Founded in 1998, 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 other economically and/or socially disadvantaged, to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. 

The Education Mission of the Harris Foundation is to enable youth to develop and achieve their full potential through the support of social, recreational, and educational programs for grades K-12.  The Foundation’s core principles are to:

·         Encourage education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
·         Encourage and motivate youth to stay in school
·         Foster youth leadership and citizenship
·         Instill the values of responsibility, fairness, and respect.

The Harris Foundation believes that students can be prepared now for the careers of the future through a structured education program and the use of positive role models.  The Foundation has worked closely with its partners to inspire and motivate students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and to ensure a pipeline of people that are prepared to meet the requirements of the nation. 

The minority and under-represented students represent a unique challenge to our society.  It is critical, as the demographics shift in the country, that we spend the resources to ensure that all groups are given the opportunity to be educated in STEM.  

Through three primary educational initiatives - the Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp (BHSSC), Dare to Dream (DTD), and the DREAM Tour, the Foundation encourages math and science education, motivates youth to stay in school, fosters youth leadership and citizenship, as well as instills the values of responsibility, fairness and respect. To date, more than 2,500 K‐12 students have participated and benefited from THF programs.   

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are critical to society’s infrastructure for the 21st century.  The Harris Foundation is committed to preserving our future by investing in youth today.