Attention, Philadelphia high school students: we are excited to announce The College of Physicians of Philadelphia is now accepting applications for the 2020-21 cohort of the Out4STEM Internship Program!
The Out4STEM Internship Program is a one-year, after-school internship program aimed at LGBTQIA high school students in Philadelphia who have an interest in healthcare/medicine or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Program also seeks to address the unique challenges facing Philadelphia LGBTQIA youth in an accepting, STEM-oriented safe space. The Program takes advantage of the unique resources of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, including the world-famous Mütter Museum, the Historical Medical Library, and our vast network of Fellows to create a unique educational experience.
The program provides an opportunity for Philadelphia high school students to learn about science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and healthcare/medicine and the career opportunities they provide. The program provides a space where they can cultivate relationships between like-minded, motivated Philadelphia LGBTQIA students and professionals.
In addition to learning about STEM fields and careers, the Out4STEM program aims to give students involved a greater understanding of LGBTQIA history and opportunities to engage with scientists, educators, activists, medical practitioners, and historians who are part of the community.
Out4STEM started as a collaborative program between The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Educational Justice Coalition, and the University of Pennsylvania’s LGBTPM+. It has since grown into an after-school program hosted at the Mütter Museum of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia. It is currently organized by Victor Gomes (he/him), a PhD student in Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania who studies how children learn language. If you have any inquiries about the program, please feel free to contact Victor at vgomes@collegeofphysicians.org.
During the course of the program, students will achieve the following goals:
- Learn about careers related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and healthcare/medicine.
- Cultivate relationships between like-minded, motivated Philadelphia LGBTQIA students.
- Develop a greater understanding of the body’s physiological response to stress.
- Facilitate stress relieving techniques.
- Address the impact of bullying and discrimination and develop responses.
- Learn about LGBTQIA history and foster connections with members of the community.
- Learn to communicate, heal, and build a community.
Sessions will take place every other week during the 2020-21 academic year. All sessions will be coordinated by staff from The Center for Education of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia.
Depending on local, state, and federal health recommedations, the program will either be held virtually or in person at The College of Physicians of Philadelphia (19 South 22nd Street). The Center for Education will make all necessary precautions to provide adequate social diatancing for any in-person activities. Transit tokens to and from any in-person events will be supplied by The Center for Education. Students will also receive a stipend upon successful completion of the program.
In order to be eligible for the Out4STEM Internship Program, candidates must meet the following requirements (Note: There are no costs to enroll or be enrolled in the Out4STEM Internship Program):
- Currently enrolled in a high school within the Philadelphia School District, including public, private, parochial, or charter schools.
- Possess an interest in healthcare, medicine, or STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math)
If you are interested in joining the Out4STEM Internship Program, you can fill out our online application. We require all students receive permission from a parent or guardian and provide contact information for a teacher or other adult mentor (coach, youth group leader, religious leader, etc.) who will serve as a reference. In order to better get to know you, we ask that you include in your application the answer the following questions:
1) “What aspect of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is most interesting to you and why?”
2) “What do you hope to get out of being a member of the out4STEM Program?”
Your answer can take the form of a brief essay (MAX 500 words) or a video (MAX 5 minutes). If you choose to create a video, the format is up to you; just remember to answer the above prompt. Selected applicants will be asked to take part in an interview. All applicants must be prepared to submit a work permit (information on how to obtain one can be found here).
Application materials must be submitted no later than 11:59PM on SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2020.
If you have any questions, contact Victor Gomes, the Out4STEM Coordinator. You can also learn more about the Out4STEM Internship Program by consulting our website or checking our Frequently Asked Questions.