Growing Innovators. Launching Futures.

Empowering youth to lead bold, sustainable
change through aerospace, rocketry, and STEM.

What we do
Know About Us

From Community Roots to the Cutting Edge

SmilingTree is a student-powered nonprofit building the future. Launching high-powered rockets? Running hands-on STEM workshops? Giving students a headstart in their passions? You name it, we inspire hundreds of students each year.

We began as a humble community effort to support the underserved. SmilingTree has now grown into a youth-led movement reshaping education through science, engineering, and aerospace projects.

Through RocketTree, our dedicated STEM division, students are learning, building, launching, leading, and shaping the future of sustainable innovation.

Join the Journey Know More Explore our Programs
Know About Us
Our Acheivements
10+
Rockets Launched
Nationally
300+
Students Engaged
in STEM
4+
National Awards
Earned
20+
Community Events
Hosted
What We Do

So what is it that we do, you ask?
Here are some ways you can get involved with us:

Aerospace & Rocketry

  • Competitive rocketry program (ARC + NASA Student Launch)
  • Real-world payload design, high-power rocket builds, launch simulations
  • Collaboration with aerospace mentors and engineers

STEM Education & Outreach

  • Reached 300+ students across King County
  • Hands-on workshops on rocketry, Newton’s laws, and trajectory math
  • Events at schools, STEM fairs, and community spaces

Innovation Programs

  • Expanding into FIRST LEGO League, drone challenges, and advanced payload research
  • Partnering with WAC and Tri-Cities Rocketeers for field expertise and testing

Service With Purpose

Our core values remain rooted in giving back. Student-led donation drives and sustainability awareness remain part of our mission.

What We Do
Supporter 5 Mission Milestones

Some achievements that make us ,
who we are include.

2024 ARC Nationals – First Year, Top 25!

Ranked 21st nationally among over 100 teams.

NASA Student Launch 2025 – We're In!

Selected as the only high school team from Washington State.

National Recognition at NASA SLI

1st Place: Outreach Program , 2nd Place: Payload Design

2025 ARC Nationals – Even Better

Advanced to 13th place, securing NASA participation again.

PVSA Award Winners

The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is a national honor recognizing U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who demonstrate dedication to volunteerism within 12 months

As an official Certifying Organization, SmilingTree is authorized to verify service hours and nominate eligible volunteers. Students can qualify at the Bronze, Silver, or Gold level based on their total hours of service.

Get Involved

SmilingTree is more than a nonprofit organization. It’s a launchpad that’s propelling students, mentors, and volunteers to new heights.

We’re looking for mentors, engineers, educators, and partners who believe in the power of youth-led innovation.

🤝 Ways to Support

  • Mentor a student team
  • Sponsor our rocket builds or NASA travel
  • Invite us to host a STEM workshop
  • Support our service efforts through donations
Get Involved Today

Our Vision

We believe students can do more than prepare for the future. In fact, they can build it .

SmilingTree equips young minds with the tools to lead in STEM, sustainability, and space exploration. We do all this while staying grounded in compassion and community impact

Crowd gathered at an event

We’re going to NASA!

When youth lead, the future takes flight.

SmilingTree equips young minds with the tools to lead in STEM, sustainability, and space exploration. We do all this while staying grounded in compassion and community impact

Meet Our Founder

Veena Vijay, the creator of SmilingTree, is leading a team of students to thrive. Her goal to combat food hunger in her neighborhood quickly grew into something much more. Veena realised that opportunity is the first step towards true empowerment and that STEM education may help kids like her have new futures.

She has been honored with the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) three times in a row. The PVSA is a national recognition granted to individuals who demonstrate a commitment to community service. Her dedication and impact earned her three gold PVSA awards, placing her among those recognized for making a meaningful difference through service.

Professional Portrait

Veena Vijay

Founder

Skyline High School, Sammamish

Issaquah School District