High Tech Rising North Texas plans annual STEM friendraiser in Richardson

High Tech Rising North Texas will host its 12th Annual Friendraiser on Sept. 18 at Oak Highlands Brewery in Richardson to raise money for STEM education and hands-on experiences for K–12 girls. The event comes during North Texas Giving Day week, when the nonprofit is also steering donations to Oh Snap! for STEM learning programs.

Why it matters: - High Tech Rising North Texas uses the Friendraiser as its main annual fundraiser to expand STEM access for girls across North Texas. - The money supports hands-on learning, teacher training and career exposure for K–12 students, which can influence whether girls stay interested in STEM subjects and pursue related degrees or jobs. - The event also connects with North Texas Giving Day, giving supporters another way to fund local STEM programs even if they cannot attend in person.

What happened: - High Tech Rising North Texas will host its 12th Annual Friendraiser on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Oak Highlands Brewery, 500 Lockwood Drive in Richardson. - The fundraiser will bring together supporters, corporate partners, community leaders and friends for an evening focused on STEM education for girls. - The chapter is shifting this year’s event from a traditional country-club setting to a more casual brewery format.

The details: - High Tech Rising North Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on closing the gender gap in STEM. - Since 2019, the chapter has provided more than $1.9 million in grants for STEM education. - Those grants have backed physics camps attended by more than 1,000 girls. - The chapter has also funded gender equity training for 800 teachers. - STEM career workshops reached 1,000 school counselors. - Tickets are priced at $50 for general admission and $25 for guests under 21. - Tickets and event sponsorships are available through the Friendraiser event page. - North Texas Giving Day takes place Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, with early giving opening Aug. 27. - For North Texas Giving Day 2026, High Tech Rising North Texas is directing 100% of funds raised to Oh Snap! to support hands-on STEM learning for more students and communities. - Supporters can also contribute through North Texas Giving Day.

Between the lines: - The venue change signals a push for a less formal, more social event that may broaden the audience beyond traditional gala attendees. - The timing, one day after North Texas Giving Day, creates a concentrated fundraising stretch for the organization and could help amplify donations. - The chapter’s grant history shows a strategy that mixes direct student programming with educator and counselor support, which can expand the pipeline into STEM.

What's next: - High Tech Rising North Texas will use the Sept. 18 Friendraiser to raise operating support and expand its STEM programs for girls across the region. - The group will continue fundraising through North Texas Giving Day, with early giving starting Aug. 27. - Supporters can learn more by visiting hightechrising.org.