie Stafford, Helen StewartHonors | Aarati Alexander, Stacey Beardsley, Kathie Bekkers, Ginny Brewer, Angela Bromenschenkel, Marnee Byrd, Molly Caine, Claudia Carroll, Aimee Chubb, Lane and Richard Courts IV, Carrie Crozer, Shirley Davis, Catherine Flynn, Louise Gracey, Mary Ayres Griggs, Mary Ann Groton, Rebecca Gupta, Emily Levy Heimermann, Lisa Henry Horne, Liza Jancik, Lindsey Kamin, Jennifer Kellett, Janet Lavine, Cara Isdell Lee and Zak Lee, Barbara Levy, Valerie Love, Wimberly McPhail, Betsy Meacham, Suzanne Moore, Veronica Morrissette, Terri Pendergrast, Jeannie Sands, Susan Stevens, Parker Tekin, Merrell Thompson, Silke Wahl, Christina Whitney, Caroline Willis, Kira Wood, Tyler Wynne

Q U E S T R U N S P O N S O R S : MAGNA CUM LAUDECox Enterprises • UPS

CUM LAUDEChick-fil- A • Momar, Inc.

HONOR ROLLEdQwestWest Stride Running

5 K R U N FA M I LY S P O N S O R S :DEAN’S LISTThe Kirsch KrewThe McCollum Family

TEACHER’S PETThe Campbell Bullock FamilyJanet Lavine & Rick WilliamsThe James and Mary Lee Davis FamilyThe Silliman FamilyJulie and Bill Wood and Family

S P E C I A L O D Y S S E Y E V E N T SO D Y S S E Y 5 K R U N

The second annual Odyssey 5K Run was held on June 18, 2016. Over one hundred runners joined us for this event around the scenic campus of Westminster, and were warmed up in spirit and in body by Westminster’s Reverend Ricardo Bailey and Pace Academy and Odyssey Teacher Mark Sommerville. After tackling the hilly, chipped-time course on a hot summer morning, runners were treated with cheers from Odyssey’s students along the course and King of Pops across the finish line. Special thanks to our sponsors and army of volunteers who helped make the event a fun, safe, and successful morning!

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“We know that income and zip code are two of the best

predictors of academic success. But Odyssey is working to

change that. Odyssey takes the children in our city with the

most limited resources, and gives them the experience and

opportunities they need to soar. I support Odyssey, because

Odyssey is turning dreams into reality.”

- AN ODYSSEY HERO

2 0 1 6 H E R O E S Dione & Rayford DavisRand & Seth HagenCatherine & J.J. JaxonCarrie & Whit LanierAshley & Prescott MillerEdith & Michael RogersSwati & Rahul PatelSteve & Kimberly Tye

H E R O E S C A M PA I G N

As part of Odyssey’s commitment to build a secure and stable financial future for the organization, Odyssey Heroes commit to donating the four-year cost of a student’s Odyssey journey—$2,500 per year. Heroes are offered unique opportunities to engage with Odyssey students, such as invitations to attend special student events including the cook-out dinner at Odyssey Overnight Camp, final presentations, and a special graduation event celebrating our seniors. These individuals have made a

unique commitment to strengthen Odyssey and offer students assurance that they are supported by a growing community in their journey through school, into college, and toward leadership beyond graduation.

While the majority of Odyssey’s academic learning takes place in the classrooms on the Westminster Campus, field trips and career exploration are an important part of Odyssey’s work.

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ODYSSEY FIELD TRIPS

Odyssey Filmers at the City Hall, interviewing Major Kasim Reed for their documentary.

Odyssey Scholars meet with executives at The Coca-Cola Company.

Odyssey High School explore digital gaming at Top Golf.

Middle School students on a Backstage Tour of Chick-fil-A Headquarters.

Left: Odyssey Students at the High Museum.

Odyssey High School students exploring the National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Odyssey “Undercover” students in a mock trial at the Juvenile Court of Fulton County.

T H A N KY O U TOO U R D O N O R S

The costs of running Odyssey are significant, but we are able to provide a best-in-class experiences to our students each summer through the incredible generosity of corporations, foundations, and individuals who donate financial resources, time, and in-kind support.

The Atlanta Public Schools provides many of the teachers for our program, support in recruiting students, access to educational data, and significant transportation assistance.

The Westminster Schools hosts all Odyssey programs and provides in-kind donations in the form of facilities, technical assistance, and support services.

Dorsey Alston, Realtors, provided in-kind support in the form of event facilities.

