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.