Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) at the University of Michigan's mission is to provide professional development and build community for undergraduate LGBTQ+ students and their allies in STEM fields. In addition to social and educational weekly meetings, oSTEM organizes two career and networking events each year. Professor Panel brings together LGBTQ+ academics from the University of Michigan to speak with undergraduate students about their experiences navigating their identities amid the typical challenges of academia, while Company Dinner connects LGBTQ+ representatives from STEM-related companies with undergraduates to discuss being out in industry and to share general STEM career advice. The biggest event in which oSTEM is involved is Pride Outside, which is sponsored by the Spectrum Center and takes place during the University of Michigan's Welcome Week. For oSTEM's board members, collaborating with the Spectrum Center to plan Pride Outside is one of the most rewarding parts of being involved in oSTEM leadership. Collaboration with the Spectrum Center has long been important for oSTEM's ability to achieve our mission on campus, as the membership that oSTEM serves is a subset of the student body served by Spectrum. This year, oSTEM is excited to fundraise for the Spectrum Center General Gifts fund. The General Gifts fund supports "student-centered education, outreach, [and] advocacy," goals that directly align with oSTEM's mission in supporting LGBTQ+ undergraduate students. oSTEM often encourages members to attend the Spectrum Center's outreach events, which help build community for LGBTQ+ students and allies across campus, and Spectrum's advocacy work benefits all of our members (and campus as a whole). Through raising money for the Spectrum Center General Gifts fund, oSTEM hopes to support an organization which has done so much for our members and our community and which continues to provide invaluable support for LGBTQ+ students and allies.