Richardson ISD Foundation Receives $96,500 Grant for STEM Pathways from Micron Foundation

Richardson, Texas — The Richardson ISD Foundation announced a $96,500 grant from the Micron Foundation to expand STEM opportunities for students in the Richardson Independent School District (ISD). The two-year investment builds a pathway to future careers by introducing robotics, coding, digital media and AI-ready tools in elementary education and connecting those skills to advanced coursework in junior high, high school and beyond.

The grant reflects the growing importance of the semiconductor industry to the U.S. economy and North Texas. Semiconductors power medical devices, transportation systems, telecommunications and artificial intelligence. As demand for skilled talent increases, early exposure to STEM learning prepares communities for high-demand careers that drive long-term economic growth.

"Every chip that Micron designs begins with the creative thinking these students are building right now – how to break down complex problems, test ideas and make systems work," says Jeff Koelling, vice president of design engineering at Micron Technology. "Richardson is where our engineers design memory technology for AI and advanced computing, and this community's students are a direct part of our industry's future. That's why this investment makes sense, not just for Richardson, but for the semiconductor workforce that North Texas is building."

“Semiconductor manufacturing depends on a workforce with strong technical skills, and those skills take shape early,” says Rosita Najmi, executive director of the Micron Foundation and global head of social impact and community engagement at Micron. “When Richardson students engage with robotics, coding and digital tools in the elementary classroom, they begin their journey to build the capabilities that will support manufacturing and design for years to come. This investment strengthens North Texas’ long-term talent pathways and helps more students see a clear path into high-demand technical roles.”

In Texas, public schools educate the vast majority of students and serve as the primary pipeline for future engineers, technologists and innovators. As school systems face ongoing funding pressure, particularly in high-cost and fast-growing regions like Richardson, access to advanced STEM learning often varies by campus and community. Strategic private-sector investment helps ensure students receive consistent, high-quality opportunities regardless of background or zip code.

The Micron Foundation investment strengthens that access. By funding no-cost afterschool programming and modern STEM labs and teacher training, the foundation is helping Richardson ISD expand opportunity rather than narrow it. The partnership reinforces public education as the foundation of workforce development while giving students early exposure to skills aligned with future industries.

“Semiconductor innovation depends on strong public education systems and equitable access to learning,” says Cameka L. Crawford, president of The Richardson ISD Foundation. “The Micron Foundation investment helps ensure students do not face limits created by funding gaps or access barriers. Students gain confidence. Teachers gain tools. Our community gains a stronger and more inclusive pipeline of future talent.”

The project will serve approximately 700 students over two years, and it also creates opportunities for Micron employee volunteers to mentor students, support robotics and coding activities and share real-world career experiences in engineering and technology. These connections help students see clear pathways from classroom learning to meaningful careers.

With the support of the Micron Foundation, the Richardson ISD Foundation will partner with Richardson ISD throughout 2026 and 2027 to highlight student work and demonstrate the program’s impact on student engagement, skills development and STEM readiness.

About the Richardson ISD Foundation

The Richardson ISD Foundation’s mission is to invest where it matters most to accelerate student achievement and fuel educator innovation across Richardson ISD. The Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization that supports programs, classroom initiatives and strategic opportunities that strengthen teaching and learning beyond what tax-based funding alone can provide. Since its founding in 1984, the Foundation has invested more than $8.8 million in support of RISD students and staff, creating lasting opportunities throughout the district.

We Earned the 2026 Platinum Transparency Seal

Your support helps create moments like this. Our 2026 Platinum Seal reflects our commitment to being open about the impact you make possible.

We’re excited to share that The Richardson ISD Foundation has earned the 2026 Platinum Transparency Seal from Candid, the highest level of recognition for nonprofit transparency.

This seal reflects our commitment to being open about how we serve Richardson ISD students and educators and how donor support is put to work. From programs and impact to leadership and finances, we believe our community deserves a clear picture of what their generosity makes possible.

If you’d like to dig a little deeper, just click the button below. It takes you straight to our Candid profile, where you’ll find up-to-date details about our work, our impact, and how your generosity moves the mission forward.”

Keeping our profile up to date helps funders and donors find us, learn about our work, and see how their support creates meaningful opportunities across Richardson ISD.

Thank you for believing in our mission and for being part of a community that values transparency and impact.

Holiday Office Closure

As the year comes to a close, The Richardson ISD Foundation office will be closed for the holiday season beginning Monday, Dec. 20, 2025, and will reopen on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. This time allows our team to pause, reflect, and spend time with family and loved ones.

