Vigorous Exploration of Scientific and Technological Fields for the Upcoming Generation
In 2023, Oberlin College launched the STRONG Affiliate program, an extension of the established STRONG program, with the aim of broadening its reach and impact in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). This program is designed for talented first-generation and income-eligible students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM disciplines.
The STRONG program fosters academic and personal success for its scholars during their time at Oberlin College. By creating relationships with peers, professors, and staff, STRONG Scholars gain a head start on making lasting connections that are crucial for their academic journey.
The program has proven to be successful, with STRONG Scholars excelling beyond their first year. They continue their research at Oberlin and Research 1 (R1) institutions, present at conferences, and win awards. The STRONG program is not only about academic excellence but also contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge and helps address disparities and injustices in the population.
One of the key benefits of the STRONG program is the early access to research experiences during the first year at Oberlin College. This is coupled with close mentoring from STEM faculty and staff, community building with other STRONG Scholars, and academic skill-building pertinent to STEM courses.
STRONG Scholars become leaders on campus and beyond. They serve as co-chairs for student organisations, bring speakers to campus, organise conference attendance, serve on Oberlin's Student Senate, and represent their class on the Board of Trustees.
While the details about the STRONG Affiliate Program are not extensively covered in publicly available data, it is known that Affiliates enjoy similar opportunities for early access to research, close faculty mentorship, and community building opportunities as all STRONG scholars. The program includes pre-orientation programming, the STRONG Winter Term, faculty mentor matching, community events, and peer mentor networks.
As of the 2025-26 academic year, the STRONG Cohort has been selected, and the application process for the 2026-27 academic year will be available later. For those seeking more detailed information about the STRONG Affiliate Program, it is recommended to consult Oberlin College’s official website or contact their student affairs or international programs office directly for the most accurate and up-to-date details.
The STRONG Affiliate program, an extension of the established STRONG program, continues to prioritize education-and-self-development in STEM fields by offering learning experiences that foster academic and personal success for its scholars. This includes early access to research, close mentoring from STEM faculty and staff, community building with other scholars, and academic skill-building pertinent to STEM courses.
