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MISSION
SMILE is a science and math
academic enrichment after-school program in partnership between The
University of Rhode Island and school districts. The purpose of the program
is to increase the number of underrepresented minority and educationally
disadvantaged students who graduate from high school qualified to go on to
higher education and pursue career in science, math, engineering and health
professions.
The University of
Rhode Island SMILE Program was
founded by Carol Englander in 1994 with 20 students in one middle school.
The program now serves 300 elementary, middle, and high school students, as
well as 28 teachers in 14 schools throughout the state. The URI SMILE
Program is replicating the highly successful Oregon State University SMILE
Program, which begun in 1988.
The composition of the SMILE
student population is a representation of the diversity of New England communities. Each year about 61% of SMILE participants are ethnic
minorities, and 60% female students.
SMILE efforts are
concentrated in communities which are unable to offer students opportunities
for science and math hands-on enrichment. SMILE has established programs at
the elementary, middle and high school levels in South Kingston, West
Warwick, Woonsocket, Providence, and
Central Falls.
The
SMILE Program encourages in youth the interest in learning science and math,
and the motivation to remain in school, graduate, and go onto college.
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The SMILE Program 