We are grateful for the generosity and support of our community throughout the year and appreciate your understanding during this brief closure. We look forward to reconnecting in the new year as we continue our work supporting Richardson ISD students and educators.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a happy new year. Thank you for being part of our community.

Whataburger Helps Turn Achievement Into Books

Stults Road Elementary students celebrating with their newly earned books.

Students at Stults Road Elementary are earning books in a new and exciting way thanks to a $10,000 donation from Whataburger. The gift funded a new book vending machine that allows students to select books they want to read and keep, turning achievement into a meaningful reward that builds both confidence and curiosity.

Students earn coins for the vending machine by demonstrating academic growth or positive character traits. Whether it’s meeting learning goals, showing perseverance, or modeling kindness, the program reinforces behaviors that support both academic success and a positive school culture. For many students, choosing their own book adds an extra layer of motivation and pride.

The initiative supports Richardson ISD’s North Star Goal of every student, teacher, and leader meeting or exceeding academic growth goals. By connecting learning and character development with a tangible reward, the book vending machine helps foster a love of reading while celebrating progress in a way that feels fun and empowering for students.

The Richardson ISD Foundation is grateful to Whataburger for investing in Stults Road Elementary and believing in the power of literacy, encouragement, and opportunity. Partnerships like this help create joyful learning experiences and lasting impact for students across RISD.

Get Ready to Laugh at Center Stage

Caroline Rhea, Center Stage 2026 Headliner

The Richardson ISD Foundation is excited to introduce Center Stage, our newest fundraiser benefiting Richardson ISD students and educators, presented in partnership with Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP. Join us for an evening of laughter featuring stand-up comedian Caroline Rhea, best known for her role on Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

Center Stage takes place Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, from 8 to 10 p.m. at the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts in Richardson. This one-night event brings our community together for a high-energy night of comedy while raising funds to support programs and grants that accelerate student achievement and fuel educator innovation.

Don’t miss the fun. Visit the Center Stage website to purchase tickets and learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Elevating Excellence: Investing in RISD Staff Growth

On Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Richardson ISD Foundation team traveled across the district with one mission in mind: to surprise and celebrate the extraordinary educators and staff members selected as this year’s ELEVATE Grant recipients. In total, 11 grants were awarded, representing a districtwide investment of $10,000 in professional learning, growth, and innovation.

The ELEVATE Grant is designed to support Richardson ISD staff in pursuing high-quality professional development that enhances their skills, strengthens classroom practices, and promotes exceptional learning experiences for students. Whether through workshops, conferences, certifications, or specialized training, these grants empower RISD employees to advance their craft and bring new, research-based strategies back to their campuses.

Surprising each winner in person has become a cherished tradition, and this year was no exception. From classrooms to offices, the Foundation had the privilege of honoring individuals whose passion for education is both inspiring and deeply impactful. Their commitment to continuous growth exemplifies the mission of the ELEVATE program and reinforces RISD’s dedication to educational excellence.

The Richardson ISD Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to Prime Air and Atmos Energy for their generous support. Their partnership makes opportunities like the ELEVATE Grant possible and helps ensure that RISD staff have access to meaningful, high-quality professional development that strengthens our entire district community.

By investing in our educators, we invest in our students and the future of Richardson ISD. Congratulations to all 2025 cycle one ELEVATE Grant recipients. We cannot wait to see the incredible things you will achieve.

Congratulations: 

Molly Fawkes – Northlake Elementary

Teresa Glover – RISD Professional Development Center

Maria Guevara – Carolyn G. Bukhair Elementary

Bobbie Lewis – MST Magnet

Alicia McCormick – Richardson Terrace Elementary

Ashleigh Osborne – J. J. Pearce HS

Jared Oubre – Richardson Terrace Elementary

Adriana Sanchez – Berkner High School

Ana Segovia-Baptista – Lake Highlands Elementary

Teri Starks-Graves – RISD Professional Development Center

R.A.G.E 2025: A Day of Robotics, Anime, and Gaming Fun!

On September 27, 2025, Berkner High School was buzzing with excitement as students and families from across the region gathered for R.A.G.E 2025 (Robotics, Anime, Gaming Experience). This community event brought together fans of all ages for a day packed with creativity, competition, and connection.

From the moment attendees arrived, the energy was electric. Students dove into voice acting workshops, discovering the art of bringing characters to life. In storytelling and creative sessions, young minds explored their imagination, crafting stories and building new skills in a collaborative environment.

Gamers were in for a treat with tournaments for Rocket League, Super Smash Bros., and Mario Kart for grades 3–12. Friendly rivalries sparked excitement, while teamwork and sportsmanship were celebrated throughout the day. For those who weren’t competing, there were plenty of hands-on activities, offering fun for all ages and opportunities to explore robotics, anime, and gaming in new ways.

