Smith College Remembers Sally Ride

The Picker Engineering Program at Smith College remembers Sally Ride, first American woman in space, inspiring role model, and advocate for girls and women in science and engineering.

From 2002 to 2004, Smith collaborated with the Sally Ride Science Club on TOYChallenge, a national toy design competition for middle school students, sponsored by Hasbro, Inc. and Sigma Xi.

Based on the TOYTech concept employed in Smith’s first-year engineering course, the challenge used fun, play, and imagination to encourage girls’ and boys’ interest in science and engineering, and to inspire them to pursue careers in these fields.

We are grateful for the support and infusion of excitement Sally Ride lent to the Picker Engineering Program in its early years, as well as to Smith’s Summer Science and Engineering Program, which continues its work with middle and high school girls.

Her life will continue to be an inspiration for students in all areas of science and engineering.

Donna Riley is an associate professor of engineering at Smith College.