2025 Smithsonian Education Impact Report Released

Newly released report shares insight into the programs and partnerships that link Smithsonian learning to communities, classrooms, and cultural institutions across the United States.

Across the country, the Smithsonian is helping learners of all ages explore history, science, art, culture, and civic engagement through free educational resources, national partnerships, digital learning experiences, and community-based programs. As the nation’s largest classroom, the Smithsonian is committed to expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities that inspire curiosity, deepen understanding, and connect people to one another and the world around them. The 2025 Smithsonian Education Impact Report highlights the growth of this work and the collaborations that are helping bring Smithsonian learning to classrooms, homes, libraries, museums, and communities nationwide.  

In 2025, we expanded the reach and breadth of multidisciplinary teaching resources, civic engagement programs, and digital storytelling initiatives through partnerships and collaborations across the United States.  

The 2025 Education Impact Report highlights programs and collaborations that embody the heart of our mission and commitment to sustaining and expanding access to high-quality learning opportunities.  

Among the initiatives highlighted is the inaugural Rural Leaders Summit and the subsequent Rural Leaders Network, which brought together representatives from 19 rural communities to engage with Smithsonian expertise, resources, and opportunities aligned with local priorities.  

Our partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America grew as we distributed free Smithsonian books to clubs nationwide, in partnership with Amazon Prime Sports and NFL Inspire Change, and launched our Youth for Unity: Teen Changemakers program at more than 5,500 clubs nationwide. We also debuted partnerships with Girls Inc. of New York City, Girls Inc. of Alameda County, and Girl Scouts of the USA, with additional collaborations planned for 2026. 

Now a cornerstone of Smithsonian Education programming, the Smithsonian National Education Summit returned for its fifth year, welcoming over 7,700 registrants from all 50 states and 66 countries. Over three days, sessions explored the theme “Together We Thrive: One Nation, Indivisible.” The 2025 Summit offered in-person and virtual opportunities for educators to connect with one another and hear from inspiring keynote speakers, including Carlotta Walls LaNier of the Little Rock Nine and Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III. This free event featured 29 sessions with more than 100 expert speakers; all online and livestreamed sessions are available for on-demand viewing on the Smithsonian Education YouTube channel.  

As we move through 2026 and the country’s 250th anniversary, we remain committed to inspiring and empowering learners for generations to come. With the support of generous donors and dedicated partners, we are building a lasting legacy of connection, collaboration, and curiosity. 

The 2025 Smithsonian Education Impact Report is now available for online viewing and download. To continue to stay updated on education programs, resources, and events from the Smithsonian, sign up for our free monthly e-newsletter. 

Hannah White | Read More

Hannah White is the Education Advancement Manager in the Office of the Under Secretary for Education (OUSE). For nearly 10 years, Hannah has served in advancement roles in major museums and organizations, including the High Museum of Art and the Brookings Institution. She holds a B.S. in Public Policy from the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University and previously served on the Junior Board for Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. A native of Georgia, Hannah is passionate about expanding access to education and the arts throughout the American South and underserved communities nationwide.