Our Mission

& Essential Attributes

Our Mission

Our mission is to increase underrepresented students’ success in STEM degree programs and careers, and deliver high-quality teacher professional development.

Our Vision

Our vision is to provide a broad range of pathway programs to help underrepresented students succeed in STEM degrees and careers. We provide professional development resources that create better teachers.

   SMILE works with RCRV and other programs to bring a broad range of STEM content to K-12 classrooms and through SMILE Clubs.

SMILE's Essential Attributes

Inclusive Community

We provide a safe and supportive place for participants to engage in challenging activities and risk failure. 

High Expectations

We promote participants' creativity and learning through hands-on, minds-on activities.

Positive Attitudes

We help participants develop and sustain confidence in their capacity to learn and succeed.

Continuous Improvement

We assess our programming and make changes to better meet the needs of our participants and our school district partners.