Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics


Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, Inc., abbreviated oSTEM, is a 501 non-profit professional society dedicated to LGBTQ+ individuals within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics community.

History

In October 2005, IBM sponsored a focus group where students from across the United States convened at the Human Rights Campaign headquarters in Washington D.C. These students discussed topics relevant to LGBTQ+ communities at their own colleges and universities, and they debated how to structure an organization that serves students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Founded in 2009 and achieving 501 status in 2010, oSTEM currently consists of more than 50 chapters across the United States and the United Kingdom. In 2017, oSTEM, Inc. expanded its mission to be inclusive of professionals, serving all LGBTQ+ people in the STEM community.

Mission

As an organization dedicated to community, oSTEM strives to stay engaged to identify, address, and advocate for the needs of LGBTQ+ students and professionals within the STEM fields. oSTEM fulfills these needs in many ways, including networking opportunities, mentorship connections, strategic collaborations and professional/leadership development, as well as an annual global conference.

Activities

Conferences

oSTEM hosts annual conferences that discuss LGBTQ+ topics in STEM as well as intelligence fields. Topics discussed include inclusion, outreach, and diversity within the workplace. Workshops, presentations, and networking events for LGBTQ+ individuals aim to facilitate integration and advancement in their respective fields. The 4th annual conference was hosted jointly with NOGLSTP's Out to Innovate in Atlanta in 2014.
Conferences have been held in the following cities:

LGBTSTEM Day

On July 5th, 2018 oSTEM along with Pride in STEM, House of STEM, and InterEngineering created international awareness for LGBTQ+ people in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.

Awards

oSTEM presents a variety of awards annually to individuals and organizations that demonstrate a strong dedication to advancing and empowering LGBTQ+ in STEM fields.

oSTEM Global STEM Service Award

The oSTEM Global STEM Service Award is given to present and past oSTEM members who show strong dedication to inclusion, diversity, and equality for LGBTQ+ and other marginalized individuals in STEM fields.
Awardees are:
The oSTEM Strategic Alliance Award is presented to a current sponsoring organization, community partner, or grant provider of oSTEM who demonstrates strong dedication, engagement, and support to oSTEM and its values.
Awardees are:
The oSTEM Partner Excellence Award is presented to individuals associated with oSTEM accomplished in their academic or professional lives who regularly advocate for the full inclusion of people of all marginalized identities.
Awardees are:
The Overall Student Chapter of the Year is given to oSTEM chapters that educate, empower, and engage a diverse community. These chapters contribute greatly to identifying, addressing, and advocating for LGBTQ students in the STEM community
Awardees are:
The Rookie Student Chapter of the Year celebrates achievements by oSTEM chapters that have been founded within two years of application submission.
Awardees are:
oSTEM has over 90 chapters as of September, 2018. Chapters are organized into 6 geographic regions and two types.

Student Chapters

The six regions are:
The first professional chapter is currently being tested in the Boston metropolitan area. Further cities will be announced at a later date.

Sponsors

oSTEM is sponsored by industries involved in STEM fields as well as government entities and academic STEM programs.

Gold Sponsors