About the Program
What We Do
The SMILE Program is an after school academic enrichment program for students in fourth through twelfth grades. The purpose of The SMILE Program is to increase the numbers of underrepresented and other educationally underserved students who graduate high school well prepared to enter higher education and pursue careers in science, math, engineering, and technology (STEM).
How We Make a Difference
The program functions as a pipeline. Students can join as early as the fourth grade and continue through the twelfth grade, finally going to college.
There is a year round schedule of activities designed to provide and integrate university and real world experiences, mentoring, learning activities, and career explorations to support students.
History
SMILE was established in 1994 with 20 middle school students in one school modeled after the nationally recognized Oregon State University (OSU) SMILE Program. The SMILE Program now serves about 300 elementary, middle, and high school students and 30 teachers in 6 districts in Rhode Island - and we're still growing.
Impact
- 100% of SMILE senior students graduate high school
- 93% of SMILE senior students attend college
- 97% of SMILE alumni attending college have graduated or are still in college
- Since its founding, over 1,000 students have participated in URI SMILE
Contact Information
The SMILE Program
University of Rhode Island
305 Memorial Union
Kingston, RI 02881
p. 401.874.2036
f. 401.874.2620
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