Smith in Action

Smith is an institution that puts its values to work. As a college, we implement strategic and thoughtful initiatives aimed at making our world a better place by focusing on several key values: equity and inclusion, community, leadership, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.

Equity in Everything
Una Fonte ’26, Ariel Benjamin ’25, Olivia Seker ’26, and Arden Grim ’26 recently cofounded Dis-Organizing, a new student group on campus aimed at providing advocacy and support to students with disabilities.
By advocating for issues such as better access to health care appointments and more classroom learning aids, Dis-Organizing hopes to effect changes that will benefit everyone at Smith, in keeping with the college’s goals for equity and inclusion.
True collaboration, deep learning, and transformational scholarship at Smith College call for every student, faculty, and staff member to feel a sense of belonging.
Sustainability
From extensive initiatives like our geothermal energy project to long-term efforts such as buying locally sourced foods for our dining halls, sustainability is at the forefront at Smith. In fact, we’re on track to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Some Initiatives
A Strong Sense of Community
The Jandon Center for Community Engagement works with faculty, students, and community partners on social-change projects that tackle community-driven goals. Through experiential learning and scholarship, students build essential capacities in critical thinking while providing significant leadership on urgent, complex issues facing communities and society.
Community Engagement on Campus
With a diverse campus population, fostering a sense of community at Smith is an ongoing initiative—a collaborative effort between the Office for Equity & Inclusion, the Center for Religious & Spiritual Life, and Multicultural Affairs—to ensure each student, faculty, and staff member feels welcome and comfortable on campus.
Leading by Example
Excelling in Entrepreneurship
The Jill Ker Conway Innovation Center is home to all things entrepreneurship at Smith. Well known for the Draper Competition, it’s become a major hub for creativity, ideas, and passions on campus.
78
Number of real-world ventures started from the Draper competition since 2013.
Winner
Outstanding Emerging Center, Global Consortium of Entrepreneurship Centers
#2
School for female founders who want to change the world according to College Magazine.
Friendly Competition
There are several college-sponsored events and challenges throughout the academic year, allowing you to put your ideas to the test.