Queers Read This!

     Hey there warriors! It’s almost April, and yet the sun still doesn’t want to come out on us just yet. We’re almost nearing the end of the semester, can you believe it? Honestly I don’t want to, it’s too much for me 😭. Anywho, we have another upcoming GMM and new cool updates for y’all (hint hint: read the subject line) so let’s get on with the show!

Last Week + Next Week

     Thank you so much to everyone who came over for our Graduate School GMM and the oSTEM Drag Competition last week! At the graduate school GMM, we learned a lot from outGrads and the Greene Center about applying to grad school and identifying the right fit, especially in the current climate. And although the drag competition went into a bit of a different direction, becoming more of a Karaoke event, we had a really fun time, with some really amazing fits, style and bars from our E-board members!

     We will have our next GMM on April 9th from 7-8pm in Douglass 401, where we will be hosting a conference overview & application help session for the Out For Undergrad conferences! We’ve discussed them a little bit around oSTEM but O4U’s conferences are life-changing opportunities for all LGBTQ2+ undergrads (whether you are out, selectively out, or it’s complicated). The conferences are all-expenses-paid (so literally you get a free trip out of school), and feature prominent queer speakers, mentorship discussions, legendary career fairs, and more! oSTEM members at the University of Rochester have historically had a strong presence at O4U and we hope to be there again next semester!

​​​​​​​     ​​​​​​​In fact, Round 1 applications are due on March 31st (Link) so if you want to increase your chances of acceptance, make sure to apply by then. But if you’re still unsure or you’re really busy, there are multiple rounds and the next one is in late April, so this application session should be really helpful!

Coming Up

oSTEM

- E-Board Nominations Due April 21st: Link

     The time has come at long last for E-board elections! We have all available positions open, and as long as you are an active oSTEM member, anyone can apply, regardless of experience! Please fill out the nomination form by April 21st, as we plan to start elections right afterwards!

- Biweekly Study Hours Sundays 6-8pm in Douglass 403

     Our next biweekly study hours will be in two weeks on Sunday, April 13th. Please come and stop by, whether you want some extra tutoring or assistance with classes like CS, physics or calculus, or just want to pop by and see what’s up.

- Website

     Visit our CCC website to browse through our compiled Resources & Opportunities (scholarships, conferences, etc.), read more about our iconic E-Board, and find other general oSTEM links. The website is regularly updated, if you spot any issues or know of an R&O we haven’t included, our Feedback Form is always open!

University
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- WicMic x Rewriting the Code Collaboration: March 31st, 2025 at 7PM in Wegmans 1201

​​​​​​​     With the increasing number of professionals entering the STEM industry, securing a job offer can feel overwhelming—especially for those navigating the search process multiple times. While being intentional in your job search is key, many opportunities often feel just out of reach. Financial hardship, lack of mentorship, or simply not knowing about certain opportunities can make the process even more challenging. Thankfully, our friends at WicMic are here to help! They will be doing their second collaboration with Rewriting the Code (RTC), a non-profit organization that empowers students and early career gender minorities in technology to belong in all spaces where the future is shaped. RTC and other community partners can offer education, financial support, mentoring programs, and exclusive networking opportunities with recruiters—all designed to help you succeed in the upcoming recruiting season and beyond. Plus, there will be free food and merch as well!

- Astronaut Scholarship: Nominations Due March 31, 2025 (Link)

​​​​​​​     The Astronaut Scholarship, founded in 1984 by the Mercury 7 astronauts, is open to exceptional rising juniors and seniors pursuing STEM degrees and has an award value of up to $15,000 per school year. In addition to the monetary value of the scholarship, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation connects current Astronaut Scholars and Astronaut Scholar alum with mentorship and networking opportunities that go far beyond your average scholarship. Many Astronaut Scholars are offered internships and jobs in their disciplines due to the connections made by ASF. Some go on to grad school and some have even started their own businesses! If you have any questions you can look at the link above and reach out to Belinda Redden, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation university liaison, at belinda.redden@rochester.edu.

- LGBTQ+ Leadership Lecture & Dinner: Register by April 17, 2024