What truly made R.A.G.E 2 special was the community it fostered. Students connected with peers who share their passions, forming new friendships and memories that will last long after the event ended. Many attendees traveled from other districts, some even driving two hours,to be part of this incredible experience, underscoring the impact and reach of this event.

R.A.G.E 2025 was more than just games and workshops,it was a space for curiosity, creativity, and connection. Students left with new skills, unforgettable experiences, and friendships that will continue to grow.

Empowering Students, Shaping Futures

Left to right: Alison Perdomo, John Nguyen, Ana Ramos, Abby Varela.

The Richardson ISD Foundation is proud to support the next generation of leaders and learners. During the 2024–25 school year, we awarded $63,000 in scholarships to 55 students across the district, helping them pursue their dreams of higher education.

These scholarships recognize hard work, dedication, and the promise of each student’s future. By investing in our students today, we are empowering them to achieve tomorrow’s goals,whether that’s college, trade school, or other post-secondary opportunities.

We are inspired by the determination and achievements of every scholarship recipient and look forward to seeing all the incredible things they will accomplish.

Our students inspire us every day. Here’s what Abby, one  of our scholarship recipients shared about her goals, achievements, and how this support is helping them succeed:

Abby Varela - Richardson Hs, Class of 2025 

Abby is now attending Texas Woman’s University Pursuing a Bachelor's of Sciences in Criminal Justice.

“The news of receiving this scholarship truly felt so relieving, I was very stressed out before I found out if I had received the scholarship as I still didn’t know how my family would pay what wasn’t covered by financial aid. This scholarship truly helped me secure my spot at university, and without it I probably wouldn’t have been able to leave home to continue my education. I am forever thankful for this amazing scholarship. It means so much to me and my family.”

Honoring RISD’s 2025 STARS Teachers of the Year

Top row, left to right: Tania Hernandez, Lindsay Hajok, Satako Neese, Diana Larsen.

Bottom row, left to right: Dylan Kirk, Katherine McCoy, Mary Medders, Melissa Ruffino.

The Richardson ISD Foundation is thrilled to celebrate the incredible educators named as RISD’s 2025 STARS (Superior Teaching Achievements in RISD Schools) Teachers of the Year!

These eight outstanding teachers were selected from among the district’s 2024–25 Campus Teachers of the Year for their innovation, dedication, and deep commitment to students. Each was surprised on their campus with the exciting announcement  and a $1,000 award made possible through the generosity of the Richardson ISD Foundation and our amazing sponsors.

We extend our sincere thanks to Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, LLP, Glenn Partners, and Stantec for partnering with us to make this celebration possible. Your continued support allows us to recognize the exceptional educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of RISD students every day.

The Richardson ISD Foundation is proud to champion teachers who inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the classroom. 

Congratulations to the 2025 STARS Teachers of the Year!

Tania Hernandez, Northrich ES

Katherine McCoy, North JH

Satako Neese, Westwood JH

Lindsay Hajok, Arapaho Classical Magnet

Mary Medders, Lake Highlands HS

Melissa Ruffino, Lake Highlands ES

Dylan Kirk, Richland ES – RISD Elementary Teacher of the Year

Diana Larsen, Berkner HS – RISD Secondary Teacher of the Year 

Celebrating Our RISD Champions!

Top row, left to right: Cheryl Derrington, Alice France, Joella Broadway.

Bottom row, left to right:Rommel Calaguas, Rehan Mahmood, Maria Hernandez.

At the Richardson ISD Foundation, we know that our paraprofessionals, Maintenance and Operations, Child Nutrition, and Transportation employees are the heartbeat of our schools. Their dedication, passion, and daily efforts make a meaningful difference in the lives of students, staff, and the entire community.

To honor these incredible team members, we created the RISD Champion Awards, a way to recognize and thank support staff who consistently go above and beyond. Each awardee receives $500, generously sponsored by Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU), as a token of appreciation for their invaluable contributions.

These individuals exemplify dedication, passion, and excellence in their roles. From supporting students in the classroom to keeping our campuses running smoothly, they make a real difference every day.

This year, we are proud to celebrate our champions:

• Cheryl Derrington – Paraprofessional Champion

• Maria Hernandez – Facilities Services: Custodial Champion

• Rommel Calaguas – Facilities Services: Maintenance & Operations Champion

• Joella Broadway – Transportation Champion

• Rehan Mahmood – Central Support Staff Champion

• Alice France – Child Nutrition Champion
  

Congratulations to all of our RISD Champions! Your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed, and we are proud to honor you.