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O D Y S S E U S ( $ 2 5 , 0 0 0 + )The Community Foundation for Greater AtlantaEast Lake Foundation, Inc.Fulton County Office of Grants and Community PartnershipsThe Goizueta FoundationJoseph B. Whitehead FoundationThe Sartain Lanier Family Foundation, Inc.The Zeist Foundation, Inc.

S U M M A C U M L A U D E($10,000-$24,999)Atlanta Charity ClaysGeorgia-Pacific Foundation, Inc.Isdell Family FoundationMorgens West FoundationThe Pittulloch FoundationRotary Educational Foundation of Atlanta, Inc.Waffle House FoundationThe Winston-Salem Foundation

M A G N A C U M L A U D E($2,000-$9,999)Atlanta FoundationBennett Thrasher Foundation, Inc.Rayford & Dione DavisThe John and Mary Franklin FoundationGeorgia Power Foundation, Inc.Rand & Seth HagenHarold Hirsch Scholarship FundCatherine & J.J. JaxonCarrie & Whit LanierJanet LavinePatricia & William F. Lummus, Jr.Yancey & John McCollumAshley & Prescott MillerSwati & Rahul PatelTerri & Craig PendergrastPitney Bowes FoundationKelly RegalAdrian RobinsonEdith & Michael RogersKathryn SimmsMr. and Mrs. John F. Sandy SmithKimberly & Steve TyeWells Fargo Foundation

C U M L A U D E ($1,000-$1,999)AnonymousThe Caton Family Charitable FoundationDeupree Family FoundationDouglas J. Hertz Foundation, Inc.

Lori & Ed HeysCarson & Ryan HobbsSarah & Brian KirschKiwanis Club of AtlantaPatricia Bowman Terwilliger Family Foundation Charitable TrustCaroline RitterJanie & James StratigosMargaret Storey WassonChristina & Andrew Whitney

F R I E N D S ($100 - $999) Corrie AlfordAmerican Endowment FoundationMichelle AndersonHope ArberyElisabeth AyresDr. Mary J. BaileyMatthew & Anne BeanTrameka BettisSuzanne & Rob BoasSarah BocharJulia BollerMargaret BrackettThe Virginia and Charles Brewer Family FoundationAmy & Hardy BrumfieldThe Lookout FoundationJaclyn CannonMillay ChappellEdith CollieSteve CookAmanda CraigLaura CrimEric & Angela CunninghamEllie DavisShirley & Michael DavisKappy & William deButtsMimi & John DeckerSuzanne DerisoMaggie & Scoot DimonShannon & Stan DixonLelia DodsonElinor DouglassLaura DraperRyan DunlapBrenda DunnAbby EcholsStephanie EmryJason EstevesElizabeth FairmanRobin FisherLaura FletcherKelly & Brad FosterSheila Frank

Kelley GilbertJennifer GlennMargie GoheenEmi & Michael GragnaniAshlie GrahamKatherine GrahamEllen GrisetteKaren & Matt GrosvenorJames P. GrotonHarriett GrovesKasey GryboskiKaren & Peter H’DoublerShannon & Greg HagoodPhilip S. Harper FoundationCatie HartSusan & Scott HawkinsMr. and Mrs. Robert D. HaysHCA Employee Giving CampaignEmily & Matt HeimermannDeborah & Dan HellerAnne HennessyKatie HerzfeldMargaret & Mal HillJanina HobbySusan K. HoganAnne Park HopkinsDana HudepohlElizabeth Broadaway HunterBarbara HurtGlen JacksonMary JacksonMolly JacksonTracy JimersonCaroline JohnsonEmily KainegNikki KasowMattie KellamJennifer & Sam KellettKimberly KimAmy KistulinecMolly KnoxPriti LakhaPaige LambertGina LaniganCara Isdell Lee & Zak LeeJessica C. MaguireTina ManningCharles MarkwalterJennifer & Jason MarshallAmanda MattinglyKaci McCamyCarolyn C. McClatcheyMichelle McGeePat & Brooke McGillWhitcliff McKnight, Jr.Elizabeth MeachamMandira Mehra

