11th Annual Spring Symposium
In collaboration with SMC Education/Early Childhood Department, Associated Students, SMC Associates, and the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School.
Educating for a Flourishing Future
May 16 – 19, 2022All events are free and open to the public.

How education at every stage of life helps achieve and is dependent upon: Community / Democracy / Social Justice
No Small Matter
Monday, May 16, 5:30 – 8 p.m. via Zoom
Alfre Woodard narrated documentary about the importance of quality early childhood education
Pre-screening Reception: Join us for early dinner and refreshments in the Humanities and Social Sciences patio area outside HSS 165, compliments of SMC Associates.
Post-screening Panel: Gary Huff, Chair, SMC Education/Early Childhood Department.
Julie Rusk, Founder, Civic Wellbeing Partners; Chair, Santa Monica Bay Human Relations Council
Dr. Susan Samarge-Powell, SMMUSD Director, Child Development Services
Stromberg Hall (HSS 165)
SMC Main Campus and via Zoom
Tour of the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School
Tuesday, May 17, 5 – 7 p.m. RSVP for Tour
A partnership between Santa Monica College, the City of Santa Monica, and Growing Place, with special support from the RAND Corporation. Tour led by Growing Place, concluding with a creative activity led by SMC ECE students.
Immediately following – walk through Belmar History+Art; A Civic Commemoration Project. Guided by Ericka Lesley, Chair, Santa Monica Black Agenda.
1802 4th Street,
Santa Monica
Tour limited to 50 guests; RSVP required.
Valuing Culture and Confronting Racism to Advance Child Well-Being
Wednesday, May 18, 6 – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom
Keynote panel featuring a fireside chat with: Mayra E Alvarez, President, The Children’s Partnership, Giannina Perez, Early Childhood Consultant, Former Senior Policy Advisor for Early Childhood in the Office of Governor Newsom, Cathi Miller, SMC Education/Early Childhood Department, and Shari Davis, SMC PPI Codirector, moderators
Stromberg Hall (HSS 165)
SMC Main Campus and via Zoom
Panelists will be virtual
“LOVE-fest” — A Tribute to the Late bell hooks
Thursday, May 19, 6 – 7:30 p.m. via Zoom
SMC Faculty in Conversation: Exploring themes of educating for community and social justice. Featuring SMC Professors: Amber Katherine, Redelia Shaw, Rebecca Romo, Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, SMC PPI Co-director. Moderated by Karriann Farrell Hinds, SMC Community Liaison.
Stromberg Hall (HSS 165)
SMC Main Campus and via Zoom
Accommodations
If you need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in any of these events, please contact Kiersten Elliott at Elliott_Kiersten@smc.edu or 310-434-4173, at least 5 business days in advance.
About the Public Policy Institute
The Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues. The Institute—which presents informative discussions on the policy issues that affect our daily lives—proudly offers an Associate in Arts degree and a Certificate of Achievement in Public Policy.Students can choose to specialize in one of five policy areas: arts and cultural affairs, education, environment and sustainability, public health, and urban/socioeconomic affairs. Dr. Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, Co-Director, and Founding Associate Director; Shari Davis, MPP, Co-Director.To view past events, visit PPI Past Events.