The Dawn of oSTEM

In October 2005, IBM held a focus group meeting assessing what was needed among students on their way into professional careers in STEM. Three Penn State students participated, as well as 20 students from other colleges and universities. These students and their peers back in State College were inspired by the possibilities discussed during the focus group sessions. Soon after their return, the Penn State chapter of oSTEM was founded. With IBM as a founding sponsor, the PSU College of Engineering began sponsoring oSTEM as well, providing initial funding and office space.

 

The Story so Far

In its first three years, oSTEM has established itself as a force at the University Park campus and among employers. We run original programs and host information sessions for employers including IBM, Raytheon, Johnson & Johnson, Booz Allen Hamilton, and the US National Laboratories. We have sponsored groups of students' attendance at annual conferences including Out for Work every year since our inception. We are proud to reflect the racial and cultural diversity of our greater community.

 

oSTEM began working with Lockheed Martin in 2007, and we look forward to continued collaboration.

 

Writing the Future

We look forward to continued service to the LGBTQA community at Penn State with new, relevant programs to promote the development of our community members as professionals.

 

We are grateful to our past and current sponsors, and appreciate new sources of support.