"Imagine, Design and Innovate" Pop & Lock Learning

Nestled in the greater area of Research Triangle Park, in North Carolina, the non-profit D. E. Smith Institutional Excellence (DESIE), Incorporated was established in 2022. DESIE focuses on youth centric mentorship as it relates to positive holistic development, academically, mentally and professionally.

DESIE was founded in honor of Darryl Eugene Smith (February 23, 1968 – July 3, 2018), a truly upright man that loved engulfing himself in life's possibilities, demonstrated strength and resiliency when faced with adversity and had a passion to educate and serve others in his community. Thus, the mission of the organization strategically and operationally align with Mr. Smith’s ideologies and core values, with the yearly objectives consisting of, but not limited to:

• Providing youth, starting at 6 years of age, with Science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematical (STEAM) Education; Mentorship; Entrepreneurship Directive; Scholarship; Opportunities for Stewardship and
• Actively engaging in the community,
• Striving for and fostering inclusivity, achievement, authenticity, and advancement of all groups regardless of capability, culture, divergency, gender, marginalized association, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.