Education Reform
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.

Points of Light Launches a Strategy to Boost Volunteerism
Points of Light is the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service and civic engagement. The name was inspired by President George H.W. Bush, who referred to people and organizations engaged in service in the U.S. as “a thousand points of light” In his 1989 inaugural presidential address. Founded

Points of Light Launches a Strategy to Boost Volunteerism
Points of Light is the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service and civic engagement. The name was inspired by President George H.W. Bush, who referred to people and organizations engaged in service in the U.S. as “a thousand points of light” In his 1989 inaugural presidential address. Founded

The Ron Brown Scholar Program: Helping Underserved Students
The Ron Brown Scholar Program has been helping underrepresented students for more than 25 years. Learn more about the program.

How NAF Is Improving Educational Experiences One Student at a Time
NAF, a non-profit organization, is helping change the lives of high school students and set them up for success. Learn more.

Why Diversity Is Crucial in the STEM Workforce
Diversity in the STEM workforce continues to fall behind. See why achieving equity in the STEM field will impact generations to come.

Disconnected: What Is Being Done About Internet Access Inequities
Learn about how a lack of access to the internet exacerbates other inequities facing underserved and underrepresented communities in the U.S.

Organizations’ Continued Support of Black Students With Student Loan Debt
Learn about the current state of student debt and what Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation is doing to support Black students across the country who are struggling with student loan debt.

How Racial Bias in the Bond Market Impacts Black Americans
New research shows that racial bias has a significant impact on the municipal bond market. Learn more about this issue and how it’s impacting the achievement gap.

NASA’s Data Science Equity, Access and Priority (DEAP) Opportunity Funds Eight HBCU Programs
In 2023, NASA selected eight HBCUs to receive funding through their Data Science Equity, Access and Priority (DEAP) opportunity.

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 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.

SFI’s COO Keith Shoates Testifies at U.S. House Hearing: Creating a Better Tomorrow for Students
Learn more about the work Student Freedom Initiative is doing to create equal opportunities for students.

Morehouse College Class of 2019 Alumni Pay Commencement Gift Forward
Learn more about Robert F. Smith’s financial gift to the Morehouse College graduating class of 2019 and their pledge to pay it forward.