Learn more about our Founder & E.D., Auntaria (Mrs. A) Johnson

Meet Our Executive Director

About Us

Ivory Denice Johnson 
Game Changers YAC Executive Assistant

Our education programs:​

  • Create hands-on & engaging experiences that ignite academic excellence in fields that may seem "out of reach"
  • Provide support that promotes personal development, character building, and leadership.
  • Provide support that encourages parental and family involvement. 
  • Serve individuals, community organizations, schools, & families  

Program Outcomes


Mission:
The Dennis Project (TDP) was formed in 2012 to inspire the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). We enrich, empower, and engage under-served youth through STEM, 21st century career planning, personal development, and family enrichment programs.

After working for many years in an informal science education classroom, our founder noticed many programs lacked African American participation. She took action by designing a program, and attaining funding exclusively to inspire minority girls towards the sciences entitled: Girls Exploring Engineering (GEE). Sponsored by Girls RISEnet (Raising Interest in Science and Engineering Museum Network), she partnered with local youth organizations and facilitated a one-time engineering program that hosted 100 low-income middle and high school girls. 

Pre-program surveys and discussions revealed 80% of the girls were exposed to very few hands-on STEM experiences in school and found science “boring”, “too hard”, and/or “for boys”. Post-evaluations revealed that with the help of female professional and peer STEM mentors, the girls’ perception of women in science had changed and they’d acquired a new, empowered outlook on STEM topics. 90% of the girls were able to use their creativity and resourcefulness to build complicated circuitry projects, with little to no assistance. A year later a follow-up survey revealed a high school participant was accepted at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) to pursue a degree in engineering. The student explained the GEE workshop increased her confidence in her abilities and directly influenced this decision.  As a result of this vision, the project’s success soared well beyond the pilot stage and the Dennis Project was born! TDP's programs provide a variety of services that meets the needs of thousands of youth and adults throughout South Florida. 
Education
        Apostle Natalie          Lowder-Clarke
Pastor / Principal
Private Christian School Community Leader 
Our Legacy

​The Dennis Project, Inc. was founded in 2012 in celebration of the Dennis Family. As teachers, community leaders and positive role models our legacy of  women have influenced others to uplift their community by becoming a positive change. Although faced with many  adversities these phenomenal women have held true to their faith, family tradition, love of education and willingness to help others. Their roots are  established in the inner city community, where they have made an incredible impact. 

Amelia Dennis-Bradley
Elementary Teacher

Dade County Inner-City Public Schools

Tanzanier S. Wilson
President

MS STEM Teacher

                    

Dorothy Dennis-Hildreth​​
Elementary Teacher
Dade County Inner-City Public Schools

Our Legacy

David L. Davis
Health & Fitness Program Manager 
Exercise Physiologist

Due Fitness & Health 

Gloria Dennis-McQueen
Community Leader
Marjorie Dennis-
Allen
Community Leader

​Participants Gain:

  • Positive “can do” attitude toward overall academic success
  • Improved attitudes toward STEM fields and careers
  • Increased awareness and access for minorities and women underrepresented in STEM 
  • Improved critical thinking,  problem solving, creativity, & leadership skills ​
  • Stronger families, Stronger communities 
  • Workplace Skills Development
Ivory L. Johnson, Jr.
Fatherhood Program Director Chef / Business Owner