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We have made it through winter and what appears to be a pleasant spring season is just over the horizon. We started the year off with optimism, hope and great aspirations to what this New Year had in store for us here at the foundation. I am thankful that our optimism continues to flourish as our dreams come into fruition. We look forward to what the second half of this year has in store for us.
With the spring, comes our planning for the 2014 ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps (EMBHSSC). In late February, we wrapped our 2014 Spring Training session with a few new and returning camps. I am proud to see that our reach has expanded to new universities this summer. We welcomed to our EMBHSSC family a new camp site at Washington & Jefferson College, and two returning camps, Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at Arlington. I look forward to visiting our twenty camps every summer. To see the hopeful faces of our campers after such a "STEMulating" summer experience gives me great hope for our future.
Speaking of STEM, I had the privilege of speaking in Washington, DC at the USA Science and Engineering Festival in conjunction with the US News STEM Leadership conference this week. To be in an environment with like-minded individuals trying to bridge the nation's STEM gap and collaborate together on innovative ways to encourage STEM awareness was astounding. I heard many different view-points, perspectives and interpretations on the subject but the fact still remained that we are on the verge of a STEM crisis and we all play a role in working to solve it. In my recent article published in the Huffington Post I stated that,"Education in STEM is the fuel that will drive the economic engines of the nation, and lay the foundation for innovation well into the future." We must all do our part in helping our youth achieve their full potential and education is the key. I believe there is a need to invest in tomorrow's leaders and their teachers today. Together we can accomplish this task.
In the coming months, our Dare to Dream (DTD) students prepare to complete another successful school year with an end of the year field trip to the University of Houston. For many of these students, this will be an experience that will spark their desire and determination to continue their education with plans for attaining a college degree. Any time you help to pique that type of curiosity and drive in a young child, you play a role in shaping their successful future. We look forward to being able to expand this program in the near future. I want every student to have the opportunity to interact with positive role models whose purpose is to help them achieve their dreams.
Our RockIt! financial literacy program will be wrapping up its first full year next month. After the 2012 launch of a successful pilot of the program in one of the Houston Independent School District's (HISD) middle schools, we were able to expand the program into three more schools in the Houston region this year. The program is definitely proving to be an asset to the students involved. In the coming years, we hope to see greater expansion of the program.
Lastly, we are pleased to announce a partnership with TEN80 Education! The Harris Foundation and TEN80 will combine resources to creat the "National STEM League" (NSL), a national student competition for racing, rover, energy and innovation.
The future is bright and the work to be done is rewarding. Keep your eyes on the prize and your heart filled with the unwavering passion to succeed. As always, I appreciate you and thank you for your continued support.
Bernard A. Harris, Jr.
President and Founder
Join Us
   
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February - April 2014 Highlights in... | |
EDUCATION:
2014 ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp (EMBHSSC) Alumni Survey Available
Complete the survey for your chance to win an iPod or laptop
2014 ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp locations announced
Click here to find a location near you
Dr. Bernard Harris is honored to speak at the USA Science & Engineering Festival
He shares how we can make a difference in the lives of our children
Astronaut, Bernard Harris, spoke to middle school students at the University of North Carolina
Read more about what he had to share with the students
Join the National STEM League!
Learn more about the NSL
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HEALTH:
Video Tribute: Celebrating 20 years of Community Health Leaders
View video here
Community Health Leaders working in communities to improve health for underserved populations
Read more on the full program results report
WEALTH:
Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. speaks: "Dare to take risks."
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| THF IN THE NEWS | |
Dr. Harris, President of The Harris Foundation, speaks at the U.S. News STEM Solutions National Leadership Conference
Click to learn more about the conference
Dr. Harris, President of The Harris Foundation, speaks at the U.S.A. Engineering & Science Fesitval in Washington, DC
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| UPCOMING EVENTS | |
May 22, 2014
Dare to Dream End of Year Field Trip
Houston, Texas
May 17, 2014
TEN 80 Education Finals for the Student Racing Challenge
Charlotte, NC
May 26, 2014
RockIt! Field Trip to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas - Houston Branch
Houston, Texas
June 15, 2014
2014 ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camps begin
Various Locations Nationwide
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About The Harris Foundation
Founded in 1998 by Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., The Harris Foundation, Inc. (THF) is a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas, whose mission is to invest in community-based initiatives to support education, health and wealth. THF supports programs that empower individuals, in particular minorities and others who are economically and/or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. Through our interactive STEM education, health and wealth programs, we prepare students and communities for a world of infinite possibilities.
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