Spring Break
OSU's SMILE program grins at its longevity
After 20th year, SMILE hopes to continue science, math outreach to Oregon youth
Anneke Tucker
Issue date: 5/30/08 Section: News
Some of SMILE's resources are materials focused on ocean sciences, an Outdoor Science Camp, a summer bridge to college and a high school challenge.
Jay Well, a past SMILE volunteer and 2003 graduate from OSU, made the trek from California and Utah, where he worked after graduation, to come back for the summers to work with the SMILE program.
"It was an obviously life-altering experience," Well said. "It changed my whole career focus."
Instead of doing lab research where he started his career, Well is now the programs coordinator for SMILE.
"Last year, we had over 150 student volunteers," Collay said. "There aren't a whole lot of programs who can say they had this magnitude of interest."
One recent project in Seaside allowed students to put together a communication plan focused on tsunami preparedness, creation, location and impact. The students then made and aired a public service announcement and designed signs and posters to build community awareness.
"Students can learn that it matters - their interest in science - and it applies to a real-world problem," Collay said.
"What happens here at OSU has an impact on their lives, and they can help solve those problems."
After their 20 years as an outreach program, SMILE sees no end in sight.
"We as a country need to be doing a better job of supporting [science, technical and mathematical] education," Collay said.
Collay said that SMILE seeks to continue building partnerships and leadership within its students for years to come.
To learn more or to become involved in the OSU SMILE program, visit the program's website at http://smile.
oregonstate.edu/.
Anneke Tucker, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
Jay Well, a past SMILE volunteer and 2003 graduate from OSU, made the trek from California and Utah, where he worked after graduation, to come back for the summers to work with the SMILE program.
"It was an obviously life-altering experience," Well said. "It changed my whole career focus."
Instead of doing lab research where he started his career, Well is now the programs coordinator for SMILE.
"Last year, we had over 150 student volunteers," Collay said. "There aren't a whole lot of programs who can say they had this magnitude of interest."
One recent project in Seaside allowed students to put together a communication plan focused on tsunami preparedness, creation, location and impact. The students then made and aired a public service announcement and designed signs and posters to build community awareness.
"Students can learn that it matters - their interest in science - and it applies to a real-world problem," Collay said.
"What happens here at OSU has an impact on their lives, and they can help solve those problems."
After their 20 years as an outreach program, SMILE sees no end in sight.
"We as a country need to be doing a better job of supporting [science, technical and mathematical] education," Collay said.
Collay said that SMILE seeks to continue building partnerships and leadership within its students for years to come.
To learn more or to become involved in the OSU SMILE program, visit the program's website at http://smile.
oregonstate.edu/.
Anneke Tucker, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
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