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# SMC Foundation's 'Launch the Future' raises $166,500 for STEM students
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/smc-foundations-launch-the-future-raises-166-500-for-stem-students/
- Published: 2026-10-08T18:59:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T18:58:59.000Z
- Author: Maaz Alin
- Tags: Education, Santa Monica College, #socials

The Santa Monica College Foundation raised $166,500 toward its $175,000 goal at "Launch the Future," a Sept. 26 celebration of STEM at Santa Monica College. The event drew more than 150 community leaders, philanthropists, educators, students and supporters.

The money will help expand opportunities for SMC students pursuing STEM pathways.

The event was held throughout SMC's new 110,000-square-foot Math + Science Building. From the outdoor atrium to the rooftop, guests took part in interactive experiences and experiments led by students, explored specialized laboratories and met the students and faculty who use the building. Guests also visited the SMC Planetarium & Observatory, including a dozen research-grade telescopes, before gathering on the rooftop for panoramic views, food and drinks.

"'Launch the Future' provided our community with a firsthand look at the incredible work happening at Santa Monica College and the students at the center of it," said SMC Foundation President Lizzy Moore. "This evening was a wonderful reminder of what is possible when our community invests in the next generation of STEM leaders."

"People assume a community college is all lecture halls and intro courses, but SMC put real instruments in my hands and rewired my sense of the possible," said Jaxon Smith, a materials science and engineering major.

Many SMC STEM students are the first in their families to attend college and often juggle multiple life responsibilities. The campaign will support them through hands-on research, labs equipped and maintained with industry-standard technology, and access to scholarships, conferences and professional networks.

"Philanthropic support helps us create opportunities beyond the classroom that can make a meaningful difference in a student's academic journey," said SMC Foundation Development Director Katie Moe.

The Math + Science Building opened in November 2025\. The LEED Gold-certified facility features specialized laboratories, collaborative learning spaces, a planetarium and an observatory equipped with research-grade telescopes.

The foundation thanked its sponsors and supporters. Visionary-level sponsors were SMC Board President Margaret Sohagi and her husband, SMC alum Lauren Reager; Recharge; and the SMC Emeritus Program. Ava MD was a Catalyst-level sponsor, and many other donors contributed.

The campaign remains open, with $8,500 left to reach the goal. To make a gift, visit foundation.smc.edu/STEM.

Edited by SMDP Staff