Young learners explore big ideas at Harllee STEM Night

Written by Emily Davis, Dallas Education Foundation

These nights are made even more magical with the support of the community. Thanks to the support of partners like Southern Gateway, Girls Inc., Dallas Public Library, Dallas Parks and Recreation, and the Dr. Elba and Domingo Garcia West Dallas STEM School, families see what’s possible when real-world learning meets joyful discovery.

“It’s honestly one of the most magical nights we have all month. It feels like the whole community is coming together to celebrate learning,” said Ashley Valentine, teacher at N.W. Harllee. “Even my quietest students were confidently explaining their marble tracks or testing their boats in the water station. It’s hands-on, it’s messy, and it’s full of joy—and they’re learning the whole time.”

With generous support from PNC and DEF, Harllee’s STEM Nights are building not just bridges and boats, but confidence, curiosity, and a love of learning. Together, they are lighting the path for future-ready scholars, one hands-on adventure at a time.