Hanson Center for Inclusive STEM Education

The Vision:

"The Hanson Center works to transform STEM education at Lafayette by building a culture of belonging and ensuring every student has the support to thrive here. Your gift directly supports the next generation of scientific leaders, innovators, and changemakers."

— Dr. Wendy Hill, Hanson Center Director and Rappolt Professor Emerita of Neuroscience

Where Your Gift Goes:

• Peer Mentor Program for First-Year STEM Students ($250+): Supports peer mentors who help first-year students navigate the transition to college, build confidence, and find their place in the STEM community.
• RAISE Up Inclusive STEM Retreat ($500+): Provides workshops, networking opportunities, career panels, and community-building experiences that connect students with faculty, staff, alumni, and one another.
• McCutchen Research Scholars Program ($1,000+): Helps fund housing, travel, research supplies, and stipends for students conducting paid summer research alongside Lafayette alumni.
• Faculty Research Fellows Program ($1,500+): Supports collaborative faculty-student research teams pursuing multidisciplinary projects and advancing inclusive excellence in STEM.

The Impact:

"I enjoyed watching my mentees succeed at the things they set out to do. I also really enjoyed being able to bring one of my mentees into my community. When I was a first year, this community helped me find my place on campus. It was cool to see someone else get equally excited and start to find their place too."

— Hanson Center Peer Mentor