In launching the TWI Presiden Khator has shared her conviction that a Tier 1 University should be able to partner with its neighbors to develop a Tier 1 neighborhood. Mindful of what the community wanted and the strengths of the University, it was decided to have the TWI focus on four areas: education, health, economic empowerment, and the arts.

Education Goals

Transform academic achievement rations of six schools.

The six schools are four elementary schools: Blackshear, Foster, Thompson & Hartsfield, Cullen Middle School, and Yates Senior High School.

• Launch a nationally recognized model school program to change culture and academic outcomes
• Meet kindergarten school readiness standards
• Improve STAAR test scores
• Install book kiosks and implement 1:1 reading programs
• Improve graduation and college attendance rates

Health Goals

Increase clinical health care services and programs to improve outcomes.

• Address medical disparities of the under-served
• Leverage resources to reduce the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, risk of HIV, STIs, substance abuse and mental health incidence
• Open a comprehensive health care clinic for the community

Arts Goals

Increase a shared association through art and culture.

• Share and exchange visual and performing arts with the community
• Sponsor artists who celebrate the neighborhood culture
• Estabilsh 10 fellows who will learn about socially engaged art form the College of Arts' McArthur award winner Rick Lowe
• Partner with schools to expose children to music, theater, and the arts

Economic Empowerment Goals

Help 25 businesses over 5 years.

• Educate potential entrepreneurs selected by community partners
• Pilot a program to train and find employment for single mothers
• Build and education and economic development community outreach center
• Incubate new business/entrepreneurial development
• Integrate students with community organizations to launch social impact ventures