The Out4STEM program is an after-school internship that aims to provide Philadelphia’s LGBTQIA youth with healthcare and STEM-oriented instruction, mentorship, academic support, and college/career preparation in an inclusive, safe space.

The program provides an opportunity for Philadelphia high school students to learn about science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and healthcare/medicine and the career opportunities they provide. The program provides a space where they can cultivate relationships between like-minded, motivated Philadelphia LGBTQIA students and professionals. 

In addition to learning about STEM fields and careers, the Out4STEM program cultivates a greater understanding of LGBTQIA history, and provides opportunities to engage with scientists, educators, activists, medical practitioners, and historians who are part of the community. The discrimination that LGBTQIA individuals face interacts with other aspects of their identity, from class to race or religion, and so discussions of the history will touch on other civil rights movements (Like the Civil Rights movement of the 1950s-1970s that tackled racial inequality, the women’s liberation movement, and the labor movement) that occurred in parallel to, or otherwise influenced, various LGBTQIA activist movements. 

Out4STEM started as a collaborative program between The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, 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. It is currently organized by Victor Gomes (he/him), a PhD student in Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania who studies how children learn language. If you have any inquiries about the program, please feel free to contact Victor at vgomes@collegeofphysicians.org.

The Out4STEM Internship Program

Overview

The Out4STEM internship program seeks addresses the unique challenges facing LGBTQIA youth 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 LGBTQIA 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.
• Learn to communicate, heal, and build a community.

The program consists of weekly after-school sessions every Monday during the school year.

All sessions will be coordinated by staff from The Center for Education of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia.

As an organization committed to advancing the cause of public health, we take the health and safety of our students seriously. The current plan for the Fall 2021 program is to meet for in-person sessions at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia (19 South 22nd Street); however, we will carefully observe local, state, and federal health recommendations and adjust accordingly if necessary. The Center for Education will make all necessary precautions for any in-person activities (including maintaining social distancing and encouraging students to wear masks and get vaccinated). If classes can meet in person, SEPTA keycards to and from any in-person events will be supplied by The Center for Education.

Eligibility and Enrollment

In order to be eligible for the Out4STEM internship program, candidates must meet the following requirements. Note: There are no costs to enroll or be enrolled in the Out4STEM internship program.

• 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).