RAISE–Representatives to Advance Inclusive STEM Education
RAISE Up Inclusive STEM Retreat: February 7, 2026
RAISE is a coalition of existing student STEM organizations and “at large” members to help harness our shared missions and actions to enhance inclusive STEM education at Lafayette. Our mission is to:
- collaborate on project(s) across the STEM fields to deepen and expand their impact;
- collaborate and share information among the student organizations to increase the effectiveness and influence of their programs;
- provide student input and advice on Hanson Center projects and initiatives.
Affinity groups that help support inclusion and equity in STEM at Lafayette include:
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Hispanic Finance Association: The Hispanic Finance Association focuses on increasing Hispanic representation in high finance roles as well as to inspire character in the next generation of leaders. This is done through various workshops and networking events.
Kovalevsky Society: The Kovalevsky Society is a peer mentoring program in the Mathematics Department supported by a Tensor Women and Mathematics grant from the Mathematical Association of America. The program is open to all female and non-binary persons pursuing – or interested in – any of the major or minor programs offered by the Mathematics Department. Students meet monthly in small peer clusters and are matched one-on-one with an alumnae mentor to discuss career options and build their post-college network. Other Kovalevsky Society events include various alumnae panels/workshops and outreach events.
National Society of Black Engineers: The National Society of Black Engineers, as a national student and professional based organization, dedicates itself to the development of intensive programs for increasing Black and other ethnic minority participation in the fields of engineering and engineering technology. These programs will be initiated both within and outside the college community and will serve to strengthen relations between professional industry and the Black community.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers: The mission of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Student Chapter of Lafayette College is to empower the Hispanic community and its supporters to realize their fullest potential and impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support and development. It is the goal of the SHPE Student Chapter of Lafayette College to develop a professional network for members of the organization and strengthen the community of students with diverse backgrounds majoring in STEM through general body meetings, conferences, career-related workshops, group study sessions, networking events, and other initiatives.
Society of Women Engineers: The local chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) looks to encourage females to pursue their passions in STEM regardless of their under-representation in the field. Lafayette’s engineering program has proudly one of the highest female to male ratios in the country. We look to strengthen relationships between the female students and faculty through our monthly lunches and teas and to further inspire and encourage young girls in the local area to grow an interest in STEM and to feel comfortable pursuing a career in a male dominated field.
CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS
American Chemical Society: The American Chemical Society is an organization including both faculty and students that endeavors to promote scientific interest and build relationships between students, faculty, and alumni alike for the betterment of their personal and academic experiences. Membership provides access to talks, networking opportunities, fun events, a constant flow of information on all things chemistry at Lafayette College, an abundance of cookies, and the occasional nerdy pun.
Engineers Without Borders: Our mission at EWB is to help campus organizations and the local Easton community with engineering projects in order to improve the lives of those around us while gaining vital skills for future engineering endeavors.
Neuroscience Club: Our mission is to teach, inspire, advocate and learn as curious academics at Lafayette College.
Pre-Health Professions Society: Our mission is to bring together and foster a community of students with an interest in the medical field in order to share resources and support one another throughout the rigorous application process.
Tri-Beta Biology Honors Society: Beta Beta Beta (TriBeta) is an honor society for students, particularly undergraduates, dedicated to improving the understanding and appreciation of biological study and extending boundaries of human knowledge through scientific research.
