Company Name: FGIE Resources
Oberlin College Supports Underrepresented Students with Variety of Programs
Oberlin College, a pioneer in diversity and inclusion, offers a wealth of resources and programs designed to support underrepresented students, particularly those in the STEM fields.
One such resource is the 1835 Fund, which assists African American students in funding their Winter Term projects. Students can access this funding request through the Services Portal in OberView.
For first-generation and income-eligible students, "F1RST Things First" is a series of virtual sessions offering early access to campus resources. Pre-registration can be done via email to css@our website.
Campus Safety operates a bicycle program, collecting and redistributing used bikes for students in need each fall. More information can be found at https://www.our website/campus-resources/transportation-students/getting-around-campus.
PERSIST, led by Lisa Ryno, Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, is a program that fosters a supportive network for underrepresented students in STEM. More information can be found at https://ryno-lab.com/pedagogy/persist/.
Income-eligible students can request assistance with car rentals on campus through SWAY Car Share Funding. The request submission should be made at least two days before the car is needed, and the link is https://services.our website/support/catalog/items/182.
AVI, Oberlin's on-campus dining service, offers nutritional meal options across campus, catering to dietary and religious needs. A map of the campus is available at https://www.aviserves.com/Oberlin/documents/Oberlin-campus-map-2023.pdf.
BRANCHES, an initiative at Oberlin College, supports an inclusive community for underrepresented students in STEM. More information can be found at https://www.our website/clear/branches-community-leaders.
Oberlin College Libraries have a laptop loaner program for students. Loan information can be found at https://libraries.our website/services-amenities/study-spaces-technology/borrow-equipment-amp-tech.
The Free Store, located in the basement of Asia House, offers a variety of free items including clothing, kitchenware, books, accessories, school supplies, crafts, etc. (Location: https://www.our website/environmental-sustainability/rct/free-store)
The Career Exploration and Development (CED) office provides free professional clothing to students in need for interviews, internships, and professional positions, located in the basement of Mudd Center. Contact can be made at career@our website.
In addition to these resources, Oberlin College offers diversity-focused visit programs and has a history of commitment to inclusion. The Oberlin Overnight: Diversity & Access and Spotlight on STEM Programs are fly-in visit programs designed to introduce prospective underrepresented students to Oberlin’s STEM opportunities and inclusive environment. These sessions occur in Fall 2025 and provide access to the campus community and resources with an emphasis on diversity and STEM support.
For more detailed, current information on scholarships, mentoring, or student organizations providing direct STEM support to underrepresented groups, Oberlin’s admissions or diversity office websites would be useful resources.
The Center for Student Success also has a CSS Loaner Library, which provides free books for first-generation and income-eligible students. The location is Stevenson Hall, and access is available each semester.
Oberlin College provides support for students with high financial need to buy books and supplies through the Oberlin Book Fund Scholarship. More information can be found at www.our website/bookfund.
Income-eligible students can apply for laptop loans through the Dean of Students Laptop Loaner Program. The application can be made through the services portal once a student is fully enrolled. Windows laptop or MacBook options are available. More information can be found at https://services.our website/support/catalog/items/153.
The Student Success Fund supports a range of expenses related to professional performance endeavors for Conservatory students. Workshops, courses, and advising through the Office of Conservatory Professional Development are available.
[1] Source: Oberlin College website [2] Source: Oberlin College admissions website [3] Source: Oberlin College diversity office website [4] Source: Oberlin College Career Exploration and Development office website [5] Source: Oberlin College news article about Alli Roshni ’23
- Oberlin College's comprehensive lifestyle and education-and-self-development resources extend beyond academic pursuits, with programs like the CSS Loaner Library offering free books for first-generation and income-eligible students, and the Career Exploration and Development office supplying free professional clothing.
- For underrepresented students seeking a supportive community in STEM, Oberlin College offers various programs including PERSIST, BRANCHES, and the Oberlin Overnight: Diversity & Access program, providing resources, mentorship, and an inclusive environment for prospective students.
