CSM hosts S.M.A.R.T. Program 25th Anniversary Celebration

Twenty Five years ago, the College of Saint Mary made a partnership with Girls, Inc. of Omaha that would shape the lives of students and teachers alike for years to come. This month students, educators, and community members will gather on campus to celebrate that partnership.

The celebration will take place on Thursday, Oct. 26 from 5:30 – 7 pm in CSM’s Warde Conference Center, kicking off with a wine and cheese reception and a short program beginning at 6 p.m.

Operation S.M.A.R.T. (Science, Math and Relevant Technology) is a partnership between Girls, Inc., Omaha and College of Saint Mary dating back to 1992. In conjunction with the mission of Girls Inc. and CSM, the goal of the program is to encourage girls and young women to be strong, smart and bold and to make career choices and develop leadership skills that have traditionally not been open to them.

“When looking back over 25 years, I am proud that CSM’s Operation S.M.A.R.T. program was on the forefront of current initiatives to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education in today’s schools,” says Dr. Melanie Felton, Associate Professor of Education and Director of Early Childhood Education at CSM.

CSM graduate, Colleen Lewin (’07) will speak at the event. Colleen is currently a fifth grade teacher at Ashland-Greenwood Elementary School, and has been with the school since 2007.

“She’s just one of the many students who have participated and grown as an educator through this program,” adds Dr. Felton.  “She was always willing to go the extra mile to connect with students in the S.M.A.R.T. program’s various learning activities.”

With Operations S.M.A.R.T., kindergarten through sixth grade girls of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic groups receive instruction in natural and social sciences, math and technology. The girls from Girls Inc., come to campus in an after-school program two afternoons a week for instructional activities. These activities provide hands on natural/social science and math experiences to increase their confidence in their ability to succeed, and excel, in these fields. The girls work extensively with computers, cameras, handheld devices and other technology. 

CSM students enrolled in teaching math and natural/social science courses provide this instruction and complete 64 practicum hours in Operation S.M.A.R.T.

The S.M.A.R.T. 25th Anniversary Celebration is open to the public.

Photo courtesy of Girls, Inc. of Omaha