Minority Students in SEAS
We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse community—one that will enrich engineering education and empower our students to achieve their goals.
Here in SEAS, our aim is to increase the number of underrepresented students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines at the University at Buffalo.
We offer a variety of student-centric academic and social enrichment programs that feature peer mentoring, faculty mentoring and student research. We also work closely with national engineering organizations, student chapters and community partners to build a strong, supportive environment.
Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
The State University of New York (SUNY) LSAMP program seeks to diversify the STEM workforce by significantly increasing the numbers of students successfully completing high quality degree programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
SEAS Leadership Development Fellowship Program
Underrepresented students in SEAS have the opportunity to apply for the SEAS Leadership Development Fellowship Program. Each Fellow will receive a $1,500 stipend and will engage in the following activities:
- A research project with a faculty advisor in SEAS.
- One mentoring session per semester with the SEAS Dean. These sessions will focus on the development of the Leadership Development Fellow as a researcher, mentor, and leader.
- Engagement in the SEAS Mentoring Program for Underrepresented Students as a mentor of a freshman or sophomore SEAS student.
All SEAS BIPOC undergraduate and graduate students currently engaged in a research project within SEAS are eligible, including students in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Program, Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), McNair Scholars Program, Schomburg Fellowship Program, or the iSEED Fellowship Program.
Interested students should submit an application consisting of a single document that includes a resume and a one-page description of your professional, personal, and leadership aspirations.
Applications are due May 1, 2021. Decisions will be made by July 1, 2021 and the program will begin September 1, 2021.
UB STEMinism
The goal of the UB STEMinism group is to provide a safe and supportive space for women of color in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields to address concerns related to identity, psychosocial stressors, school-work-life balance and other factors, that may impact their academic functioning in undesirable ways.
Created in conjunction with UB Counseling Services, the STEMinism group features:
- A support network for women who share similar goals, objectives, struggles and successes
- Psychoeducation, peer-support/student led discussion groups
- A place to facilitate healthier interactions and address some psychosocial stressors
- A place to identify barriers to success, personal or academic, and develop strategies that move students forward
- A place to obtain information for on-campus/community referrals related to mental health concerns that will not addressed by/in group
STEMinism is scheduled on a bi-weekly basis throughout the semester and in addition to the psychoeducation and peer support, provides opportunities for participants to engage in social activities, professional development, mentoring workshops, seminars and other activities that connect women of color in STEM.
Letitia Thomas, Director of STEM Diversity Programs for the School of Engineering, talks about the programs she leads that increase the amount of opportunities for students from underrepresented groups in the STEM field.
Student Organizations for Underrepresented Minorities
Community Partners
The SEAS Office of STEM Diversity hosts at least one service event per semester that focuses on using STEM skills to help the Buffalo community. STEM students are able to volunteer and participate in these community engagement opportunities via our community partners.
Community Resources
- Buffalo Urban League - Since 1927, the Buffalo Urban League has been a leading voice on critical issues affecting disadvantaged individuals and families throughout our community.
- Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable - The Racial Equity Roundtable includes more than 30 community leaders from public, private, nonprofits and faith institutions convened to advance racial equity and promote the change required to accelerate a shared regional prosperity.
- Hispanics United of Buffalo - To offer personalized integrated care programs that build strong and healthy individuals and neighborhoods. We partner with our communities to pave a path to wellness for all.
- Hispanic Women’s League of Buffalo - The mission of the Hispanic Women's League is to improve the quality of life, assist in the personal and professional development, and advocate for the concerns of the Hispanic woman.
- NAACP Buffalo Branch - The purpose of the Buffalo Branch of the NAACP shall be to improve the political, educational, social and economic status of minority groups; to eliminate racial prejudice; to keep the public aware of the adverse effects of racial discrimination.