SMASH

We aim to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and hands-on experiences for high school and college students.
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We empower students through intensive education, rigorous coursework, and resources for success in college and careers. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn!

09/03/2026

If SMASH has been part of your story, this is a chance to help shape what comes next. 💙 Become a SMASH25 fundraising champion. 💙

We’re inviting alumni, friends, and supporters to create their own fundraising pages through Givebutter and rally their communities around SMASH.

It’s simple: set a goal, share why SMASH matters to you, then invite friends, family, coworkers, or fellow alumni to help you reach it.

And right now, every gift raised can go twice as far. Through SMASH the Match, our Board of Directors is matching donations dollar for dollar, up to $350,000, through October 15.

So far, we’ve raised $74,252, with $275,748 still left to unlock. You can help us get there.

💙 Become a fundraising champion: givebutter.com/smash25
💙 DOUBLE your gift: smash.org/25thanniversary

Twenty-five years of SMASH brought us here. Help us build what comes next.

08/31/2026

We’re still buzzing from the 2026 SMASH National Pitch Competition, and especially from the team that took home first place: SafeLink from SMASH Morehouse. 🏆

Jordyn, Seth, Joshua P. and Joshua Y. built a low-cost emergency safety beacon and companion app designed for moments when reaching for or navigating a phone may be difficult or unsafe.

What stood out was how thoughtfully they approached the problem. They built a physical prototype, thought through accessibility and affordability, and made a clear case for why faster access to help can matter.

Out of more than 300 scholars who developed pitches across SMASH sites this summer, SafeLink earned the top spot on the national stage.

We’re proud of this team and grateful to SMASH Morehouse Site Director Lyschel Shipp for supporting them throughout the summer.

Watch the full competition here: youtu.be/WGrk7BtqiA4?si=1gJffHNZCtn5nryV

08/17/2026

🏆 MEET THE 2026 NATIONAL PITCH COMPETITION WINNERS🏆

More than 300 scholars developed pitches across SMASH sites this summer. These five teams made it all the way to the national stage:

🥇 SafeLink | SMASH Morehouse
🥈 SoUl | SMASH Atlanta
🥉 NextGen Map | SMASH Northeastern
4️⃣ SeatFull | SMASH Michigan
5️⃣ HealthBridge | SMASH Berkeley

From emergency safety to healthcare access, financial learning and support for young carers, each team built around a problem they believed was worth solving.
Huge congratulations to our national finalists and every scholar who pitched this summer. 💙

Swipe through to meet the teams, then watch the full 2026 SMASH National Pitch Competition through the link in our bio.

08/14/2026

Missed the 2026 SMASH National Pitch Competition? You can still watch the next generation of innovators take the stage. 🎥

This year, SMASH Scholars developed emerging-tech solutions to challenges they see in their communities, then pitched their ideas before a national audience.

🏆 First place went to **SafeLink from SMASH Morehouse**, with scholars presenting a solution designed to make a real difference.

As we celebrate 25 years of SMASH, moments like this show what that legacy makes possible and what we’re building toward next.

▶️ Watch the full competition: [LINK]

And through **SMASH the Match**, your gift can go twice as far to help create opportunities like these for future scholars. Learn more: smash.org/25thanniversary

08/06/2026

Congratulations to the NBA Foundation on six years of impact!

As an NBA Foundation grantee, SMASH is proud to be part of this work. Their support helps us provide cost-free STEM opportunities that prepare scholars to thrive in college and beyond.

Thank you to the NBA Foundation for investing in SMASH and young people across the country. Congratulations on six years! 💙

07/31/2026

🥁 Drumroll, please... The 2026 SMASH National Pitch Competition starts SOON!

Today’s finalists have already risen to the top of site-level competitions featuring more than 300 scholars. Now, they are ready to take the national stage.

We’re excited to welcome Rassim Chettfour as MC, judges Gene Kamenez, Richard Hicks, Leandrew Robinson, KathyAnn Lewis and Haven Armstrong, plus Roma Dave and SMASH alum Bryan Ayala of Lirvana Labs. SMASH CEO Jonathan Durfield will close out the event.

Tune in NOW and watch the best of the best present the tech solutions they built this summer.

10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET
Register: bit.ly/SMASHCompetition2026

07/30/2026

What if you could see the next big tech idea before it takes off?

Tomorrow, SMASH scholars from across the country will take the virtual stage for the 2026 National Pitch Competition. They have already competed at the regional level. Now, the strongest teams are coming together to pitch their ideas live.

This is your chance to meet the young engineers, developers, and problem-solvers who could shape what comes next. Previous scholar pitches have gone on to become real products and real apps.

Come witness the ideas everyone will be talking about after the competition.

Tomorrow, July 31
10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET

Register now: bit.ly/SMASHCompetition2026

07/29/2026

The 2026 SMASH National Pitch Competition is almost here, and you do not want to miss it.

This is where high school scholars put their STEM and engineering skills to work, building tech solutions around real-world challenges and pitching their ideas LIVE to a panel of judges in the industry.

Year after year, scholars continue developing what they started at SMASH. Some of those ideas have even grown into real apps available in the App Store.

This is one of the best events of the year and one of the clearest ways to see SMASH in action.

Come see the genius for yourself this Friday, July 31 at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET.

Register now: bit.ly/SMASHCompetition2026

07/27/2026

Five days to go!

This Friday, SMASH scholars from across the country will take the national stage to pitch tech solutions built around real-world challenges.

These teams have already competed at the regional level. Now, the strongest ideas are moving forward to the 2026 SMASH National Pitch Competition.

Join us July 31 at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET.

Register to watch: bit.ly/SMASHCompetition2026

As SMASH celebrates 25 years, your support can go twice as far. The SMASH Board of Directors is matching donations dollar-for-dollar up to $350,000.

Donate and double your impact: https://smash.org/25thanniversary

07/26/2026

Expensive Things That Are Worth The Money and these five things are absolutely worth it!! 💙💚

1. STEM Courses like Computer Science, Design Thinking, and Electrical Engineering
2. STEAM & Mental Wellness Field Trips
3. SWAG!!!
4. Opportunity & access to meet industry professionals
5. A residential experience as a window into college life!

Your support helps keep SMASH free for students, and every donation will be MATCHED dollar-for-dollar up to $350,000!! This helps us fund experiences that lead to lifelong social capital, community, and economic mobility through STEM education.

Support the dream: https://www.smash.org/25thanniversary/ (LINK IN BIO)

Address

2148 Broadway
Oakland, CA
94612

Website

http://www.smash.org/

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