Beat the Odds Program2022-02-17T16:48:32-06:00

Since 1999, the CDF-Texas Beat the Odds® program has transformed young lives and emboldened youth on their path into adulthood. We are grateful to all who have supported this program over the years and honored to have played a part in amplifying the strength and talent of our Beat the Odds honorees.

We are retiring the Beat the Odds brand, but not our commitment to the countless young people who are beating the odds every day. In collaboration with our national team, we will spend this year exploring how we can propel upcoming generations into successful futures with a new program under a new name to be announced in early 2023. 

We aim to give youth continued support throughout 2022 by increasing the presence of CDF Freedom Schools in Texas and connecting youth to our YOUthTX program. Learn more about both programs below.

About YOUthTX

YOUthTX is a year-round, free program designed to equip young people ages 14–25 with tools to make change in their communities. Join us for free workshops, skills training, and leadership development!

LEARN MORE

About CDF Freedoms Schools®

The CDF Freedom Schools program provides summer and after-school enrichment through a research-based and multicultural program model that supports K–12 scholars and their families. 

Learn More

To our Beat the Odds youth and alumni:  You are forever a part of our CDF family.  We will honor all current commitments and continue to support you in your personal and professional journeys. 

To our partners and donors:  Your support has brought us so far, and we want to continue this journey with you! It may look a bit different than in years past, but these innovations and developments will surge us ahead in equipping the next generation of child advocates. There are many ways to get involved, and they all start with YES! 

Please take a couple of minutes to complete this brief survey to indicate how you’d like to be involved moving forward. There’s something for everyone, and everything helps!

TAKE THE SURVEY

Meet Our Honorees

Click the name or photo of each honoree to view their story.

Dat Van
2021

Khoa Tong
2017

Nelly Mendoza
2015

Anna Dang
2013

Samantha Beasley
2012 Houston

Keyaira Block
2012 Houston

Kasey Lewis
2012 Houston

Brittany Metzler
2012 Houston

Vanessa Alanis
2012 Dallas

Laura Morales
2012 Dallas

Tej Dahal
2012 Dallas

Rafif Muhsin
2012 Dallas

Nernwon Kargou
2011 Houston

Marshall Schoen
2011 Houston

Luis Gonzalez
2011 Houston

Katrina Taylor
2011 Houston

Avery Gibson
2011 Houston

Priscilla Holmes
2011 Dallas

Kathleen Voirin
2011 Dallas

Julan Basnet
2011 Dallas

Ja’Mesha Morgan
2011 Dallas

Alexandria Emerson
2011 Dallas

Antonio Palacios
2010 Houston

Shamso Hussein
2010 Houston

Kateri Perez
2010 Houston

Patricia Zamora
2010 Houston

Aisha Fahradova
2010 Houston

Prentice Richmond
2010 Dallas

Outstanding Beat the Odds Alumni

Jesus Acosta
J. Moises Cedillos
Itang Hope Young
Crystal Johnson Stinson
Prentice Richmond
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