throughout the US
about us
The Harris Institute/Foundation are a 501 (c) (3), non-profit organization founded by former NASA Astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr., to serve socially and economically disadvantaged communities locally and across the nation striving to reach the most underserved populations in the areas of Education, Health, and Wealth.
We utilize our “Pillars of Success” to empower students and communities throughout the nation and the world.
our pillars
EDUCATION
HEALTH
WEALTH
Our Sponsors
Scholar
Educator
Contributor
Let's change these statistics!
Education: workforce stats in Science and Engineering
- American Institutes for Research “Leaving STEM: STEM Ph.D. Holders in Non-STEM Careers”.
- National Science Foundation, National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. 2015. Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering: 2015. Special Report NSF 15-311. Arlington, VA. Available at www.nsf.gov/statistics/wmpd.
Health: Disparities and Inequalities.
- U.S. Department of Labor
- Pew Research Center “Wealth inequality has widened along racial, ethnic lines since end of Great Recession”, Dec. 12, 2014.
Wealth: the gap has grown since the 2007-2009 Recession
- CDC Health Disparities & Inequalities Report – United States, 2013.
- “On Views of Race and Inequality, Blacks and Whites Are Worlds Apart “ Pew Research Center , June 27, 2016.
what we do
We offer interventions for your school district or organization from motivational speeches by Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. to full-blown workshops for teachers and science camps for students from elementary to high school.
- Professional development01
- Motivational tours02
- curriculum design03
- STEM-CAE04
- Community outreach05
- Online learning06
- Volunteers07
- Scholarships08
Professional development
Professional Development is available to assist teachers with enhancing their content knowledge and pedagogy by focusing on specific concepts and designing content-rich, student-centered materials using a variety of instructional strategies and resources, including technology. In addition, THI supports teachers in planning, implementing, and evaluating student-centered activities and programs. For more information on our 2017 Professional Development sessions, click here.
Motivational tours
The Igniting STEAM Tour is a Student Assembly designed to encourage students to set goals and consider STEAM careers. The tour program informs students about the educational opportunities for middle school students, their teachers, parents and school administrators in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) fields in the United States.
curriculum design
The Harris Institute develops curriculum frameworks for programs that can be hosted at educational institutions. In designing these frameworks, THI follows a process that will result in activities, experiences and events designed to enhance teachers’ content knowledge and pedagogy and to boost students’ academic success.
STEM-CAE
The STEM Centers of Academic Excellence (STEM-CAE) seeks to provide students with access to educational opportunities in order to develop knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their goals, cultivate lifelong learning and to promote respect for diversity in our global community.
The Harris Foundation’s STEM-CAE are educational institutes, youth-based and professional organizations that host one or more foundation programs. STEM-CAE’s goal is to enhance the academic success of K-16 students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Each STEM-CAE membership level contains a list of programs that institutions/organizations can select to offer. Programs include Saturday Academies, Residential and Non-Residential Summer Academies, Leadership Academies, After School Programs, STEM Clubs, Field-Based Programs, Academic Challenges and Competitions, Virtual Science Camps, Day Camps as well as Professional Development Training.
Community outreach
The Institute champion initiatives designed to address several aspects of life in Houston, the state of Texas, and beyond. They include youth development, education, financial literacy, and information for a balanced, healthy life.
Online learning
Online learning has become a reputable alternative - or complement - to traditional face-to-face "seat time". The Harris Institute is no exception to this trend, offering a number of online and blended (online and face-to-face) courses.
Volunteers
As a volunteer, you are an integral part of the success plan of The Harris Foundation. Our volunteers interweave their desire to make a difference with our vision and core principles to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Scholarships
The Institute is proud to have granted scholarships throughout the years to individuals who demonstrated drive and tenacity to achieve their goals. This scholarship is awarded to the top eighth grade students of the Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr. Middle School in San Antonio, Texas.
GET INSPIRED
Watch Dr. Bernard Harris talk about his own life journey
Our Programs and Partnerships
Explore our Programs and see what is right for you or your organization!
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Dare to Dream Character Development / Empowerment
STEM Centers of Academic Excellence Character Development / Empowerment / STEM
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Igniting STEAM Character Development / Empowerment / STEM
ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship Character Development / Empowerment / STEM
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Girls’ Summer STEM Academy Empowerment / STEM
RockIt! Character Development / Empowerment / Wealth
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ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp (EMBHSSC) STEM
The Harris Scholars Scholarship Empowerment
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The History of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) – Community Health Leaders Health
Fooya with Friends: a 3D-Multiplayer Food Fight Health
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Innovative Medical Missions (IMM) Health
Road2Readiness Empowerment
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Council of the Great City Schools Empowerment
Education & Charities Foundation of Houston Empowerment
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Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Empowerment
Management Leadership for Tomorrow Empowerment
