BRANCHES Community Leaders

BRANCHES (Bridging Resources and Nurturing Community through Holistic Engagement in STEM) at Oberlin College supports an inclusive community for students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in STEM. Under the direct supervision and guidance the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and the Center for Learning, Education, and Research (CLEAR), BRANCHES Community Leaders bridge resources to help all students reach their full potential. BRANCHES leadres strive to dismantle systemic barriers to student persistence and resilience by providing vital connections, opportunities, and pathways for success.

BRANCHES initiatives include academic support, professional development events like the Research Opportunities and Post-Oberlin Career Panel, and community-building activities like Pumpkin Carving or Pi Day, and our signature BRANCHES & Boba event.

BRANCHES advocacy aims to address structural barriers in STEM at Oberlin. Through surveys, workshops, and educational content, we elevate voices traditionally underrepresented in STEM and educate the broader community on diversity in STEM. By building a supportive community, BRANCHES empowers students from all backgrounds to thrive in STEM, inspire others, and contribute to a more inclusive world.

Formerly a CLEAR and HHMI initiative known as the Student Leadership Committee (SLC), BRANCHES rebranded in Spring 2023 to reflect its mission of building connections across groups like Roots in STEM and OWLS. Today, BRANCHES is funded and managed by CLEAR and OUR, with student community leaders playing a central role. 

Follow BRANCHES on Instagram for updates on events and resources: @oberlinbranches.