Design Connect Create is a Dallas-based STEM nonprofit for girls that works with school districts across North Texas to reach young innovators.
Some of the districts the organization works with include Dallas ISD, Richardson ISD and Garland ISD. STEM, for those who don’t know, stands for science, technology, engineering and math.
Design Connect Create is growing and redesigning several aspects of its brand. For starters, it has added new leadership with Executive Director Dr. Denise Strickland and Director of Operations Danielle Moore. They’ll succeed former Founder and Executive Director Wanda Gass, an engineer who helped develop Texas Instruments’ first commercially successful digital signal processor.
There will also be a logo redesign as well as several new programs for girls, including biotech camps planned for this summer. Last year, coding camps were added for middle and high school girls.
“At Design Connect Create, we believe in the potential of all girls to empower and engineer their futures in STEM and beyond. By providing opportunities for girls to explore and investigate possibilities in STEM, especially for those who may not have the chance to do so otherwise, we are able to help them persevere and solve problems; connect ideas to real-world applications, people and possibilities; and become the STEM leaders of tomorrow,” Dr. Strickland said in a news release.
Design Connect Create was established in 2015 to create equitable opportunities for girls to explore and become leaders in STEM. The organization began with physics camps that provided hands-on experience and career exposure to girls in middle and high school.