Two organizations focused on the interests of LGBT students are working together to encourage their study and professional development in technical fields.

Campus Pride and the National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP) on July 1 announced a partnership to help increase the visibility of LGBT people in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in the United States.

A 2010 report by Campus Pride found heightened rates of discrimination and harassment of LGBT students on college campuses. These rates tend to be even higher within STEM fields, something both groups are working to change.

“The collaboration between Campus Pride and NOGLSTP will have profound and positive implications on LGBTQ students in the STEM fields,” said Campus Pride Summer Fellow Gonzalo Agudelo in a statement.

“Together, Campus Pride and NOGLSTP can provide underrepresented LGBT college students in the STEM fields with invaluable leadership-building and career-development opportunities—something that is crucial to be competitive in a modern society that perpetually seeks the highest skill and expertise in these fields,” Agudelo said.

(iStockphoto/Thinkstock)