The Santa Monica College General Advisory Board is a College support group formed to build a bridge to the local community, and gather feedback about what the College does well, and what the College could do better. The group is composed of diverse representatives from neighborhoods, businesses, and public and private agencies. GAB members serve at the invitation of the SMC Board of Trustees, the President of the College, and the Dean of Community and Academic Relations.
Through regular meetings, the GAB is kept informed about current offerings, future plans, and special events. General Advisory Board members also have the opportunity for informative exchanges with College leadership in an informal setting, as well as in-depth discussions with key staff in various SMC departments and programs. More information about the General Advisory Board is available by visiting smc.edu/GAB or calling 310-434-4100.
Santa Monica College Foundation attracts and manages donations and strategic partnerships to invest in the success of SMC students who come from diverse local and global communities. The Foundation connects individual and corporate donors, philanthropists, and community supporters with opportunities to effect true change at a world-class educational institution where equity, access, and excellence come together.
The Foundation distributes upwards of $1.1 million in scholarships annually, and manages $33 million in donated funds to benefit a wide range of SMC academic programs, named scholarships, and endowments. SMC Foundation is an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organization (ID# 95-6047779). Donations are tax deductible, and the Foundation welcomes investment of many kinds, including bequests and estate gifts, stocks and securities, vehicles, donor-advised funds, and corporate sponsorships.
Ways to Invest and Get Involved:
- SMC Alumni. Whether students have taken just one class or completed an Associate degree, they can join the remarkable community that is SMC Alumni. Students who join will receive updates on SMC and fellow alum — “where are they now” — as well as invitations to special events and donation and involvement opportunities throughout the year. To join, visit foundation.smc.edu or call 310-434-4215.
- SMC Associates brings renowned speakers and performances as well as unique experiences to SMC students and our larger community, both online and in person, free of charge, thanks to donations.
- Scholarships, ranging from $1,000 to $30,000, can be created and named in honor of a loved one or a favorite professor, or to celebrate a special occasion. Donors will know who they have helped with their SMC Scholarship through thank you letters from their student recipients.
- Meal Project provides assistance to students struggling with food insecurity. About 54% of SMC students are food insecure, according to a recent research survey in which SMC participated. SMC Foundation’s Meal Project provides fresh, nutritious meals, as well as groceries, through a drive-through campus food pantry.
More information and ways to support these and other initiatives can be found at foundation.smc.edu, by sending email to foundation@smc.edu, or by calling 310-434-4215.