Project SMILE

What is Project SMILE?

Project S.M.I.L.E stands for Project Spreading Multiculturalism and Inspiring Leadership through Education. Through our program, Berkeley students have the opportunity to be mentors to students at two local middle schools, Longfellow and Willard Middle School. Our mentors are role models for the students and form strong relationships with them through weekly mentoring and special weekend events.

Our mission is to provide mentees and mentors with an opportunity to develop relationships built on respect, trust, and support. Through one-on-one match-ups with students from the two middle schools, Project S.M.I.L.E. seeks to promote and instill values such as the appreciation of diversity, leadership abilities, educational awareness, and a proactive sense of community. 

We hope to enhance the experience of both the mentees and mentors by creating a generation of motivated and inspirational leaders who are academically enlightened and socially adept.

 Help us support our community! 

Can you tell me more about Project SMILE?

During the school week, our mentors assist the students with homework help or any after-school activities. In addition to assisting in after-school activities, our mentors also lead themed workshops and enrichment activities to fulfill our mission. Such workshops include educating mentees about Black History Month or Women’s History Month to spread the ideals of inclusion and diversity. Some of the most exciting activities that our organization hosts are weekend field trips to promote bonding between our mentors and mentees. Each year, we go on a camping field trip together and engage in team-building activities! 

Project SMILE has been a mentoring organization at UC Berkeley for over 20 years and is still going strong with new mentors and mentees joining each year! In response to the pandemic, we are operating virtually and we are eagerly waiting for the day when we can continue our normal activities again. Since we are a non-profit, we are counting on you to help us continue our services. The funds we raise will be distributed according to the graphic below, and we would truly appreciate it if you could donate or spread the word to your networks! Help us give to our community!

Make a gift today to support our work!