October 25, 2002 — Elite News in Dallas reports that the Bickel & Brewer Foundation has launched a new leadership development program for a select group of 5th and 6th grade students from South Dallas. Designed and funded by the Foundation, the "Future Leaders Program" involves a public-private partnership between South Dallas public schools J. P. Starks Elementary and Billy Earl Dade Learning Center and "two of the city's most prominent private schools," The St. Mark's School of Texas and The Hockaday School.
The report states, "In a novel approach to Dallas-area education, teachers from the participating private and public schools worked hand-in-hand to build the educational curriculum. They are also working side-by-side in the classroom, teaming to teach the students and create a dynamic learning environment."
"By traveling outside of South Dallas to participate in the program, these students will be exposed to a different learning environment and exposed to many new exciting possibilities," Dallas Independent School District Area Superintendent Shirley Ison-Newsome told the publication.
The inaugural FLP class includes 20 students. Elite News notes that the Bickel & Brewer Foundation is funded by the national litigation firm of Bickel & Brewer.