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NEWSLETTER

Welcome to The Harris Institute
Through "Policies in action", we are addressing critical issues facing America and developing programs for change!

We are pleased to introduce "The Harris Institute", a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization founded to enhance The Harris Foundation's ability to provide programs and initiatives to the most underserved populations across the nation in the areas of Education, Health, and Wealth.  

The Harris Institute was established to advance the mission of creating community-based initiatives that - 1) enhance the quality of education; 2) improve health and wellbeing; and 3) create and sustain wealth. We empower individuals, minorities, and others who are underserved, underrepresented, and/or socioeconomically disadvantaged to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. The Harris Institute's programs and initiatives will be administered through The Harris Foundation. More to come...


REGISTER NOW: Professional Development 
IGNITING STEAM! in TEKS to Enhance Student Achievement

In Texas, teachers are held responsible for teaching TEKS. Recent research on education emphasizes the importance of teaching science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) in order to prepare students to be productive citizens. Attend a three-day workshop presented by The Harris Institute (THI) to become skilled at doing both effectively.

THI's Professional Development Sessions:
  • Align to state and national standards.
  • Focus on science and engineering designs and practices (e.g. bridges, airplanes, roller coasters, etc.) and modeling of teaching strategies to enhance learning.
  • Offer hands-on, minds-on, active learning experiences that YOU can translate into your own classroom.
  • Provide time to collaborate and write STEAM lesson plans.
  • Participate in daily challenges!
  • Follow-up and feedback provided during the school year.
REGISTRATION DETAILS:

$75.00 PER 3 DAY SESSIONS
Location: Houston, Texas

Session I: June 27, 28, 29 (Elementary Teachers)
Session II: July 11, 12, 13 (Middle School Teachers)
Session III: July 25, 26, 27 (High School Teachers)

This professional development awards 18 CPE Credits!

Register now!

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Contact Dr. Tonya Jeffery
The Harris Institute
[email protected]   


In pursuit of excellence
Scholarship recipients share how the Bernard Harris Math & Science Scholarship influenced their college journey  

The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarships were established to encourage minority students to pursue college degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Each spring, four $5,000 scholarships are awarded to two African American and two Hispanic students currently completing their senior year of high school in a member district of the Council of the Great City Schools. We recently reached out to a few of our scholarship recipients to find out how the award made an impact on their journey to academic success. Read their stories here. 


Bring on the summer time fun
2017 ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp Season is Here!

For the 12th consecutive year, the ExxonMobil Foundation and The Harris Foundation will sponsor summer science camps at various universities across the country. The 2017 camp application deadlines have passed. This year ten campsites will provide rising 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students the opportunity to enhance their proficiency in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) while living on a college campus - all at no cost to the child or family. 

Where are they now? 
Attention EMBHSSC alumni, we want to hear from you 

Congratulations on being a part of a unique group - the alumni of the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp (EMBHSSC)! Because of the special experiences you had at one of the summer science camps, The Harris Foundation is looking for your input. All you have to do is take our quick survey to help us understand the long-term impact of the EMBHSSC, specifically as it relates to your high school and future career choices. Share your experience with us.  

A chance encounter with a Harris Scholar
Dr. Harris meets one of the Bernard Harris Middle School Harris Scholars during his induction into the Hall of Fame

The San Antonio Aviation and Aerospace Hall of Fame was formed to honor San Antonio's Aviation and Aerospace History and to nurture our future generations of aviation and aerospace innovators. Dr. Harris was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame where during his induction ceremony he received another honorable surprise. Read more.

"You are an Infinite Being with Infinite Possibilities..."
Dr. Harris delivers a motivational message to students attending the Microsoft YouthSpark LIVE event in Dallas

DALLAS - The YouthSpark LIVE Dallas is an immersive event designed to empower young people interested in positively impacting their community and the world through the pursuit of careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). Learn more about YouthSpark LIVE 


Lunar Landers touch down at the 3rd Annual Bentonville Film Festival  
"Hidden Figures" Lunar Lander Challenge sparks innovative competition among young STEM enthusiasts and movie-goers alike 

The Bentonville Film Festival (BFF), founded by actress Geena Davis, is an American film festival in Bentonville, Arkansas. BFF is a one of a kind annual event which champions women and diversity in all aspects of entertainment media. This year The Harris Foundation was invited to participate in the festivities by bringing a little galactic star power with the "Hidden Figures" Lunar Lander Challenge. Read more. 

Creating "New Space City"
STARGATE Talks celebrates innovative programs at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley while helping Brownsville, Texas reach new space

"Stargate Talks keynote speaker Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr. shares his experiences in space with students at the Texas Southmost College (TSC) Arts Center on Wednesday, May 3, 2017, in Brownsville, Texas. Harris is a physician and former astronaut who was the first African-American to conduct a spacewalk during the STS-63 space mission aboard the shuttle Discovery in 1995". Read more in The Brownsville Herald.


Indiana Tech 2017 Commencement
Dr. Harris delivers the 2017 commencement address for the Indiana Institute of Technology graduation 

The Indiana Tech Commencement Ceremony is an important event that marks a momentous occasion in the lives of their graduates, families and friends, and the entire university community. Take a look at some of the ceremony highlights or watch onDemand.


Dare to Dream students explore a career in forensic science at CSI Day
When it comes to a hands-on lesson in science, the Houston FBI pulled out all the stops for a lucky group of students 

The Houston Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) provides another great partnership for Dare to Dream. Each school semester, the DTD students participate in a hands-on, educational FBI Crime Scene Investigation Day that brings them face-to-face with similar scenarios that forensic professionals demonstrate on some of the popular forensic shows on television today. Read more on FBI CSI Day at Klentzman Intermediate.


Dare to Dream End-of-Year Celebration
Students celebrate the end of another successful year during annual event at the University of Houston

Our Dare to Dream students just wrapped up another successful school year of learning their ABC's (Achieving, Believing and Conceiving) with a grand "End of Year" celebration!  Excited students from our 10 DTD schools in the Houston Independent School District and Alief Independent School District converged on the grounds of the University of Houston for this annual event.   Full story.  

Student to Graduate - Make a donation today!
Education can change the world

Since 1998 more than 7,000 students have participated in our Summer Science Camps. For each student who attends our camp, there are no out of pocket expenses for the student or the family, the student attends for free! Ninety-eight (98%) percent of the students who participate in our Summer Science Camps graduate from high school and eighty-five (85%) continue on to colleges and universities. Make a gift to help a youth change their educational journey through our Summer Science Camp.   Donate today!


"From the Classroom to the Boardroom"
The Power of Partnerships

The Houston West Chamber of Commerce recently held its 27th Annual Business and Education Partnership Luncheon at OMNI Houston Westside where Dr. Harris delivered the event's keynote address.  The annual luncheon aims to recognize the teachers and businesses that mentor the youth in their surrounding community. Read more.


What's Happening...?
Upcoming events at The Harris Foundation

2017 EMBHSSC - Camp Season is Here!
Nationwide
June to August 2017

Girls Summer STEM Academy
Houston, TX
June 2017

RockIt! Summer 2017 Launch
Houston, TX
June 2017

Igniting STEAM! Professional Development Sessions
Houston, TX
June - July 2017


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