Smile Foundation was initiated in 2002 when a group of friends came together with the intention of giving back to the society. They were inspired by the thought and philosophy of Peter Senge, the founder of the Society for Organizational Learning who has propagated that “sustainability, social equality and the environment are now business problems…” and corporate leaders can’t expect governments to solve them alone.

What triggered these thoughts was the liberalisation of the Indian economy in the 1990’s which brought with it immense opportunities. Business revived, and India became not just a market, but also an investment prospect for the developed world. Disposable incomes and early settlements became a living reality for the working middle-class. For the first time in India, professionals could think beyond making a living, and contribute towards the society.

Promoting STEM Education and Healthy Living

Smile Foundation, through its Promoting STEM Education and Healthy Living initiative, aims to strengthen educational opportunities and promote healthy living among students across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane and Palghar.

Project Duration: June 2026 to March 2029

Project Reach: Approximately 5,220 students across 14 government schools, including around 4,550 students from Grades 3–9 and 670 students from Grades 10, 11 and 12.

Project Objectives

Enable students in Grades 3–8 to achieve grade-level competencies through structured academic support.
Increase student participation in the Science stream through STEM guidance and mentorship.
Build teacher capacity for grade-specific learning, experiential and inclusive STEM pedagogy.
Develop a community ecosystem that supports STEM education and greater gender participation.
Provide structured support to students for successful transition from secondary school to higher education and STEM career pathways.
Promote awareness of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), hygiene and healthy living among all students.
Establish a robust student tracking and transition support system for students in Grade 10 and above.

STEM Career Support for Students

The initiative focuses on creating a structured pathway for students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 to pursue Science education and STEM-related careers.

Through a structured identification and assessment process, students with academic potential and an interest in STEM will receive support through:

STEM Career Guidance: Career counselling to help students make informed decisions about higher education, entrance examinations and STEM career opportunities.
Competitive Examination Preparation: Structured coaching support, learning materials and preparatory resources for students aspiring to pursue STEM-related courses.
Mentorship: Regular mentoring sessions focusing on academic guidance, examination preparation, confidence building and career decisions.
Industry Exposure: Guest lectures, webinars and interactions with professionals from engineering and STEM fields.
Scholarship Guidance: Assistance in identifying relevant scholarship opportunities, understanding eligibility requirements and completing applications.

The programme will also provide continued guidance and handholding support to students as they progress through senior secondary education and prepare for higher education opportunities.

Through these interventions, Smile Foundation aims to strengthen foundational learning, encourage greater participation in STEM education and create pathways for students to access higher education and future career opportunities.