Fifteen STEM Education Organizations Unite to Launch the North Texas STEM+ Ecosystem
New collaborative network to expand cradle-to-career STEM+ pathways for students across the region
DALLAS, TX - October 15, 2025 - Fifteen leading education, nonprofit, and industry organizations announced today the official launch of the North Texas STEM+ Ecosystem, a collaborative initiative dedicated to expanding access to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education for K–12 learners. The plus sign (+) in the name signifies learning domains that are related to STEM, including medicine, data science, environmental science, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and the arts.
With a mission to open doors to comprehensive cradle-to-career STEM+ pathways, the North Texas STEM+ Ecosystem serves one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions, collectively impacting more than 625,000 K–12 students and supporting over 2,700 educators across multiple North Texas counties. The initiative places a particular emphasis on increasing accessible STEM+ learning opportunities for students from rural, suburban, and urban populations.
“As a computer science education provider, Bold Idea is deeply aligned with the Ecosystem’s mission to open access to STEM+ opportunities for all K–12 learners,” said Robyn Brown, founder and CEO of Bold Idea.
Saki Milton, Founder and Executive Director of The GEMS Camp said, “By working collectively with community partners, we can build a range of pathways that empower the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers in North Texas.”
Girlstart Executive Director Shane Woods recognizes that a strong foundation in STEM subjects can strongly impact a student’s future career, adding: “Our collective goal is to ensure that every student, in every community, has the opportunity to explore the broader STEM+ landscape, including out-of-school time experiences, school field trips, and exploring museums and nature centers with friends and family.”
Rosalie Wade, Director of Education at the Frontiers of Flight Museum, said, “Collectively educating the public about the multitude of opportunities that are available to them is a passion of ours at the Museum. We can remove boundaries by working together, educating the future stewards of our planet Earth, and creating a better place for youth to thrive in.”
“talkSTEM’s mission to make STEM learning engaging for all learners has been powered by community collaboration over the past decade. Formalizing these relationships through the launch of a North Texas STEM+Ecosystem, a member of the national STEM Ecosystem will set an entirely new and accelerated pace of work. It allows us to move from being friendly with each other to being collaborators committed to common goals. That will show in our outcomes!” said Koshi Dhingra, Ed.D, Founder and CEO of talkSTEM
"Dallas Afterschool is honored to be part of the North Texas STEM+ Ecosystem, building pathways that prepare the next generation of innovators. By expanding access to STEM opportunities, we are equipping students with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills they’ll need in tomorrow’s workforce and shaping a future where all young people can thrive,” said Marjorie Murat, CEO of Dallas Afterschool
Founding Members
The Ecosystem was established in early 2025 by a coalition of fifteen founding members who share a vision of building equitable STEM+ opportunities for all learners:
Bold Idea
Dallas Afterschool
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Dallas Zoo
DFW Alliance of Technology and Women
Frontiers of Flight Museum
Girlstart
Independence Gardens
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
T-Mobile for Education
talkSTEM
Texas Woman’s University
Texas Wildlife Association
The GEMS Camp
Trinity River Audubon Center
The North Texas STEM+ Ecosystem has been accepted into the STEM Learning Ecosystem Community of Practice, a global professional learning network comprising more than 100 ecosystems worldwide. The North Texas STEM+ Ecosystem will be formally recognized at the organization’s annual convening in Washington, D.C. in October 2025, connecting the region with an international community of education, nonprofit, philanthropy, and industry leaders who are sharing best practices and resources to strengthen STEM+ education systems.
“North Texas STEM+ Ecosystem represents exactly the kind of regional transformation we're working to support nationwide,” said Jenny Frank, Director, STEM Ecosystems, TIES. “They demonstrate the collaborative spirit that drives meaningful change in STEM education and the power of united community action in advancing STEM opportunities for all learners.”
Launched at an international conference in Denver in 2015, the STEM Learning Ecosystems Initiative & Community of Practice fosters collaboration across education, business, industry, nonprofit, and philanthropy sectors to ensure learners have access to high-quality STEM opportunities. By connecting in-school and out-of-school initiatives and cultivating STEM-rich environments in a variety of community settings, STEM Learning Ecosystems provide seamless pathways from early education through career development.
Through this global model, the North Texas STEM+ Ecosystem joins a growing movement of regions dedicated to breaking down barriers to STEM access, preparing students for the future workforce, and cultivating the next generation of innovators and leaders.
Call for Support
The North Texas STEM+ Ecosystem invites nonprofits, community organizations, industry partners, corporations, and educational institutions across North Texas to join the movement. By becoming a partner, organizations can collaborate to design innovative, youth-centered learning opportunities and build sustainable pathways that prepare students for future careers in STEM. Future partners are encouraged to submit their interest by joining to help shape a thriving STEM+ future for the region.
Visit https://ntxecosystem.org/ to learn more about the North Texas STEM+ Ecosystem.