Note from the Executive Director

It was 8 years ago in 2002, while working coordinating an after-school and tutorial program at a middle school in the Atlanta Public School system that I saw the vision to create Science, Engineering and Mathematics Link Inc (SEM Link).While working at the school in which the student population represented students typically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers, I reflected upon what gave me the confidence to pursue a STEM degree in college. My confidence came from the adults in my life that encouraged and exposed me to things that facilitated achievement academically as well as exploration of careers in math and science.  I wanted to provide those things to these children at this middle school, so even if they chose not to pursue STEM careers, they would have the confidence and exposure to do so.

I realized that in order to make a lasting impact, I needed to develop an organizational infrastructure for a sustainable nonprofit organization.  I spent the next two years getting the necessary tools through training in small business development and nonprofit management as well as developing the program structure. In the summer of 2005, I officially incorporated SEM Link in the state of Georgia and began offering programs at that same middle school where the idea was born. In the 5 years since its inception, SEM Link has enhanced the math and science educational experiences for over 1000 Metropolitan Atlanta youths by providing them with positive role models and exposure to math and science in a unique and innovative way. The connection of the students with undergraduate and graduate students as well as professionals with backgrounds in STEM has truly provided students with the encouragement and exposure needed to academically achieve in math and science. Our success in Atlanta and passion for making a difference in the lives of youths has allowed us to expand our programming to the San Francisco Bay Area. It is my vision to “unveil potential through exposure” to as many children as our organization is able to touch. SEM Link’s activities allow its participants to engage in career exploration earlier and get an opportunity to start making wise decisions prior to arriving on a college campus.

What I realized when the organization was founded 5 years ago and still today is that this vision to promote student achievement and career exploration for K-12 students in math and science is much bigger than what I as one person and we as an organization can achieve alone. SEM Link must build a community of people that believe in our mission! This community must consist of other nonprofit organizations, businesses (corporations, government and academia) as well as individuals in the community. We all need to devote our time, expertise and resources to making a difference in the lives of children.

Thank you for visiting our website and your interest in learning more about who we are, what we do and how you can help us achieve our mission. In addition to your visit to our website, I encourage you to become a part of the SEM Link’s online community by following our blog or joining our group on Facebook. You can also support us by using www.Goodsearch.com as your search engine of choice and www.Goodshop.com to shop online; the organization receives a donation every time you search or shop on these sites (Our goodsearch id# is 884425).

Sincerely,
Tokiwa T. Smith                             
Tokiwa T. Smith
Executive Director and Founder