DeSoto ISD Awarded $1.7 Million Grant from Texas Instruments Foundation to Advance STEM Education
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DeSoto Independent School District is the beneficiary of a $1.7 million grant from the Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation to expand access to high-quality STEM education across the district. This grant is part of a broader $7.3 million 2025 investment in STEM education by the TI Foundation and will significantly enhance the district's ability to prepare students for college and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Educate Texas, an initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas, will manage the grant implementation with DeSoto ISD by providing technical assistance, educator coaching, and real-world learning coordination.
The TI Foundation STEM Implementation Grant is designed to increase STEM education by providing innovative learning experiences, strengthening teacher training and retention, and aligning curriculum with industry demands. For DeSoto ISD, this funding will support a wide range of initiatives, including:
● Professional development for STEM educators across all grade levels
● Enhanced math instruction through the P2C Connected Math Curriculum
● Expansion of Biomedical Science and Engineering pathways
● Development of AVID STEM programs to support college readiness
● Growth of extracurricular STEM opportunities, such as clubs, camps, and competitions
DeSoto ISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Usamah Rodgers, expressed enthusiasm about the grant’s potential to transform learning experiences for district scholars.
“This generous investment from the Texas Instruments Foundation allows us to deepen our commitment to innovation and ensure our students are prepared for an emerging workforce,” said Dr. Rodgers. “We’re excited to build on our strategic plan to equip every scholar in DeSoto ISD with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive in a 21st-century STEM environment. This grant affirms the work of our educators and the strong support of our community in advancing academic excellence.”
Chief Academic Officer Stephanie McCloud emphasized the grant’s impact on future-readiness and instructional excellence.
“This funding enables us to further embed a STEM mindset into every facet of learning,” McCloud said. “From increasing professional learning opportunities for educators to expanding student access to college credit and industry credentials, this grant will enhance our academic offerings and support our scholars in becoming future-ready leaders and innovators.”
Since 2019, the TI Foundation has invested more than $7.3 million in DeSoto ISD, including support for teacher recognition and student-centered programs. This latest grant further reflects the TI Foundation’s commitment to helping historically underserved communities in North Texas close achievement gaps and access quality education.
This initiative aligns with DeSoto ISD’s strategic goals to implement rigorous, industry-informed curricula; foster student engagement through mentorship and hands-on learning; and create inclusive, future-focused academic pathways. It also supports broader goals of ensuring that educators are equipped with the training and resources necessary to drive meaningful student outcomes.
“The TI Foundation and Educate Texas share our vision of enhancing our community by preparing students to successfully transition into postsecondary education and/or the workforce,” added Dr. Rodgers. “With their partnership, we are poised to take bold steps toward a brighter, more opportunity-filled future for every DeSoto ISD scholar.”
“This grant reflects the TI Foundation's commitment to expanding access to high-quality STEM education, particularly for low-income students, and to ensure teachers have the support and tools they need to be effective in their classrooms,” said Andy Smith, executive director of the
TI Foundation. “By investing in teacher training, curriculum development, and innovative technologies, the TI Foundation funding will help more students improve their overall academic achievement, preparing them for future STEM careers. We are proud to continue our partnership with DeSoto ISD."