Education Reform: Building Pathways to Success
Robert F. Smith’s commitment to education reform is grounded in the values instilled by his parents, Dr. William R. Smith and Dr. Sylvia M. Smith, both dedicated educators. From an early age, Smith understood the transformative power of education to shape lives and uplift communities.
As a child, Smith quickly learned that anyone can make a difference. His mother consistently donated $25 each month to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), regardless of the family’s financial circumstances. Smith credits his family and community for nurturing his academic pursuits and instilling a responsibility to uplift others. He believes that all students should have access to quality education and the opportunity to graduate without the burden of unmanageable student debt. That conviction drives his support for organizations that share his commitment to expanding educational opportunity and academic advancement.
“We want every young person with the drive, talent and commitment to have access to opportunities with the potential to change the trajectory of their life — just like my first internship experience did for me. Together, we will prepare students for in-demand fields and empower them to lead in our growing economy.”
-Robert F. Smith
SMITH's PARTNERS
Expanding Access With Student Freedom Initiative
During his commencement address to the class of 2019 at Morehouse College, Smith announced a commitment to eliminate the student loan debt of every graduate in the class. He later expanded the pledge to cover the debt taken on by parents and guardians on their behalf. Inspired by the positive impact of his Morehouse announcement, Smith partnered with other leaders to form Student Freedom Initiative (SFI).
SFI was formed to implement scalable solutions to the student debt crisis. The organization provides financial, academic and professional support to eligible students at participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs). Smith serves as SFI’s Chairman.
Empowering Students at His Alma Maters
In addition to supporting initiatives like SFI and internXL, Smith invested in both of his alma maters, institutions that helped shape his academic and professional journey.
Cornell University
Smith received his B.S. from Cornell University in chemical engineering. In 2016, he made a donation of $20 million to Cornell’s College of Engineering and another $10 million in Tech Scholars scholarships. Six years later, Smith contributed another $15 million to the institution to establish three scholarships.
Columbia Business School
In 1994, Smith earned his MBA from Columbia Business School with honors. Several years later, he contributed $15 million to the school to help fund two new academic buildings. In 2022, he donated $10 million to the school to create The Robert F. Smith ‘94 Scholarship Fund. Smith is also a member of the school’s Board of Overseers.