STEM FYI Program
Who we are
We are dedicated to increasing the success and retention of historically underrepresented students among all graduate STEM fields at UC Berkeley. We welcome all first-year and continuing students, including but not limited to low-income, first-generation students to form an alliance with advanced graduate STEM ambassadors who are committed to building a strong and diverse community of future scientists!
What we do
STEM*FYI consists of informal gatherings, beneficial workshops, social events, and the opportunity to build a strong, diverse community of graduate STEM scholars. We engage in resource sharing, community-building, and career/professional development opportunities, all with diversity, equity, and inclusion top-of-mind.
Why we do it
There is an overwhelming need to support historically minoritized and marginalized groups in graduate STEM education. We believe that one of the best ways to do this is through a support system of near peers consisting of advanced graduate STEM students, or STEM*FYI ambassadors. Our ambassadors come from a wide variety of STEM backgrounds and diverse life experiences, all of which are leveraged to mentor and guide first-year graduate STEM students as they navigate through their journey here at Cal.
STEM*FYI & PPG Foundation Grants
Through the support of the PPG Foundation (ppg.com), we have launched these $500 grants to aid graduate STEM students at UC Berkeley. Application information will be shared in the Fall.
Students are eligible to receive STEM*FYI awards only ONCE.
For questions or more information, contact [email protected].
STEM*FYI & PPG Foundation Professional Development Grant ($500)
This grant, supported by the PPG Foundation, intends to help STEM*FYI graduate students further their professional development and/or research goals in STEM. The grant is intended for graduate STEM students to participate in conferences, workshops, and/or other professional development opportunities (e.g., classes, certifications, organizational memberships, etc). We strongly encourage graduate STEM students from non-dominant communities and backgrounds to apply.
STEM*FYI & PPG Foundation Technology Grant ($500)
This grant, supported by the PPG Foundation, intends to aid STEM*FYI graduate students in need of technology resources/upgrades. It aligns with the mission of the UC Berkeley Student Technology Equity Program (STEP) as a means of direct, immediate support to graduate STEM students in need of technology-related funding to maximize remote productivity. We strongly encourage graduate STEM students from non-dominant communities and backgrounds to apply.
Learn more about our partnership with the PPG Foundation!
PPG knows first-hand the importance of a skilled science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) workforce to create stronger, more sustainable communities. The PPG Foundation aims to accelerate pathways for diversity in STEM fields and help the next generation of STEM leaders to meet the collective challenges of our society quickly, creatively and effectively. PPG has teamed up with the University of California, Berkeley to develop the STEM*FYI program, connecting first-year, graduate-level diverse student populations with a mentor and support network. Together, the PPG Foundation and the STEM*FYI program promote inclusion, provide professional development and build bridges to close STEM diversity and gender gaps and widen the possibilities and progress that a diverse STEM field holds.
Meet the Ambassadors
This cohort of ambassadors span over 10 different STEM departments and include ambassadors from diverse backgrounds. Read more about our ambassadors below!
Meet the Graduate Student Coordinators of STEM*FYI
Let’s Collaborate!
At STEM*FYI, we’re always looking to collaborate on events with other campus organizations that are aligned with our mission. If you’re interested in collaborating with us for a future event, let’s talk!