Resources for Students of Color

Student working in an environmental engineering lab, testing water.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse community—one that will enrich engineering education and empower our students to achieve their goals.

The School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) acknowledges that there are communities that have systematically been denied access to participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, and we want that to change. We aim to increase the number of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) students pursuing STEM disciplines at the University at Buffalo, create a more inclusive environment, and engineer a more equitable world.

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.

LSAMP students touring the Clinical and Translational Research Center at the Jacobs Institute.

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.

Learn more about the LSAMP program

Learn more about LSAMP summer research opportunities

UB STEMinism

UB STEMinism is a gender-inclusive group that aims 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 students 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 students of color in STEM.

Contact UB STEMinism to learn more

Letitia Thomas, Assistant Dean for Diversity, talks about the programs in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and at UB that increase the amount of opportunities for students from underrepresented groups in the STEM field.

Student Organizations

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES)
10/25/23
AISES is a national, nonprofit organization focused on substantially increasing the representation of American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, First Nations and other indigenous peoples of North America in STEM studies and careers.
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
10/25/23
The National Society of Black Engineers is the largest student managed organization in the country. NSBE seeks to promote the recruitment, retention, and academic excellence of students of color in engineering and science.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
7/10/24
SHPE UB inspires and motivates underrepresented students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics at the University at Buffalo and in the Buffalo area.

Community Service Opportunities

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 Partners:

Students outside the Buffalo Central Terminal.

UB STEM group at the Tift Nature Preserve.

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.