About Project Smile

Helping Students Rediscover the Joy of STEM Beyond Their Screens

Project Smile brings joyful, screen-free STEM workshops to elementary classrooms — 100% free and led by passionate high school mentors.

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Who We Are

Student-Led, Community-Centered

Founded by students at Pine Creek High School, Project Smile delivers free, hands-on STEM workshops that inspire K–5 learners to build, test, and explore with confidence.

Our high school mentors provide turnkey activity kits, tactile builds, and joyful guidance directly in local classrooms.

Pine Creek High SchoolAcademy District 20Grades K–5 Outreach

501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Official tax-exempt public charity status.

Pine Creek Roots

Led entirely by local District 20 students.

100% Free Workshops

All kits & materials supplied at zero cost.

Safe & Supervised

Teacher-present, structured K–5 sessions.

The Hands-On Need

Why Tactile STEM Matters

Elementary learners thrive when they build, test, and solve problems with real physical materials rather than passive screens.

Active Discovery

Tactile discovery builds early problem-solving confidence that technology alone cannot replicate.

Guiding Principles

Mission, Vision & Values

Our Mission

To spark lifelong curiosity and creative confidence in elementary students through free, hands-on STEM workshops.

Our Vision

A community where every child has the freedom to build, experiment, and realize their creative potential.

Service

Creating meaningful, joyful learning opportunities for local elementary students.

Mindset

Teaching that mistakes and challenges are natural steps in learning and discovery.

Innovation

Encouraging students to turn their creative ideas into tangible reality.

Leadership

Leading by positive example with integrity, patience, and enthusiasm.

Smiles!

Sparking laughter, tactile wonder, and joyful discovery in every classroom.

Turnkey Outreach

Turnkey School Partnerships

We coordinate with each school's schedule. Once a host teacher confirms the date and time, we prepare the activity supplies, lesson guides, and student volunteer team.

Flexible Timing

Tailored to your bell schedule and classroom routines.

Always Supervised

Teacher-present, safe mentorship environment.

100% Free Materials

All experiment supplies and build kits provided.

Hands-On & Fun

Screen-free builds designed for K–5 learners.

Safety & Standards

Classroom Peace of Mind

We prioritize safety, order, and professionalism. Mentors support small groups alongside school staff, with activities planned around classroom expectations.

Thoughtful Selection

Character, maturity, and readiness to mentor younger students are prioritized.

Small-Group Support

Mentors guide small groups so students can receive hands-on encouragement.

School-Guided

Programs are designed around each partner school’s standards and expectations.

Structured Sessions

Age-appropriate builds are planned for orderly classroom use.