Santa Monica College Foundation

08/14/2026

Yesterday, we had the joy of gathering with many of our Bodega partners to connect, collaborate, and strengthen the important work we’re doing together. 💙

Thank you for your continued support of the SMC Bodega and Basic Needs Program. Your partnership helps provide students with access to nutritious food, hygiene essentials, and other resources they need to stay focused on their education and reach their goals.

We’re grateful to work alongside partners who understand that supporting students’ basic needs is an essential part of supporting their success. Thank you for standing with our students and helping them stay on the path to graduation and opportunity!

Albertsons Companies Smart & Final Nourish LA Westside Food Bank FoodCycle LA Santa Monica College

08/13/2026

The Perseids are lighting up the night sky! ✨🌠 One of the year’s most spectacular meteor showers, the Perseids are known for bright, fast-moving meteors streaking across the summer sky.

If you love looking up at the stars, join us September 26 for an evening that takes stargazing to the next level. 🔭

At the Launch the Future Reception, you'll step inside the Observatory at Santa Monica College for guided telescope stargazing—a rare experience not typically open to the public. Take in special Planetarium shows, tour our new Math & Science Building, and enjoy sunset views from the rooftop with premium cocktails and curated tasting stations.

Come celebrate discovery, innovation, and the students helping shape the future of STEM.

🎟️ Purchase your tickets: https://foundation.smc.edu/areas-to-support/launch-the-future.php

08/05/2026

Ten years ago, GIVING THANKS(giving) began in a backyard with just 38 Santa Monica College students. Today, that small gathering has grown into a tradition that serves more than 2,500 students each year.

As we mark the 10th annual GIVING THANKS(giving), we're celebrating what's possible when a community comes together. Every donation helps provide holiday groceries for SMC students while also strengthening the college's Basic Needs Program and Emergency Grant Fund, ensuring students can access food, essential supplies, and emergency assistance throughout the year.

Together, we've created a tradition of care and community for SMC students. Your support today will help us continue meeting the growing needs of students.

Make your gift or become a sponsor and help make our 10th anniversary our most impactful yet: https://foundation.smc.edu/areas-to-support/giving-thanksgiving.php

07/31/2026

Support the next generation of STEM students by purchasing your tickets today for the Launch the Future Cocktail Reception.

Enjoy exclusive access to Santa Monica College 's planetarium and observatory, where you'll experience immersive planetarium shows and have the opportunity to view the night sky through the college's research-grade telescope during guided stargazing sessions. Then, explore the state-of-the-art Math & Science Building through interactive STEM demonstrations—all while enjoying premium cocktails and curated tasting stations.

You'll meet students like Jaxon, who came to SMC expecting lecture halls but instead found opportunities he never imagined, including conducting independent research with advanced scientific equipment. That hands-on experience reshaped what he believed was possible and helped launch his path to UC Berkeley this fall.

Each ticket purchase and every donation helps more students discover their own path in STEM. Purchase your ticket or donate: https://foundation.smc.edu/areas-to-support/launch-the-future.php

Thank you to our sponsors for investing in tomorrow's innovators! Recharge Dr. Ava Shamban Johnson Global Advisory

07/28/2026

When Gigi arrived at Santa Monica College , she wasn't sure she belonged in STEM. Today, she's planning for medical school and hopes to become an Ob/Gyn.

Looking back, she says: "It is surreal to see that I went from poor grades in high school to doing extremely well in college classes that I was so scared of."

Your support for the Launch the Future initiative helps students like Gigi access advanced lab equipment, hands-on research, and transformative learning experiences that build confidence and open doors to careers they once thought were out of reach.

Give more students the chance to discover what's possible. Purchase your ticket for our Cocktail Reception or donate today: https://foundation.smc.edu/areas-to-support/launch-the-future.php

07/16/2026

Tickets are now on sale for the Launch the Future Reception!

Join us on Saturday, September 26 for an immersive evening celebrating innovation, discovery, and the incredible students shaping tomorrow's workforce. Enjoy exclusive rooftop access with sunset views and premium cocktails, before exploring Santa Monica College's new Math & Science Building through interactive STEM showcases, cutting-edge labs, and guided telescope stargazing.

Every ticket helps give more SMC students access to the tools, experiences, and opportunities that launch extraordinary futures. Reserve your spot today: https://foundation.smc.edu/areas-to-support/launch-the-future.php

Sponsorships are still available! Thank you to our sponsors for helping transform futures for our students: Recharge Dr. Ava Shamban Johnson Global Advisory

06/30/2026

Check out these photos from Santa Monica College’s STEM Student Poster Symposium held on Friday, May 15, in the Math & Science Building Lobby!

Thirty students and several groups presented their projects via poster presentations, highlighting a vast range of STEM research conducted both on campus and beyond, supported through coursework, specialized programs, and dedicated faculty mentorship. The three student winners recognized were Kevin Davidson, Leslie Huerta Sandoval, and Lexie Williamson.

Thank you to event sponsors: Santa Monica College Foundation through its Northrop Grumman/Elkin Chair of Excellence in Physical Science & the STEM MÁS grant. The symposium was organized by the SMC STEM academic departments, the STEM MÁS program, and the SMC Career Services Center.

06/29/2026

SMC students are ready to lead the future of STEM. Now it's our turn to invest in them.

Through the Launch the Future initiative, we're raising $175,000 to expand access to technology, hands-on research, and the industry connections that students need to succeed in high-demand STEM careers.
Your support creates real, life-changing opportunity. Join us in helping SMC students reach their full potential 🚀

Donate or sponsor today: https://foundation.smc.edu/areas-to-support/launch-the-future.php

Thank you to our sponsors for investing in the next generation of STEM leaders! Recharge Dr. Ava Shamban Johnson Global Advisory

06/25/2026

No student should have to choose between meeting their basic needs and pursuing their education. In this Spectrum News feature, Lisa Ling highlights how Santa Monica College's Basic Needs program helps students access food, mental health support, and essential resources to stay on track.

Your generosity makes this possible. Donate today to help SMC students succeed: https://foundation.smc.edu/areas-to-support/basic-needs/basic-needs.php

College campuses are facing a crisis

05/18/2026

It was so inspiring to see the creativity, research, and hard work showcased by SMC students at this year’s STEM Poster Symposium. We're proud to support opportunities that help students grow as researchers, leaders, and future STEM professionals.

Join us in supporting the next generation of innovators through our Launch the Future Campaign. Learn more here: https://foundation.smc.edu/areas-to-support/launch-the-future.php