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

National Park Foundation: Programs Help Get Young People Outside
Access to green space has a big impact on children’s health, learn how Robert F. Smith and the National Park Foundation are creating opportunities for youth.

The EDISON Alliance: Closing the Digital Divide on a Global Scale
As a board member of the EDISON Alliance, Robert F. Smith is aiding a movement designed to bring affordable digital access and solutions to underserved people around the globe.

internXL Creates Equity for Minority Students Aiming for STEM and Business Careers
Robert F. Smith helped create internXL to establish an equitable entry into STEM and business careers for minority students who have achieved excellence, but otherwise might not have a shot.

The Alma Maters of Robert F. Smith: Cornell and Columbia
Robert F. Smith is dedicated to creating opportunities for talent to rise and thrive in minority communities. One ongoing task is creating a pipeline to graduate programs and careers in STEM for HBCU students.

Yellowstone’s 150th Anniversary and the National Park Foundation
Robert F. Smith works with the National Park Foundation to conserve areas across the U.S., like Yellowstone National Park which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2022.

Robert F. Smith’s Passion for Black History Education
Find out how Robert F. Smith is helping preserve Black history and culture through Black History in Two Minutes (or so), a series of short educational videos.

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.