fundraiser
Designing Pathways for Opportunity Youth
$100 Raised
$600 raised by 2 donors
11% complete
$5,500 Goal
About Excellence by Design Education Center (EDEC)
Excellence by Design Education Center (EDEC) is a Dallas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that every child and young adult—regardless of zip code or circumstance—has access to the education, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. We serve children, youth, and young adults in underserved communities, including those impacted by poverty, academic disengagement, and involvement with the juvenile justice system.
Our mission is to advance educational equity and close the gap between opportunity and success by addressing not only academic needs, but the social, emotional, cultural, and economic barriers that too often stand in the way of achievement.
EDEC delivers a holistic, whole‑child model through six interconnected programs that support learners from early literacy through career readiness:
Through strong partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local agencies, EDEC provides free to low‑cost, high‑impact services where they are needed most.
Our impact continues to grow. Since 2017, EDEC has expanded from serving 75 students to nearly 2,000 children and youth annually, representing growth of more than 2,500%—while maintaining exceptional quality and trust within the communities we serve.
Satisfaction ratings (1–10 scale):
Yet the need remains urgent. Today, EDEC reaches only 19% of our target population, leaving thousands more children and young adults without access to critical academic support and pathways to success.
Your North Texas Giving Day gift helps close that gap. Every donation directly fuels tutoring, mentoring, workforce preparation, and essential supports—turning potential into progress and opportunity into achievement for North Texas youth.
Together, we can design excellence—and deliver it.
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.
Supporting Opportunity Youth—Closing the Gap to Education and Employment
Across North Texas, thousands of young adults ages 16–24 are disconnected from both school and employment. Many face layered challenges including poverty, housing instability, justice system involvement, trauma, and limited access to education or job training. Without targeted support, these barriers can lead to long‑term economic instability and lost potential.
Excellence by Design Education Center (EDEC) is working to change that reality through our Opportunity Youth Program, which provides young adults with the education, workforce preparation, mentoring, and wraparound services they need to move forward.
While EDEC currently serves nearly 2,000 students annually, more than 22,000 opportunity youth in our community remain underserved. The need far exceeds available resources.
With your support, we can expand access to:
💛 Academic and personal support
Tutoring and mentoring to rebuild confidence and persistence
💛 Career readiness and workforce training
Resume development, interview preparation, job placement, and credential pathways
💛 Wraparound services that remove barriers
Transportation, technology access, basic needs assistance, and supportive referrals
💛 Education and training pathways
GED preparation, vocational training, and postsecondary readiness
On North Texas Giving Day, your gift helps close the gap between disconnection and opportunity.
Together, we can ensure young adults have the tools, support, and pathways needed to achieve stability, purpose, and long‑term success.
🌟 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, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latinx, Native American
BIPOC Leadership
Both the Executive Director/CEO and Board Chair
Address
3560 W Camp Wisdom Road, Suite 200