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.

Southern University Breaks Black Male Nursing Student Enrollment Record
In 2024, Southern University’s College of Nursing and Allied Health welcomed 33 Black male nursing students into their cohort, the largest in its history.

Robert F. Smith Joins Grand Slam Track’s Board of Directors
In 2024, Robert F. Smith joined the board of directors of Grand Slam Track, the premier global track and field league.

Celebrating Women in Finance at the 2024 Girls Who Invest Inaugural Gala
The Girls Who Invest 2024 Inaugural Gala honored Robert F. Smith and Jean M. Hynes, celebrated women in finance and raised funds to advance gender diversity in the industry.

How Black-Owned Banks Help Reduce the Racial Wealth Gap
Black-owned banks, credit unions and nonprofits provide financial options to communities historically excluded from wealth-generating financial tools like mortgages and business loans.

How Cornell University’s STEP Is Helping Increase Representation in STEM
Founded in 1986, Cornell University’s STEP helps high school students from diverse backgrounds pursue careers in STEM.

Inclusivity in the Arts: Black Arts Organizations
Black arts movements paved the way for Black organizations to help promote inclusivity in the arts.