For over 100 years, SMU has supported the broader community through outstanding education, groundbreaking research and service. Our students, faculty and staff are committed to making a positive difference in North Texas and in communities far beyond the Hilltop.
SMU College Access Programs have assisted low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented students prepare for college since 1966 when SMU was awarded its first Upward Bound grant from the U.S. Department of Education, TRIO Programs.
A place-based community engagement initiative via SMU’s Residential Commons, Engage Dallas rallies students to address community needs, focusing on South and West Dallas.
SMU, Dallas Independent School District, Toyota USA Foundation and the West Dallas community are partnering to teach students skills to succeed in a high-tech world.
The specialized clinics offer free or low-cost legal services to the community and valuable training for Dedman School of Law students.
Within the Simmons School of Education and Human Development, the Budd Center equips school districts and nonprofits to work together to meet the needs of under-resourced communities.
SMU has partnered with NBC to recognize North Texas teachers who are inspiring and changing the lives of their students. Selected teachers receive a $1,000 donation from SMU for their school.
Learn more about ways to visit SMU, including tours for student groups.
SMU research is a power for good in our North Texas community and beyond. We’re using artificial intelligence to make traffic intersections safer, we’re developing a human trafficking data warehouse to assist law enforcement, and we are combining street level investigations with high performance computing to reveal neighborhood deficiencies that impact quality of life. Learn about more world-changing research here.
Date: October 12, 2024
SMU partners with local community organizations through the Residential Commons Fall Day of Service, connecting students to Dallas through volunteering.
Date: October 2, 2024
Annual Symposium unites SMU, DFW leaders to share strategies for local impact and community engagement.
Date: September 8, 2024
SMU is proud to host Project Unity’s Together We Ball, uniting student-athletes, faith leaders, law enforcement and community leaders through a shared love of basketball.
Wendelin Donahue is the director of Community Engagement at SMU and is committed to bridging campus and local communities through meaningful connections and collaborative projects.
