Student Programs

Operation Smile Student Programs empowers youth, creating a global movement for positive change through our four pillars of philanthropy: Leadership, Education, Service, and Awareness.

We depend on the hearts of students around the world to contribute their energy and passion to help make a child smile. Hundreds of Operation Smile Student Clubs and countless other individual student volunteers around the globe build awareness, raise funds and educate others about our core values of commitment, leadership and volunteerism.

Philanthropy is the foundation of Student Programs. It is critical that all youth involved in Operation Smile become philanthropic people, youth who improve humanity by giving support, time or money toward a charitable cause. To fully develop a philanthropic character, youth must embody the four pillars of Student Programs:

Leadership, Education, Service and Awareness

Each year, Operation Smile hosts the International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC) at a different university around the world. The conference helps high school and college students develop and strengthen leadership skills and character, receive training on how to help those in developing countries, as well as enhance cultural awareness. The conference recognizes and celebrates diversity among our students. We believe that students play a vital role, not only in the future of Operation Smile, but also in the future of the world.

On every international medical mission, high school student volunteers are a valuable asset. Operation Smile sends two high school student volunteers and an adult student sponsor on international medical missions to help educate children and families about burn care and prevention, oral rehydration therapy, dental hygiene and nutrition.

To assist with the growth of Student Programs, Operation Smile works closely with its two student councils, the Executive Leadership Council and the College Council. The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) is comprised of extremely dedicated, passionate high school students, involved for a number of years, who are dedicated to move the mission of Student Programs forward. (Want to join the ELC?)

The newly formed College Council (CC) is comprised of outstanding college and university students who are committed to seeing Student Programs involvement grow at the university, community, national and international levels. (Want to join the CC?)

When students help children in need, they learn how they can make an impact on the world and help heal humanity.

One of the most important ways students can advocate for Operation Smile is by spreading awareness through presentations. This video will provide you with insights from your peers about how to become great public speakers.