The ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp (EMBHSSC) thanks to our partnership with the ExxonMobil Foundation, has always anchored the summer. For more than nine years, we have offered a STEM-filled, hands-on collaborative two-week residential learning experience for middle school students who have shown an interest in science and mathematics.  The camps were held at twenty university and college campuses across the nation, reaching 957 students.  We were happy to welcome three new universities to the 2014 EMBHSSC family this year.  This summer session was truly unique - we incorporated virtual realms for education by integrating fun and interactive technology into our programs.  New apps like "Fooya" and Road2Readiness" have led the way in this effort.

In 2010, The Harris Foundation launched its STEM Centers of Academic Excellence™ (STEM-CAE). Our STEM-CAE are educational institutions that host THF programs to enhance the academic success of youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through innovative activities conducted in a variety of locations. This summer two programs operated as part of the STEM-CAE - the Houston Independent School District (HISD) After-School STEM Program and the GEAR UP STEM Academy.  Through our partnership with Discovery Education and their engaging curriculum resources, instructors of our After-School STEM Program had access to fun and innovative online activities and lessons for their students.  During the six week program a new and exciting topic was explored every week. Our GEAR UP STEM Academy was offered to rising ninth grade students from Dunbar Middle School as a two-week residential academy hosted on the campus of Texas Tech University in Lubbock Texas.  This summer's theme had the students focused on alternative energies such as wind, water and solar through a variety of class room lessons and field excursions.

In June we announced a new partnership with FriendsLearn, a Silicon Valley based digital health startup company, who developed a pioneering mobile gaming platform known as Fooya™.  The app was utilized at several campsites this summer.  Backed by research from the Children's Nutrition Research Center at the Baylor College of Medicine, the mobile application delivers healthy behavior outcomes. This partnership is intended to further the art and science of technology on mobile devices with the hope of making a positive impact on global health.

And as we approach the fall school semester, we look forward to another year of our Dare to Dream (DTD) program, nearing its twentieth year of service to elementary and middle school students in the Houston area schools. The program focuses on character building, crime prevention, community activism and college and career planning.  In partnership with the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, Communities in Schools, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Houston office and the Houston and Alief Independent School Districts, we are excited to expand to twelve area schools in 2014-2015.

In partnership with Capital One Bank, we will also be expanding the "RockIt!" financial literacy program into twenty (20) educational institutions to include Houston-area public schools, public charter schools, after-school programs and community based organizations.

The Harris Foundation will continue its quest to help America's youth rise to new heights.  We want to continue to cultivate a legacy of leadership and empowerment. As always, I am thankful to our partners, sponsors and supporters for their efforts in assisting The Harris Foundation achieve its goals.

Bernard A. Harris, Jr.

President and Founder

Join Us