Out4STEM
Philly teens: interested in joining the Out4STEM program?
We're now accepting applications for our next cohort!
Providing a STEM-oriented safe space for Youth.
The Out4STEM program is an after-school internship that aims to provide Philadelphia’s LGBTQIA+ youth and those interested in learning about these topics with healthcare and STEM-oriented instruction, mentorship, academic support, and college/career preparation in an inclusive, safe space.
The program offers Philadelphia high school students the opportunity to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as healthcare and medicine, and the career opportunities they provide. The program provides a space for cultivating relationships between like-minded, motivated Philadelphia students and professionals.
In addition to providing information about STEM fields and careers, the Out4STEM program fosters a deeper understanding of LGBTQIA+ history. It offers students opportunities to engage with scientists, educators, activists, medical practitioners, and historians who support the community. We will examine the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals in relation to other aspects of their identity, from class to race or religion, and discussions will touch on other civil rights movements.
Out4STEM began as a collaborative program between The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, the Educational Justice Coalition, and the University of Pennsylvania’s LGBTPM+. It has since grown into an after-school program hosted at the Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians.
This is an amazing program that focuses on connecting students throughout Philadelphia on the basis of interests in STEM and LGBTQIA+. I learned so much every week and have made quite a few fun memories with the program members.
– Out4STEM Student
Program Details
In order to be eligible for the Out4STEM internship program, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Currently enrolled in a high school within the Philadelphia School District, including public, private, parochial, or charter schools. Home-schooled students in the Philadelphia area are also eligible.
- Possess an interest in healthcare, medicine, or STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math)
All interested candidates must submit the following materials:
- A completed application
- Two personal statements in the form of a brief essay (MAX 500 words) or the URL of an audio or video response (MAX 5 minutes) to the following essay prompt:
- "What aspect of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is most interesting to you and why?”
- If applicable, interested candidates must also obtain a Pennsylvania state work permit (more information on how to obtain one can be found here).
- Note: There are no costs associated with enrolling in or participating in the program. Students will also receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.
The program consists of weekly after-school sessions every Monday during the school year.
The Out4STEM internship program seeks to address the unique challenges facing LGBTQIA+ youth and allies while providing a safe environment to learn about careers in science and medicine. It focuses on the following areas:
- Learn about careers related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and healthcare/medicine.
- Cultivate relationships between like-minded, motivated Philadelphia students.
- Develop a greater understanding of the body’s physiological response to stress.
- Facilitate stress-relieving techniques.
- Address the impact of bullying and discrimination and develop responses.
- Learn about LGBTQIA+ history and foster connections with members of the community and allies.
- Learn to communicate, heal, and build a community.
All sessions will be coordinated by staff from The Center for Education of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
Questions?
Contact Jeanene Johnson (she/her) at for more information.