From Rocketry to Career Networking, SMC’s Club Row Showcases Student‑Led Communities
Santa Monica College’s quad was filled with tables, banners and student volunteers as Club Row returned to campus, offering students a chance to explore academic, cultural, and hobby‑based organizations. From professional development groups to hands‑on engineering teams, the event helped students explore the SMC community and discover new interests.
Rotaract, one of SMC’s nationally affiliated service clubs, said weekly meetings often feature guest speakers, including professionals such as the founders of Labs, a lab‑work company. The club receives school funding and regularly assists with charity efforts, including distributing food and hygiene products.
The Trading Club introduced students to the fundamentals of investing. According to co‑leaders Cheok Hei Kuok and Adam Juouad, the club operates “like a real-world investment fund, minus the money.” Members research hypothetical investment strategies, debate their merits, and learn about financial markets within SMC’s rules prohibiting real‑money trading. The club hopes to bring in professional traders as guest speakers. “Trading techniques are fiercely guarded secrets”. said Juouad.
The High Power Rocketry Club drew attention with photos of large, student‑built rockets equipped with onboard electronics. Club member James Tigrak said the group designs and launches rockets and drones, with each rocket costing between $200 and $300 to build. Funding comes from SMC, and the club competes annually in a NASA Space Launch Competition, where the winning team earns $10,000. Tigrak said their rockets reach impressive altitudes. “As high as SMC,” he said jokingly.
Zahra Veera, president of the new Career Club, noted that the group brings in a new professional speaker every other week to discuss their field and share personal experiences. Veera said the goal is to help students build connections that could lead to internships or jobs. “It opens a lot of doors through connections,” Veera said.
The Thrift Club focused on sustainability and creativity in fashion. At meetings, members discuss thrifting, environmentalism and sewing, and hope to organize an on‑campus swap meet and field trips to local flea markets. As a chartered, nonprofit club, they receive funding from SMC. Justin Goldstein, the club’s representative, said thrifting is “more than just clothes and being frugal.” Ultimately, they say their goal is to reduce waste and build a sense of community.
Club Row provided students with information about a variety of student organizations and the activities they offer, as well as showcasing the range of opportunities available at SMC. The event allowed students to speak directly with club members and leaders, and each club offered students a different path to get involved on campus.