About
SMASH is a program that offers CS, AI, and ML courses as part of its academic learning and experiential engagement in STEM fields. The program includes both a residential program and a virtual program, including a free residential option that includes CS, AI, and ML courses.
• Ages: 15–18 years old
• Schedule: Program Dates: July 11 – July 31, 2026
• Price: Our FREE residential program
SMASH was founded in 2004 under the name the Summer Math and Science Honors (SMASH) Academy, and the first SMASH site program launched in 2004. SMASH was one of the earliest STEM education programs created in the United States as a way to prepare students for STEM college studies, and in 2006 the SMASH Academy expanded to include year-round academic programming based on student requests. SMASH later launched its first virtual program for SMASH Academy and SMASH Rising in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and it also offers an online platform that gives students early exposure to STEM and emerging technology topics and STEM career professionals.
The leadership team includes Jonathan Durfield as Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Hassan Brown as Chief Partnerships Officer, and Amanda Prothero as Chief Development Officer. Jonathan Durfield obtained a master’s in public administration from Harvard University and a bachelor’s in political science from Pepperdine University. Dr. Hassan Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Morehouse College, a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Education from Hunter College, and a Doctor of Education Leadership degree from Harvard University.
According to its mission statement, SMASH aims to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students, and it focuses on intensive education, rigorous coursework, and access to resources in STEM fields. The mission also states that SMASH’s vision is to create a STEM ecosystem where every student can thrive in the global economy and to enrich communities and workplaces with well-prepared, competitive leaders. SMASH reports that it has served more than 2,000 scholars from groups underrepresented in STEM fields.
Last updated February 11, 2026.
• Ages: 15–18 years old
• Schedule: Program Dates: July 11 – July 31, 2026
• Price: Our FREE residential program
SMASH was founded in 2004 under the name the Summer Math and Science Honors (SMASH) Academy, and the first SMASH site program launched in 2004. SMASH was one of the earliest STEM education programs created in the United States as a way to prepare students for STEM college studies, and in 2006 the SMASH Academy expanded to include year-round academic programming based on student requests. SMASH later launched its first virtual program for SMASH Academy and SMASH Rising in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic, and it also offers an online platform that gives students early exposure to STEM and emerging technology topics and STEM career professionals.
The leadership team includes Jonathan Durfield as Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Hassan Brown as Chief Partnerships Officer, and Amanda Prothero as Chief Development Officer. Jonathan Durfield obtained a master’s in public administration from Harvard University and a bachelor’s in political science from Pepperdine University. Dr. Hassan Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Morehouse College, a master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a master’s degree in Education from Hunter College, and a Doctor of Education Leadership degree from Harvard University.
According to its mission statement, SMASH aims to build a strong STEM workforce through academic learning and experiential engagement for high school and college students, and it focuses on intensive education, rigorous coursework, and access to resources in STEM fields. The mission also states that SMASH’s vision is to create a STEM ecosystem where every student can thrive in the global economy and to enrich communities and workplaces with well-prepared, competitive leaders. SMASH reports that it has served more than 2,000 scholars from groups underrepresented in STEM fields.
Last updated February 11, 2026.
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