More than 800 middle school students from Irving ISD rallied behind science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education on December 7 at the Ellis Davis Field House during The Dream Tour, a high-energy motivational program presented by Dr. Bernard A. Harris Jr., the first African-American to walk in space.
Students from Irving ISD participated in the two-hour, inspirational program designed to encourage STEM-related careers. The high-tech event, supported by Irving Schools Foundation’s partner, ExxonMobil Foundation, featured interactive science experiments, a simulated shuttle launch and firsthand accounts from ExxonMobil engineers about the rewarding aspects of their careers. The program concluded with a motivational address from Dr. Harris about how he overcame barriers through education and achieved his dreams to become a successful physician, businessman, NASA researcher and astronaut.
Prior to the Dream Tour event, several members of the Irving ISD Board of Trustees and Irving Schools Foundation Executive Director attended an Educational Forum at the Museum of Nature and Science where they were able to visit with Dr. Harris about STEM-related programs in and around Irving ISD.
Since its inception in 1985, the Irving Schools Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in teacher grants and student scholarships. Current Foundation programs include grants-to-teachers, scholarships for students, school site grants, and funding for critical programs – such as STEM.
