Precollege Programs
SMILE
Our Mission
Our mission is to support student success in STEM degree programs and careers and to provide high-quality professional development for teachers that strengthens STEM education and learning outcomes.
Our Vision
Our vision is to strengthen STEM education by offering pathway programs that support student achievement in STEM degrees and careers. We aim to enhance teaching excellence through professional development that equips educators with effective tools and strategies.
SMILE Club Essential Attributes
1. Supportive Community
We provide a safe and supportive place for participants to engage in challenging activities and risk failure.
2. High Expectations
We promote participants' creativity and learning through hands-on, minds-on activities.
3. Positive Attitudes
We help participants develop and sustain confidence in their capacity to learn and succeed.
4. Continuous Improvement
We assess our programming and make changes to better meet the needs of our participants and our school district partners.
SMILE News
SMILE Receives Presidential Award
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring is the highest recognition K-12 math and science organizations can receive from the U.S. government.
2024 Summer Teacher Workshop Highlights
For our workshop field trip day on August 6, we took a break from the summer heat and traveled to Newport!
Spring Challenge Events Wrap-up
A total of 530 SMILE members participated in Challenge events and spent time on one or more college campuses this spring!
Broader Impacts and Engagement Efforts
The SMILE Program collaborates with campus faculty and educational partners to bring a wide range of STEM content into K–12 classrooms and SMILE Clubs. In alignment with the National Science Foundation’s Broader Impacts priorities, SMILE offers a strong framework for implementing outreach and engagement activities. Through long-standing K–12 relationships and dynamic partnerships with researchers and educators, the program supports meaningful, sustained impact in STEM education and public engagement.