Student Programs

When Operation Smile began in 1982, no one ever imagined it would grow and expand so quickly, capturing the vision of people the world over dedicated to creating change for a better world. Today, thousands of children around the globe are living normal lives. However, it was not the surgeons and nurses alone that have helped tens of thousands of children, it was and is the thoughtful, energetic, and bright individuals like yourself that help these miracles happen.

History

On one of the first Operation Smile missions, Co-founder Kathy Magee discovered the unique strength, endurance and sensitivity her teenage daughter Brigette displayed while comforting a small child after surgery. Upon returning to the United States, Brigette and her friend Danny Rosin were asked to raise funds for a school in the Philippines near the first mission site. Together, they gathered a group of students willing to give their time and efforts to children in need and collect funds and books for the school. Exceeding their original goal, they enabled the Filipino people to build an entire wing and named it appropriately- The Happy Club School.

About Student Programs

Operation Smile has depended upon students around the world, contributing even for just a brief moment, their youthful energy and imagination to making a child smile. More than 500 Operation Smile Student Associations around the globe build awareness, raise funds and educate students about the values of commitment, leadership and volunteerism. Operation Smile takes two volunteer student educators and a student sponsor on every international medical mission. Students learn how they can impact the future when they help children in need.

Realizing that you have the ability to change another human being's life is the first step in joining the Operation Smile Student Program. Within each of us is a given strength and compassion that will never reach its fullest capacity until we commit to make that step. The children and students need you, but this alone is not the reason you should join our mission. Join us, because you as an individual have the capacity to create a miracle for a child--to touch the face of humanity.

Find out how Operation Smile empowers students with leadership, education and service.

Contact Information

To inquire about Operation Smile's Student Programs, please contact one of the following:

Monica Ruzicka
Senior Coordinator, Student Programs
757.321.7611

Christabelle Fernandez
Coordinator International Student Programs
757.321.7787

Sarah Rhodes
Coordinator University Programs
757.321.7657

Brittany Williams
Southeast Region Student Coordinator
757.321.7753

Emily Karr
Assistant Student Programs
757.321.3241

K. Wade Hooton
Director of Student Programs
801.472.1029

Programs