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About Us

About The Harris Foundation / Institute

The Harris Institute/Foundation is 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. The Harris Institute/Foundation were established to advance the mission of creating community-based initiatives that:

  1. enhance the quality of education;
  2. improve health and wellbeing;
  3. create and sustain wealth.
Former NASA Astronaut Dr. Bernard A. Harris, Jr.
Harris Foundation group photo

We empower individuals, minorities, and others who are underserved, underrepresented, and/or socioeconomically disadvantaged to recognize their potential and pursue their dreams. Its initiatives are administered by The Harris Foundation, Inc., through the creation of innovative programs.

Through "Policies in action", we are addressing critical issues facing America and developing programs for change!

History

A timeline of the Harris Institute / Foundation



June 2018 - 2021

Dr. Harris becomes the CEO of the National Math & Science Initiative (NMSI)

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May 1, 2017

Received Approval as a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Provider in Texas

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July 15, 2016

Launched the STEM Centers of Academic Excellence

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July 8, 2016

Hosted our first all Girls Summer STEM Academy

Girls Summer STEM Academy
May 12, 2016

Kick off of the Igniting STEAM program

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October 1, 2015

Launch of the Innovative Medical Missions

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September 15, 2013

Creation of the 1st College & Career Readiness App

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March 20, 2012

Formation of the Financial Literacy program

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August 30, 2011

Milestone: Media reach of 100 million views per year

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August 15, 2011

Milestone: 50,000 students reached!

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July 15, 2011

Established The Harris Institute

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January 12, 2011

The Harris Foundation's International Dream Tour traveled to Nigeria, South Africa and Angola

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August 25, 2010

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – Community Health Leaders Program

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February 15, 2010

ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Math and Science Scholarship

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November 10, 2008

Creation and launch of the Educational Forum

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June 12, 2008

Creation of the DREAM Tour (Daring to Reach Excellence for America's Minds)

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October 1, 2007

Creation of the Harris Middle School Scholarship

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September 1, 2007

Establishment of the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp

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July 1, 2006

Creation of the Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp

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April 30, 2002

Expansion of the Dare to Dream program in 10 schools

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July 2, 1999

First Bernard Harris Summer Science Camp

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April 30, 1998

The Harris Foundation is created

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Contact Us

Telephone: +1 713.877.9276
Toll Free: 877.595.6141

info@theharrisinstitute.org

Mailing Address

The Harris Institute / Foundation
P.O. Box 130648
Houston, TX 77219, USA