Daisy at Chalk Board

The Program

Program Overview

The STEMLA Program encompasses all four years of a Fellow's time at Bryn Mawr. 

I am really grateful to have found a community to relate to and support me as a first-generation student in STEM. Opportunities like personal mentorship and paid lab work have really helped me when navigating higher education. 

-Jo Smith '26

Starting in the summer before their first year, Fellows attend the STEMLA Summer Program. The Summer Program spans four weeks, where Fellows live, eat, and study on Bryn Mawr's campus. Following the completion of the Summer Program, Fellows return home before arriving back on campus for Customs Week. 

During the first semester of their first year at Bryn Mawr, STEMLA Fellows will be paired with a STEM faculty-mentor, who will work to help Fellows cultivate personal connections in their STEM disciplines of interest, make decisions on their next steps in STEM, and persist when they encounter challenging moments. During this first semester, Fellows parttake in cohort and community building activities. 

In the second semester of their first year, Fellows are eligible to begin working as lab assistants. Under the direction of a Bryn Mawr STEM faculty member, Fellows have the opportunity to work on current research, while getting acquainted with the lab environment. 

In subsequent summers, many Fellows participate in research both at Bryn Mawr, through the Summer Science Research program, and at other institutions. 

As Fellows begin to narrow in on a major at the end of their second year, they will partake in a variety of programming and workshops meant to illuminate various STEM career pathways. 

Throughout all semesters, the program hosts workshops, excursions, social events, and annual traditions meant to further our the program's mission.

Timeline of STEMLA Program

STEMLA Fellows Program Overview

An overview and breakdown of the STEMLA Fellowship Program.

Summer Immersion Program
Fellows participate in a Summer Immersion Program to prepare for the transition into Bryn Mawr and begin building community and foundational STEM skills.

  • First Semester Community Building begins, helping Fellows form connections, develop a STEM identity, and adjust to college life.
  • STEM Faculty Mentorship starts, providing ongoing guidance from faculty.

  • Faculty mentorship continues.

  • Fellows are encouraged to engage in Laboratory Research Supports opportunities to develop research skills.

  • Ongoing Laboratory Research Supports allow Fellows to participate in research experiences to build practical skills.
  • STEM Faculty Mentorship and Laboratory Research Supports continue, deepening academic exploration and building connections within the STEM community.
  • Continued Laboratory Research Supports opportunities for hands-on research and exploration.
  • Fellows join the AWIS (Association for Women in Science) Mentor Circle, expanding mentorship networks and professional development.
  • Continued participation in AWIS Mentor Circle, research, and mentorship opportunities.
  • STEM Pathways Mentorship and Support begins, focusing on career readiness, post-graduate planning, and transitioning beyond Bryn Mawr.

  • Fellows continue to receive laboratory research support and mentorship to complete their STEMLA journey with confidence.

Become a Fellow!

Been offered a spot in the STEMLA Program? Join a vibrant community of students passionate about STEM and social change!

Learn more about the program

Benefits and Outcomes

Eligible STEMLA Fellows will have access to the following:

  • A fully funded, immersive summer program that prepares students for college life and participation in STEM majors and fields
  • Participation in the STEMLA Laptop Program (if needed)
  • Participation in first semester community building activities
  • Funded lab assistant opportunities
  • An extensive mentorship team of both faculty and staff
  • Funding for attendance and presentations at scholarly conferences
  • Funding for GRE test and test preparation
  • Paid membership to the Association for Women in Science
  • Access to STEM review sessions during the academic year
  • Access to STEM specific work and social spaces

Program benefits may vary based on financial aid packages, academic year, citizenship status, availability of funds, and grant requirements. If you have questions about your eligibility for program benefits, please contact Kelsey Obringer. 

  1. Fellows will develop a long-lasting mentorship network by establishing meaningful relationships with faculty, staff, peers, alumnae, and community partners;
  2. Fellows will partake in a variety of immersive learning experiences (internships, research, lab assistanceships, study abroad) that allow them to meaningfully explore their respective academic and career pathways;
  3. Fellows will actively engage and interact with a broad cross section of the campus community in order to create a sense of community and belonging;
  4. Fellows’ academic performance will be on par with their higher-income counterparts in introductory chemistry and math courses;
  5. There will be no significant difference in overall GPA at graduation between Fellows and their higher-income peers;
  6. There will be a higher than average 4-year graduation rate for Fellows majoring in a STEM discipline;
  7. Fellows will report a strong sense of belonging and self-efficacy;
  8. Fellows will be able to envision pathways to research and non-research careers in STEM;
  9. A majority of Fellows will pursue post-graduation STEM activities.

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Jocelyn Bravo explains her research at the Summer Science poster session.

Contact Us

STEM in the Liberal Arts Fellows Program

Kelsey Obringer STEMLA Assistant Director, Lecturer Email: kobringer@brynmawr.edu Phone: 610-526-5498

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