About Us

SmilingTree

A nonprofit organization run by students, SmilingTree is committed to developing the next wave of activists. Our initial goal was straightforward: to help those in need and provide youth the chance to lead with purpose.

What started off as a community-based effort to provide food for underprivileged areas has grown into impact, education, and innovation. We do everything from classroom STEM outreach to high-powered rocketry. All led by students, supported by mentors, and grounded in empathy.

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About Us

From Groundwork to Groundbreaking

2019–2021

SmilingTree began as a community initiative focused on sustainability and food equity. Student volunteers distributed meals, raised awareness, and led donation drives across King County

2022-2023

Students expressed a growing interest in STEM, especially aerospace. With mentorship and ambition, we launched RocketTree, our dedicated space and engineering division.

2024–Present

As the sole high school team from Washington State, our team earned a spot in the NASA Student Launch 2025. We were also rated 21st nationwide and qualified for the American Rocketry Challenge (ARC).

Crowd gathered at an event

What is RocketTree?

RocketTree is the STEM and aerospace division of SmilingTree. It is a space where ambitious students come together to build real rockets, conduct experiments, and lead community outreach

Designing a high-power rocket, preparing for national competitions, and developing experimental payloads is a rigorous process. Students spend dozens (sometimes hundreds) of hours

  • Preparing reports
  • Learning new technical systems
  • Safe, exciting model rocket launches
  • Practicing launch protocols often at a professional level

But for those who commit, the rewards are just as high. The experience, technical depth, and leadership that RocketTree members gain ensure good future careers in aerospace, engineering, physics, and beyond.

4K+

Donation Received

10+

Volunters

20+

Events

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

What We Stand For

Empathy

Compassion fuels innovation. We lead with care.

Innovation

Students use STEM, creativity, and audacious thinking to address real-world issues.

Equity

We prioritize outreach in underprivileged communities to guarantee that every student has access to a top-notch STEM education.

Student Leadership

Young people are the driving force behind all we do. Their talent, their enthusiasm, and their outlook for the future.

Our Journey

  • ARC 2024

    Top 21 placement as a rookie team.

  • NASA Student Launch 2025

    Selected as one of 12 national high school teams.

  • NASA SLI Awards

    1st in Outreach & 2nd in Payload Design.

  • ARC 2025

    Climbed to 13th place.

  • Community Impact

    Reached over 300 students via school sessions, fairs, and workshops, and organized student-led food drives.

Meet Our Team & Mentors

Our current team of passionate students and dedicated mentors brings STEM projects to life and drives outreach across our community. Led by Veena Vijay and supported by experienced engineers from organizations like WAC, we thrive through shared knowledge, creativity, and mentorship

Professional Portrait

Veena

2026 NASA SLI/ARC Team Lead

Professional Portrait

Abhi

2026 NASA SLI Safety Officer / 2026 ARC Team Member

Professional Portrait

Aadi

2026 NASA SLI Payload Lead / 2026 ARC Team Member

Professional Portrait

Parvathy

2026 ARC Team Member

Professional Portrait

Vijay

2026 NASA SLI/ARC Team Advisor/Mentor

Professional Portrait

Venu

2026 ARC Team Mentor

Professional Portrait

Manju

2026 NASA SLI Payload Mentor

Professional Portrait

Jim

2026 NASA SLI/ARC Mentor

WAC Board Member

Moments That Made Us

From NASA/ARC launches to community events, our teams make it happen every year. Here’s a look back at the faces shaping our journey

2025 ARC Team

2024 ARC Team

2025 NASA SLI Team

Powered by Mentors & Partners

RocketTree thrives due to the incredible support from mentors, engineers, and partner organizations, such as the Washington Aerospace Club (WAC) and Tri-Cities Rocketeers . Their guidance, technical expertise, and access to professional facilities help our students work at a competitive level.

Washington Aerospace Club

The Washington Aerospace Club is the largest hobby rocketry club in Washington state. Active since 1997 and based in Seattle, WA, the club has members in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia.

Tri-Cities Rocketeers

Tri-Cities Rocketeers affiliated with two national organizations: the National Association of Rocketry (NAR) and the Tripoli Rocketry Association (TRA).

Looking Ahead

We’re just getting started. With support from mentors, engineers, educators, and sponsors, we’re expanding into:

  • Drone Challenges & Aerial Innovation
  • FIRST LEGO League Robotics
  • Advanced Payload Research
  • Bigger, broader STEM outreach events

🤝 Join Us

Whether you’re a student, a scientist, a teacher, or a supporter, there's a place for you at SmilingTree. Let’s build the future together.

Join Us