#United States #College Park #Operation Smile #Align Technology #ISLC

Align Technology Partners with Operation Smile

Operation Smile has officially announced that Align Technology will serve as the title sponsor of the upcoming International Student Leadership Conference (ISLC), a pivotal event aimed at fostering student leadership and promoting global health initiatives. This collaboration is set to enhance the conference's outreach and provide opportunities to aspiring leaders who are committed to making a difference.

This year marks the fifth consecutive year of Align Technology's sponsorship, underscoring their ongoing commitment to the cause. With more than $1.6 million allocated to student programs, Align is focusing on supporting students who have cleft conditions, as well as those facing financial challenges that inhibit their participation in such valuable leadership opportunities. The ISLC will take place from July 21 to July 27, 2025, at the University of Maryland in College Park, bringing together students from Operation Smile’s extensive global network, which includes over 13,500 volunteers across more than 40 countries.

The ISLC serves as an annual platform for students to enhance their leadership abilities, engage with different cultures, and demonstrate their commitment to the movement of providing essential surgical care for cleft conditions worldwide. The conference allows participants to collaborate closely with fellow peers while learning critical skills that will aid their futures in promoting health access.

Align Technology's contributions include fully funded scholarships for over 100 students to attend ISLC, covering all associated travel costs and conference fees. These scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also encourage active, engaged participation among underprivileged students. Since the inception of the sponsorship, Align has provided over 130 scholarships since ISLC 2022 to deserving individuals associated with the Operation Smile community.

Brigette Clifford, Assistant Vice President of Student Programs at Operation Smile, expressed gratitude for Align's continuous support, stating, “At Operation Smile, we inspire and support the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the tools and opportunities to drive positive change in global health.” Clifford emphasized the importance of these scholarships in removing financial barriers for students, enabling them to engage more fully in leadership initiatives.

For over 40 years, Operation Smile has been at the forefront of global health, diligently working to expand access to healthcare, particularly for individuals in need of surgical interventions. Their recent initiative, Operation 100, aims to bring essential surgical care closer to patients by bolstering the capabilities of district hospitals and training frontline health workers. This strategy aligns with the organization’s broader vision of improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.

Align's focus on social responsibility aligns well with Operation Smile's mission. The two organizations share a common goal of enhancing lives through transformative healthcare solutions. Jaime Richardson, Align Technology’s Vice President of Human Resources Americas, voiced her enthusiasm about engaging with students at the conference. She noted, “These aspiring leaders are making a positive change in their own communities and helping Operation Smile patients around the world.”

As this year’s ISLC approaches, both organizations are excited about the impact this partnership will continue to make. Together, they strive to cultivate a new generation equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow in global healthcare.

For more about Align Technology, its innovations in digital dentistry, and its ongoing partnership with Operation Smile, visit Align Technology and Operation Smile. Your support helps to create smiles and improve the lives of children and families in need around the world.