2026 State of Inclusive Excellence
"I think that SMILE improves the lives of students by providing STEM enrichment and exposure to careers and college, that they otherwise wouldn't have access to based on their current circumstances. The program allows students to envision themselves in college by providing equitable experiences that peak their interest in exploring stem pathways. It fosters their creativity, curiosity, and success in stem degree pathways.
I think that SMILE improves the lives of teachers by providing them exposure to professional development that is connected to research happening at OSU. We provide them community around stem teaching, supports to help foster a successful program within their school, and financial incentives for their participation. We help to connect them to work being done in the OSU and broader communities to feel a sense of belonging within the state and improve their experiences as teachers. We also give them a space to use their expertise and co-develop curriculum to give them a sense of ownership in the program.
I think that SMILE improves the lives of families by providing experiences to their children that families would not have had access to. We are fulfilling dreams that parents have for their children by providing this service and showing them that college is possible for their children if they want it. We provide a welcoming and equitable space for their children to thrive and achieve by connecting them to the university and helping them bridge the connection between their lives and college opportunities."
Being a part of the SMILE program has shown me the importance of reaching students at a young age and getting them excited about attending college. Seeing themselves (the students) as college-goers at a young age motivates them to push themselves and try harder in school, and helps them to envision themselves in a college setting.
I think that SMILE reflects OSU's Land Grant mission by collaborating with researchers to provide stem outreach and engagement with youth. We actively work with students who are economically, socially, culturally, and environmentally disadvantaged, and provide them researched-based stem enrichment to foster positive learning experiences that enhance their learning and knowledge of the world.
I'd say that statewide or national recognition says that we are doing good work that is valuable to people and the place we live. By exposing students to the possibilities they have access to through the SMILE program, we are actively a part of bringing the best minds to OSU to learn and achieve greatness.
