Spelman has recently entered a partnership to bring more women of color into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The Historically Black College and University (HBCU) has teamed up with SMASH, a STEM racial justice nonprofit focused on addressing inequities in education, according to a press release. 

The collaboration is kickstarting a new social change-focused program for 25 female high school students, who will be offered the opportunity of “building computer science skills, accessing career mentorship, completing college preparatory workshops, and more.”

“SMASH x Spelman is coming to fruition at just the right time. As technology becomes ubiquitous across all aspects of our society, the voices, experiences, and expertise of Black women are critical to the creation of a more equitable future,” said Tamara Pearson, Director of the Center of Excellence for Minority Women in STEM at Spelman College in a statement. “A future where technology is leveraged for the empowerment of all. Programs like SMASH x Spelman will remind our young people that they are the ones creating that future and equip them with the tools to do so with compassion.”

With the new partnership, Spelman now joins Morehouse College, where SMASH has operated for over five years, the press release discloses. 

“As a proud Spelman College Alumna and graduate of the Dual-Degree Engineering Program from Georgia Tech, I know the power of being immersed in Black excellence for a young Black woman, particularly in STEM, and it is a privilege to partner with the country’s leading producer of Black women who complete Ph.D.s in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM),” explains Danielle Rose, CEO of SMASH. “As we see a worsening racial divide in terms of education quality and access across the U.S., creating spaces that prioritize identity, community impact and culturally relevant coursework are critical to systemically diversifying the STEM fields.”

To be eligible for the program, students entering the ninth grade as of Fall 2022 that meet the program criteria can apply here.

The deadline to apply is Mar. 1.