About Excellence by Design Education Center (EDEC)
Excellence by Design Education Center (EDEC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Dallas, Texas. We provide educational programs and supplemental services to children and youth living in underserved communities, including those experiencing poverty, involvement in the juvenile justice system, or disconnection from school and work. Our mission is to promote educational equity and raise achievement standards by closing the gap between opportunity and success.
EDEC’s holistic model is designed to support the whole child, addressing academic, social-emotional, cultural, and economic needs through six interconnected programs:
We deliver free to low-cost services through a strong network of schools, community organizations, and government partners. Our impact has grown significantly—from serving 75 students in 2017 to nearly 2,000 in 2022, a remarkable increase of over 2,500%.
This growth is reflected in our high satisfaction ratings:
Despite these successes, EDEC currently reaches only 19% of its target population, leaving substantial room to expand and make a greater difference in the lives of children and youth who need it most.
To close the equity gap between opportunity and achievement for children, youth, and families in under championed Dallas communities through programs, services, and resources that address educational, social, cultural, and economic needs.
Support Opportunity Youth—Help Us Bridge the Gap
This North Texas Giving Day, we’re raising vital funds to expand our Opportunity Youth Program, which serves young people ages 16–24 who are disconnected from school and employment. These youth often face complex challenges—poverty, unstable housing, involvement in the juvenile justice system, trauma, and lack of access to education or job training.
At Excellence by Design Education Center (EDEC), we believe every young person deserves a second chance. Our program provides a comprehensive support system to help Opportunity Youth re-engage with education, build life and career skills, and access pathways to long-term success.
Currently, we serve nearly 2,000 students, but over 22,000 youth in our community remain underserved. With your support, we can:
💛 Expand access to:
Tutoring and mentorship to rebuild academic confidence
Career readiness training including resume building, interview prep, and job placement
Wraparound services such as transportation, mental health support, and basic needs assistance
Educational pathways including GED prep, dual credit, and vocational programs
📅 On North Texas Giving Day, your gift goes further.
🌟 Give today. Empower tomorrow. Transform lives.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
Excellence by Design Education Center (EDEC)
At EDEC, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all employees, volunteers, and program participants—regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education, or ability—feel valued, respected, and empowered.
We uphold a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunities for employment, advancement, and participation across all programs and worksites. We honor diverse life experiences and cultural heritages, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective is considered. Our commitment to equity and inclusion is reflected in our organizational culture, programs, and partnerships.
Our Commitment to Cultural Equity
To promote cultural equity, EDEC strives to:
Integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into our mission and daily operations to support the well-being of our staff and the communities we serve.
Identify and dismantle inequities within our policies, systems, programs, and services.
Encourage board-level engagement in addressing systemic inequities and aligning solutions with our mission.
Foster transparent communication across all levels of the organization.
Invest in diverse leadership by expanding representation within our board, staff, and committees.
Lead with respect and tolerance, expecting all team members to embody these values in their interactions and practices.
Our Practices to Promote Diversity and Inclusion
EDEC implements the following practices to advance equity:
Cultivate cultural competency through ongoing learning opportunities and transparent policies.
Use data-driven approaches to measure progress in diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts.
Support leadership development that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
Collaborate with like-minded organizations to expand resources and opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Provide educational sessions on diversity, inclusion, and equity for staff, community members, and nonprofit partners.
Implement bias-conscious systems for hiring, promotion, and evaluation, and train staff in equitable practices.
View our current participation opportunities.
In-Person Volunteering
Volunteer
Excellence by Design Education Center
Organization name
Excellence by Design Education Center
other names
EDEC
Causes
Education - K-12
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Tarrant
BIPOC Serving
Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx
Address
3560 W Camp Wisdom Road, Suite 200