RAISE–Representatives to Advance Inclusive STEM Education

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RAISE Up Inclusive STEM Retreat: February 15, 2025

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:

  • HFA logo

    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.
  • Out in STEM: Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) is a student chapter focused on supporting LGBTQ+ people in STEM. oSTEM empowers LGBTQ+ people in STEM to succeed personally, academically, and professionally by cultivating environments and communities that nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy.
  • 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.