University Programs
Clubs
University students all over the world are coming together to make a difference in the lives of children. Through Operation Smile Clubs on college campuses, students become leaders who empower their communities with volunteerism.
Serving as community educators, our club members spread awareness about facial deformities, while fundraising for Operation Smile’s medical missions. But that’s not all they do. As club members work to create better lives for children worldwide, they also give back to their own communities through local service projects.
Therefore, Operation Smile Clubs prove to be an invaluable resource to not only Operation Smile, but to their local communities as well.
Does your college or university have an Operation Smile Club? Check here. Connect with other university students and learn how to get more involved with Operation Smile in our online community, OS Central.
Want to start an Operation Smile Club on your campus? Check out our university club handbook to learn how to get started.
Student leaders from the Operation Smile College Club at the University of New Mexico.
College Council
The College Council (CC) is a group of collegiate student activists from all over the United States who provide leadership and support for our Operation Smile Clubs and student volunteers. The College Council is a great resource to provide advice and ideas for your club because its members are your peers, and face the same challenges and triumphs as you.
This school year, the College Council has piloted new university programs while continuing to grow Operation Smile Student Programs in their own U.S. regions. They will also participate in planning and leading our International Student Leadership Conference at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
The students who serve on the College Council are dedicated Operation Smile leaders, and have great responsibilities. Do you think you have what it takes to be a College Council member? The College Council application for the 2012-2013 school year is posted here and is due May 15, 2012. For any questions, please email student.programs@operationsmile.org.
You can meet the 2011-2012 College Council in OS Central, our online community.
U-Pave
If you are attending college to become a teacher, or if you have ever wanted to be a mentor, then U-Pave is the program for you. Through U-Pave, university students reach out to elementary, middle, and high schools to educate students about Operation Smile, mentor Operation Smile clubs, and provide curricula for younger students who want to help our cause. U-Pave allows university students to pave the way for the next generation of Operation Smile student volunteers.
If you’re interested, learn more about U-Pave in OS Central.
U-Lead
Through U-Lead, Operation Smile is spreading student volunteerism and leadership worldwide. The program provides university student volunteers with the opportunity to organize and execute a student leadership conference in one of Operation Smile's partner countries, such as India or Panama. Students attending these conferences will develop and strengthen leadership skills and receive training on how to make a difference in their community and around the world.
The U-Lead program kicked off in March of 2011 with programs in India and Panama with Operation Smile's College Council. Read recaps on the U-Lead programs in Mumbai, India and Panama City, Panama.
Our next U-Lead Conference will take place from May 18-20 2012 in Hong Kong! For details on this program please email StudentPrograms@operationsmile.org.
U-Voice
Calling all budding journalists! If you want to hone your writing and reporting skills but need a break from the school newspaper, then apply to Operation Smile’s U-Voice program.
U-Voice sends college journalists on medical missions around the world to capture the stories of our patients and volunteers. Your work is published on our website and e-newsletters, so we can share these stories with our donors, supporters and volunteers worldwide.
Our first U-Voice journalists are reporting from Bangladesh and Egypt.
The U-Voice Application is due April 15, 2012.
Eliza Boggia (center), University student and U-Voice blogger, in Bangladesh.
