SMC Public Policy Institute Presents 2025 Fall Forum Nov. 17-Dec. 7

SMC Public Policy Institute Presents 2025 Fall Forum Nov. 17-Dec. 7

Symposium Theme: “Education in 2025: Meeting Challenges Through Community, Creativity, and Collaboration”

SANTA MONICA, CA — The Santa Monica College Public Policy Institute (PPI) will present the 2025 PPI Fall Forum Nov. 17-Dec. 7. The theme for this year’s community discussion is “Education  in 2025: Meeting Challenges Through Community, Creativity, and Collaboration.” Forum activities will include a film screening and panel discussion on how society values the education of its youngest citizens; a discussion panel featuring SMC Early Childhood Education faculty talking about aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and a screening of Professor Vanessa Van Wormer’s short film “The Dust of This Place,” followed by a panel discussion.

Most Fall Forum events are free and open to the public. These events will be presented live on the SMC Main Campus at 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. All presentations are subject to change without notice.

The 2025 PPI Fall Forum events include:

• Monday, Nov. 17, 5:30 p.m.: Film Screening and Panel Discussion: “Make a Circle” — “Make a Circle,” from an award-winning filmmaking team, follows a group of child care providers who are determined to change how society values the education of its youngest citizens. See makeacirclefilm.com for details. A discussion panel presented in conjunction with the Santa Monica Early Childhood Task Force follows the screening and includes Former Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis and Erikaa Bell, co-chairs of the Santa Monica Early Childhood Task Force; and Santa Monica City Manager Oliver Chi. Free. Santa Monica Main Library’s Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium, Santa Monica.
• Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m.: SMC Early Childhood Panel on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, featuring SMC ECE Faculty — Find out from a panel of experts what is happening with diversity, equity, and inclusion in relation to educating young children. Panelists include Keena Mosley, Marybeth Murray, and Sharlene Joachim, with SMC PPI co-director Shari Davis as moderator. Free. SMC Student Services Center Orientation Hall (SSC 183), SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.
• Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.: Film screening: “The Dust of This Place” — SMC Dance and PPI present a screening of Professor Vanessa Van Wormer’s short film: “The Dust of this Place,” followed by a panel discussion featuring Vanessa Van Wormer; Kelly Hargraves; Jill Nunes Jensen, Ph.D.; and Sofiane Sylve. Free. SMC Student Services Center Orientation Hall (SSC 183), SMC Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica.
• Nov. 29-Dec. 7: Westside Ballet of Santa Monica Presents “The Nutcracker” — Westside Ballet of Santa Monica presents the holiday favorite “The Nutcracker,” featuring the Santa Monica College Community Nutcracker Orchestra. See westsideballet.com/nuttix for performance times and ticket information. The Eli & Edythe Broad Stage at the SMC Performing Arts Center, 1310 11th Street (at Santa Monica Boulevard), Santa Monica.

Accommodation for Disability: Guests who need an accommodation due to a disability to participate in any of these events should send email to dsps@smc.edu or call 310-434-4173, at least 5 business days in advance.

The SMC Public Policy Institute provides nonpartisan community programs exploring key economic, social, and political issues. Santa Monica College offers an Associate in Arts Degree and Certificate of Achievement in public policy, and students can specialize in one of five public policy areas: arts and cultural affairs, education, environment and sustainability, public health, and urban/socioeconomic issues.

The SMC Public Policy Institute Fall Forum is co-sponsored by the Associated Students of Santa Monica College, SMC Associates, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), Santa Monica Early Childhood Task Force, and a wide range of education, government, and community organizations and donors.

More information is available at smc.edu/ppi or by calling 310-434-3541.

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