SUPPORT NETWORKS
Everyone needs a friend… or hundreds! STEM support networks are here for you. There are many obstacles that keep womxn, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and other minorities out of STEM fields. However, there are also lots of groups that connect and support minorities in STEM at every level. Check out some of those great networks below!
Name
Location
Description
National
With a membership of 4,600 members that’s rapidly expanding, AISES is affiliated with 189 chartered college and university chapters, 15 professional chapters, and 158 K-12 schools that support students in STEM. AISES has awarded over $11 million in academic scholarships to American Indian students pursuing STEM fields. Additionally, AISES’s Council of Elders, composed of American Indian professionals from different nations, tribes, and bands across the United States, offers wisdom and advice to the next generation of AISES students.
National, with local chapters
AWIS bills itself as “the largest multi-disciplinary organization for women in STEM” and reaches “more than 20,000 professionals in STEM with members, chapters, and affiliates worldwide.”
National, with local chapters
This organization “aims to provide computer science education and exposure to 1 million young women by 2020”, and has a (no surprise) beautifully designed website that’s well worth exploring.
National
Founded by five MIT alumnae in 2013, this organization’s primary goal is “to spread awareness about STEM and inspire and encourage middle school and high school Latinas, especially within undeserved communities, to strongly consider pursuing a STEM career.”
National
This organization, which is partially funded by the National Science Foundation, provides grants “to broaden the participation of girls and women in all fields of STEM education by supporting research, dissemination of research, and extension services in education that will lead to a larger and more diverse domestic science and engineering workforce.”
National
The OWSD is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental venture that “provides research training, career development and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages in their careers.”
National
oSTEM empowers LGBTQ+ people in STEM to succeed personally, academically, and professionally by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy.
National
Pride in STEM is a charitable trust run by an independent group of LGBT+ scientists & engineers from around the world. Proud of who we are and what we do. We aim to showcase and support all LGBT+ people in STEM fields.
National
SACNAS’s goal is to advance the success of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in securing advanced degrees, careers, and positions of leadership in STEM fields. It comprises 150 chapters nationwide and interested members may even submit an application to start their own chapter. Members have gone on to leadership positions in prominent science organizations, such as Dr. Luis Echegoyen who was recently named president-elect of American Chemical Society.
National
Inspired by other affinity groups such as SHPE and NSBE, SASE was formed in 2007 to fulfill a need for similar support and connections for all the pan Asian cultures. Members of SASE’s professional network benefit from professional and leadership development on topics such as moving from middle to upper management, and networking opportunities. Students can attend a host of professional development events where they can build soft skills and attend conferences and panels. In addition to being a professional resource, SASE also places high importance on cultural diversity, holding cultural celebrations and providing diversity training for corporations.
National
Established over six decades ago, the SWE’s mission is to “stimulate women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity.”
National
A handy compendium of fact sheets, news, and resources on the Obama administration’s programs aiding and encouraging women and girls in STEM.