Santa Monica College Foundation

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

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

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

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.

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

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

The innovative program fighting food insecurity College campuses are facing a crisis

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

We love this feature on Jeff Abrams and Rails who have built a true partnership with SMC, from speaking engagements, to site tours, to scholarships. Thank you for investing our students!

Fashioning Futures Rails founder Jeff Abrams brings scholarship support and industry insights to SMC students as they pattern careers in fashion.

At 103 years old, Shirley still has homework 📚

This semester she’s studying Shakespeare and Current Events through Santa Monica College’s Emeritus Program. Emeritus offers free classes for older adults and creates a vibrant community where curiosity, learning, and connection continue at every age.

Shirley has taken more than 80 classes over the past 40 years — and she continues to give back so others can experience the same opportunities 💙

Join Shirley and support lifelong learning at SMC with a gift today ➡️ https://foundation.smc.edu/emeritus

Inspired to keep learning? Learn more and enroll in Emeritus at smc.edu/emeritus

We are so proud and inspired by SMC Student and Scholarship recipient Martin!

Community College Students on Path to Legal Careers - Foundation for California Community Colleges Discover how students from diverse backgrounds are gaining a clear, supported path from high school to community college, universities, and into law or law-related careers.