High Tech Rising North Texas Hosts Annual Friendraiser to Empower Girls in STEM

High Tech Rising North Texas, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), will host its 12th Annual Friendraiser on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Oak Highlands Brewery, 500 Lockwood Drive in Richardson, Texas.

As the organization’s primary fundraising event of the year, the Friendraiser brings together supporters, corporate partners, community leaders, and friends for an inspiring evening benefiting STEM education and hands-on experiences for K–12 girls across North Texas.

This year’s Friendraiser introduces a relaxed, social format, moving from a traditional country-club setting to a local brewery. However, the event’s core purpose remains the same: raising critical funds to help more girls discover, explore, and pursue opportunities in STEM.

High Tech Rising North Texas has supported STEM education across the Dallas-Fort Worth community for more than two decades. Since 2019 alone, the chapter has provided more than $1.9 million in grants supporting STEM education, including physics camps attended by more than 1,000 girls, gender equity training for 800 teachers, and STEM career workshops for 1,000 school counselors.  

“For more than 20 years, our chapter has worked to ensure girls across the Dallas-Fort Worth area have the tools, confidence, and community support to pursue STEM education,” said Jessica Kelton, President, North Texas Chapter of High Tech Rising. “Every ticket and donation directly empowers young women in North Texas to explore STEM fields and shape the future of technology.”

The event anchors an important week of local giving. North Texas Giving Day takes place Thursday, September 17, 2026, with early giving opening August 27. For North Texas Giving Day 2026, High Tech Rising North Texas is directing 100% of funds raised to Oh Snap! to help bring engaging, hands-on STEM learning to more students and communities. Supporters who cannot attend the Friendraiser in person can still make a difference by supporting High Tech Rising North Texas through North Texas Giving Day.

Join Our Upcoming Friendraiser

• What: 12th Annual High Tech Rising North Texas Friendraiser
• When: Friday, September 18, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Where: Oak Highlands Brewery | 500 Lockwood Dr., Richardson, TX
• Tickets: $50 general admission | $25 for guests under 21
• Tickets & Event Sponsorships: Friendraiser Event Page 
• North Texas Giving Day Campaign: https://www.northtexasgivingday.org/organization/HTR

Here’s a link to the press release.