June 9, 2025, Lancaster ISD/Lancaster, TX --Lancaster ISD has been awarded a $2 million Texas Instruments (TI) Foundation STEM District grant to enhance its districtwide efforts to provide every student with a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This investment supports the district’s continued implementation of its STEM for All initiative, ensuring that students graduate not only with a diploma but also with the skills and experiences needed to excel in college and careers.
Funded by the Texas Instruments Foundation and managed in partnership with Educate Texas, an initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas, the grant will allow Lancaster ISD to further its mission of delivering high-quality, equitable STEM education across all campuses and grade levels.
“This grant reinforces our long-standing commitment to preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world,” said Dr. A. Katrise Perera, Superintendent of Schools. “With continued support from the TI Foundation and Educate Texas, we will build on our progress to empower every student with real-world skills such as critical thinking, design thinking, and collaboration.”
Lancaster ISD was first selected by the TI Foundation in 2012 to implement a districtwide STEM model. From 2012 to 2019, the district reached several key milestones, including:
Growing partnerships with local colleges to expand dual credit and career pathway options.
Training all teachers in design thinking and Problem-Based Learning (PBL).
Establishing maker spaces and after school STEM clubs on campuses.
Achieving a 21% increase in state math scores and a 16% increase in science scores among Black students.
Recording the highest graduation rate growth in Dallas County with a 15% point increase.
Since 2021, under Dr. Perera’s leadership, the district has implemented a tiered STEM professional learning system, particularly supporting new educators entering the profession. The new funding will accelerate this momentum, enabling more robust teacher training, expanded college and career pathways, and hands-on learning opportunities for students.
Key focus areas of the TI Foundation STEM District grant include:
College-Focused Academics – Strengthening STEM curricula and promoting college readiness.
Industry-Informed Programming – Aligning coursework with real-world job demands.
College & Career Readiness – Creating and expanding pathways into STEM careers.
Student Support – Enhancing access to STEM clubs, internships, mentorships, and leadership opportunities.
“So much has changed for Lancaster teachers and students since the first investment we made in the district with Educate Texas in 2012,” said Andy Smith, executive director of the TI Foundation. “By transforming into a STEM district, Lancaster ISD led the way in making what is now a STEM learning hub in southern Dallas County, with significant improvements in student math and science scores and a strong sense of community to ensure student and teacher success. The results have been remarkable, and we’re proud to continue our commitment there.”
Thanks to the sustained partnership with the TI Foundation and assistance from Educate Texas, Lancaster ISD continues to advance its mission to deliver high-quality, equitable STEM learning opportunities districtwide.