Educate Texas, another initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas, announced its $1.4 million in investment from the Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation for STEM educational programs and opportunities in DeSoto ISD.
This new grant will expand STEM-focused, project-based, cross-curricular instruction for students in DeSoto ISD and be used for professional development training of teachers and principals, creating curricula founded in STEM-based concepts, and preparing students for college and STEM careers.
"We are so honored and excited to be a part of this effort to increase and improve STEM access and education in our community," said Dr. D'Andre J. Weaver, DeSoto Independent Superintendent of Schools. "Through our recently introduced strategic plan, we have a focus on curricular innovation to ensure that we, here in DeSoto ISD, are providing our students the highest-quality, enriched learning experiences. Introducing STEM-based learning and coaching DeSoto ISD teachers and scholars to embody and exercise a STEM mindset provides a pivotal shift to our educational philosophy, which will propel us into the future of learning in DeSoto ISD."
Since 2010, the Texas Instruments Foundation has invested more than $50 million specifically in STEM education to improve math and science learning outcomes and opportunities for students of color in North Texas who historically face economic and educational barriers. As the COVID-19 pandemic has widened economic and educational gaps for students and families in south Dallas and North Texas, much more work is needed to provide all students with equitable access to educational resources and to ensure success in virtual and hybrid classroom learning environments. The aim of the investments by the TI Foundation includes ensuring principals have the support and training they need to achieve good outcomes for their students; setting teachers up for success in their classrooms; and equipping students with the resources they need to acquire the right skills and master the fundamentals of reading, writing, math and science.
Click here to read more about this STEM Learning Opportunity and about Educate Texas, Communities Foundation of Texas and the Texas Instruments Foundation.