Dawn MichelDeborah & Bruce MillerRobin & Jack MinsonMarjorie MitchellMaria MogosMarni & Julian Mohr, Jr.Louise & Lane MooreSuzanne MooreMara & Tom MorrisonKelly MunnBill MurrayMaria & Rance MurrayCaroline NormarkKerri OskoueiKaki PaffordMelanie PaidipalliLys PaulhusBritt PoerLaura Campbell PopeEleanor Driver PostAlden PottsLelia PrattMichelle QuininesSusan M. RennoCameron ReynoldsBrad & Reed RobertsJennifer RobinsonStephanie RussellRobert RyshkeDarby & Dale SandsCannon & Gary SayersNikki SchaufeleTobyanne & Arnold SidmanLizzy SmithMillie SmithRebecca Brodnan SmithSara SmithBliss StoneJenny TaubelGreer TaylorKaren Taylor

Tiffani ThomasMerrell & Matt ThompsonKelly TrotterAmanda TuckerU.S. Bank FoundationThe Anise Wallace FoundationKaren & Robert WelanetzAngela WestCatherine WhitisAnna & Warren WickKaren WickliffeClaire WilkiemeyerLisa WongKira WoodSteve WoodardEmily WottrichMelissa WrightErin YabroudyPam YorkRon ZazworskyAlana Zrno

PA R T N E R S &I N - K I N D D O N O R SBen Rose PhotographyCarolyn CarrThe Coca-Cola CompanyCurate Snack BarCurrie & Co. Travels UnlimitedDorsey Alston, RealtorsMary Ayres and Richard GriggsMalayaPeros PizzaShepherd ProductionsSoiree CateringSPR ProductionsSuja JuiceTrader Joe’s BuckheadThe Westminster SchoolsChristina and Andrew Whitney

Revenue & SupportContributions and grantsIn-kind contributionsSpecial events income net of direct expenses of $43,620Application feesInvestment & other income______________________TOTAL REVENUE AND SUPPORT ______________________Net Assets Releasedfrom Restrictions______________________TOTAL REVENUE, SUPPORTAND RECLASSIFICATIONS______________________ExpensesProgram expenses Odyssey Elementary Odyssey Elementary - In-kind Odyssey Middle School Odyssey Middle School - In-kind Odyssey High Odyssey High - In-kind Other

Total program expenses

Support expenses Management and general Management and general - In-kind Fundraising______________________TOTAL EXPENSES______________________CHANGE IN NET ASSETSNet Assets at Beginning of Year______________________Net Assets at End of Year

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2016 TemporarilyUnrestricted Restricted Total

$ 719,440 $ 686,500 $ 1,405,940$ 160,443 - $ 160,443

$ 95,346 - $ 95,346$ 14,450 - $ 14,450$ 2,097 - $ 2,097_______________________________$ 991,776 $ 686,500 $ 1,678,276_______________________________$ 493,870 $ (493,870) -

_______________________________

$ 1,485,646 $ 192,630 $ 1,678,276_______________________________

$ 190,552 - $ 190,552$ 61,826 - $ 61,826$ 198,297 - $ 198,297$ 52,114 - $ 52,114$ 156,244 - $ 156,244$ 211,226 - $ 211,226$ 23,331 - $ 23,331_______________________________$ 737,346 - $ 737,346

$ 86,853 - $ 86,853$ 23,172 - $ 23,172

$ 134,117 - $ 134,117_______________________________$ 981,488 - $ 981,488_______________________________ 504,158 192,630 696,788$ 216,278 $ 163,800 $ 380,078_______________________________$ 720,436 $ 356,430 $ 1,076,866

2015 TemporarilyUnrestricted Restricted Total

$ 420,316 $ 300,833 $ 721,149$ 137,751 - $ 137,751

$ 128,904 - $ 128,904$ 11,720 - $ 11,720$ (25) - $ (25)_______________________________$ 698,666 $ 300,833 $ 999,499_______________________________$ 270,333 $ (270,333) -

_______________________________

$ 968,999 $ 30,500 $ 999,499_______________________________

$ 177,294 - $ 177,294$ 54,407 - $ 54,407$ 183,624 - $ 183,624$ 53,360 - $ 53,360$ 156,244 - $ 156,244$ 12,524 - $ 12,524$ - - $ -_______________________________$ 637,453 - $ 637,453

$ 119,044 - $ 119,044$ 17,460 - $ 17,460

$ 102,576 - $ 102,576_______________________________$ 876,533 - $ 876,533_______________________________ 92,466 30,500 122,966$ 123,812 $ 133,300 $ 257,112_______________________________$ 216,278 $ 163,800 $ 380,078

A quest for knowledgeA path to college

1424 West Paces Ferry Road, NWAtlanta, GA 30327404.367.5150www.odysseyatlanta.org

Odyssey’s mission is to expand the ambitions of Atlanta students and empower them on a successful journey to college and a fulfilling career.