SMASH is an educational nonprofit organization that aims to expand access to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education for students of color. The program focuses on collegiate preparedness in youth and works pre- and post-high school graduation to ensure students successfully navigate and graduate from higher education institutions.
The nonprofit’s efforts to work against the widened disparities created among students of color and low-income households have manifested in its expanding partnerships with Atlanta HBCUs like Morehouse and Spelman.
SMASH focuses on cultivating a sense of community and widening representation of people of color within the STEM community. Cameron Clay, national director of curriculum and training at SMASH, emphasized the importance of working toward equity in the field.
“These are systemic issues. It takes a long time to address these challenges,” Clay said of the organization’s steps toward increased diversity and opportunity for students of color in STEM fields.
“It’s going to really take some time to make the changes folks want to see.”
