Project S.T.A.M.S. (Service learning activities, tutoring, annual youth summits, mentoring and scholarships) is a program designed to get under-represented high school students on a pathway towards higher education. Project S.T.A.M.S. is a 16-week program where students are completely engaged in becoming better well-rounded students. Students in the program provide tutoring to younger students, complete community service projects, completely plan youth summits and actively participate in mentoring sessions that are designed to better equip them for life. Students also participate in college tours, conferences (pictured), workshops and other service activities. At the conclusion of the 16-week program, students then become eligible for a $5,000 scholarship that will go toward their college tuition and fees.

The Ian Smith Foundation is a charitable organization that strives on making our community a better place for our youth and families. Our motto, "Building A Better Community Through Our Youth" sums it all up as to our main objective. Ultimately, our goal is to get students on the right pathway to higher education. However, there is a process that must takes place in-order to get the student and his/her family to take the first step toward higher education. Understanding this dynamic, our foundation provides several programs and services that will reach each individual family, at their current situation, to trust us with their young student. We offer academic tutoring/mentoring that takes place during the full academic year; youth summits that attracts over 200 young people that come to get encouraged and motivated to pursue excellence in life; holiday initiatives that serve families in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas; and scholarships that help ameliorate the financial burden.

The Ian Smith Foundation, Inc. is always looking for volunteers to become brand ambassadors. Brand ambassadors are people who will help spread awareness about the activities of the foundation. In addition, we are always looking for volunteers to help during events (i.e. youth summits, thanksgiving dinner, Christmas shopping for families) and volunteers to help tutor/mentor students.

Suggested Donations

Funding Needs

The Ian Smith Foundation, Inc. funding needs are as follows:
1). Transportation- if we could provide students a ride to and from our programs during the week, we would be able to reach more students. In addition, our overall outreach would be more effective because we would be able to track students better and measure impact.
2). Equipment- we need software to better serve our youth with educational programs that will better equip them for I-STEP, ECA, GQE.
3). Building- Ultimately, our goal is to be able to provide all of our services under one roof. Right now, we rent spaces here and there, which makes it hard for families to be able to attend all activities. The ability to provide services at our own location will create a better cohesiveness between us and the community.