Philanthropy
News and Updates
Read the latest news about Robert F. Smith’s philanthropy as well as events and news concerning his thought leadership, philanthropic partners and charitable initiatives.

How Providing Students With Online Resources Helps Inspire STEM Careers
Pursuing a career in STEM can place students at the forefront of innovation and technology. Critical to these careers is the development of STEM skills, which can open doors to careers as inventors, astronauts, researchers and leaders in many other technology-related fields. While it is never too late to develop

How Providing Students With Online Resources Helps Inspire STEM Careers
Pursuing a career in STEM can place students at the forefront of innovation and technology. Critical to these careers is the development of STEM skills, which can open doors to careers as inventors, astronauts, researchers and leaders in many other technology-related fields. While it is never too late to develop

New Pathways for Women in STEM Education and Digital Literacy
Terysa Ridgeway is a computer scientist and STEM advocate who created the innovative children’s book series “Terysa Solves It,” designed to introduce young women to STEM.

Dr. Ruth Gottesman’s Gift Makes Tuition Free for Albert Einstein College of Medicine Students
In early 2024, Dr. Ruth Gottesman made one of the largest contributions to a medical school in recent history when she donated $1 billion to the Einstein College of Medicine to establish the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Scholarship Fund.

Bridging the Latino Higher Education Gap: The Community College Bachelor’s Programs
Community colleges are helping to bridge the Latino higher education gap with tools like the Community College Bachelor’s Programs.

Robert F. Smith Supports the Trail Bridge at Congress Avenue and Other Outdoor Spaces
Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners (Vista) Robert F. Smith, champions equitable access to outdoor spaces. He also works to preserve Black historic sites throughout the U.S.

Robert F. Smith Receives the 2023 HBCU Impact Award
Robert F. Smith works tirelessly to impact and uplift the Black community and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through various initiatives and programs.

Detecting Breast Cancer With the Conformable Ultrasound Breast Patch
The invention of more groundbreaking medical technology, known as the Conformable Ultrasound Patch, is helping to detect cancers early.

Celebrating the 2023 Sphinx Medals of Excellence Honorees
The Sphinx Organization recognizes three musicians each year through the Sphinx Medals of Excellence. Learn more about the 2023 honorees.

Where Are the Black Physicists?
In the last 20 years, the number of Black physicists in STEM has decreased by more than 2%. It’s vital to understand why and take action to boost racial parity.

Philanthropy in Black Communities
Philanthropy has always existed in Black communities, where mutual aid is a part of daily life. It’s not considered charity to support your neighbor, it’s simply the right thing to do.

Diversity in the STEM Workforce
The shortage of Black teachers continues to have an impact on diversity within the STEM workforce today. Read on to see how we can end the fight for diversity.

The National Action Network & Civil Rights
The National Action Network, founded in the ‘90s by Rev. Al Sharpton, fights for justice, decency and equal opportunities for all. Here’s a look at its history.

Student Loan Debt and Black Graduates: A Continuing Crisis
Robert F. Smith’s donation to the Morehouse Class of 2019 and his work with Student Freedom Initiative have focused on tackling an ongoing crisis of student debt.