These opportunities can be found through organizations that specifically encourage LGBTQ youth to build their tech skills and help schools create a more inclusive learning environment. Here are five resources schools can rely on and share with students when building STEM lessons:
1. Lesbians Who Tech awards a coding scholarship to K–12 students
To support LGBTQ students in pursuing tech careers, K–12 schools should share relevant scholarship opportunities, such as the Edie Windsor Coding Scholarship. Lesbians Who Tech offers this scholarship to queer female and nonbinary students interested in studying technology.
The namesake of the award, Edith “Edie” Windsor, worked as a tech leader at IBM before founding her own software consulting firm. In 2013, she won a landmark case over the Defense of Marriage Act, paving the way for marriage equality in the United States.
The scholarship covers 50 percent of the recipient’s higher education tuition, connects them to a network of mentors as well as past recipients, and assists them in searching for tech jobs after graduation.
RELATED: CDW announces scholarship opportunities through new Legacy Excellence Program.
2. Gender-Inclusive Biology develops curriculum tips for educators
Gender-Inclusive Biology is an initiative organized by three trans K–12 educators. It aggregates resources and guidance for K–12 educators with the goal of creating a more inclusive biology curriculum.
Educators can use the resources from Gender-Inclusive Biology to help students forge a better path to STEM careers. These resources also help make K–12 schools safer spaces for diverse student populations.
3. oSTEM offers scholarships, mentorship and other resources
The nonprofit Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM) defines itself as the organization serving LGBTQ students and professionals in STEM. To achieve its mission, this organization empowers the LGBTQ community with an abundance of resources that educators can share with K–12 students.
Click the banner to access customized advice and resources when you register as an Insider.