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.
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SMILE News
This grant is through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Education and Workforce Development program.The project will bring together Oregon teachers, OSU researchers, and students to co-develop classroom resources that connect contemporary agriculture and biotechnology research to K-12 learning. By centering collaboration with Oregon educators, the project will expand access to engaging, relevant learning experiences that help students explore agricultural science and related college and career pathways.
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.