All across the country, college campuses are flourishing with diversity. From students of different races and ethnicities, to all men’s and all women's colleges turning coeducational, to members of the LGBTQ community becoming more visible, it’s important for different backgrounds to have a safe place—a place where they not only feel at home but where they can celebrate and share their culture too. Clubs are the perfect environment to meet people who share the same interests as you, connect with people from similar backgrounds, or learn from those with different ones. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of these clubs on any campus. Most colleges have hundreds of clubs that cater to any interest. Here are just a few with chapters found at colleges and universities across the country.
Black Student Alliance
From Virginia Tech to the University of Colorado Boulder, the Black Student Alliance is a club found at many colleges that promotes the unity of those in the black community. From poets and painters to public speakers, the BSA holds events and entertainment opportunities with representation for everyone in the black community.
Girl Up
Sorority life isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other opportunities to connect with other women and embrace female empowerment. With over 246 club leaders all over the world, Girl Up aims to promote health, education, and safety among women. They’ve even partnered with the UN to reach more women globally.
Chinese Students and Scholars Association
The Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) is a worldwide organization that aims to support Chinese students who are studying outside of China. The CSSA brings together Chinese students to provide support in their new environment as well as with school, work, and other parts of daily life. The association holds events celebrating Chinese culture on many different campuses.
Related: 4 Ways You Bring Culture and Diversity to Your College
Muslim Students Association
This organization is made up of Muslim students who are raising awareness for their culture. They want to educate and empower their members and bring a positive light to their culture and correct any wrong assumptions about them. The association's philosophy is backed by love and a desire to spread Islamic culture.
The Prism Society
The Prism Society is an organization for the support of the LGBTQ community. Its primary function on campus is to encourage acceptance and safety among the community. Off campus, the society is run by the True Colors Fund. Their main goal is helping homeless LGBTQ youth get off the streets and into a safe environment. On campus, the society does plenty of volunteer work to raise funds for the cause.
Latino Student Association
The Latino Student Association was created to unify students on college campuses with a Latino background. It also provides many volunteer opportunities to help students ingrain themselves into the community. They facilitate events centered around Latin culture to educate the community on what it means to be Latino.
Society for Advancement of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans in Science
SACNAS is an organization for Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans who plan to pursue a career in science. The society aims to bring a more innovative face to the science world through mentoring and weaving cultures together. The group works as an advocate to gain more representation of minorities working in STEM.
Gay-Straight Alliance
As one of the most well-known clubs in high school, the GSA also has a place in colleges. As a group fighting for tolerance and acceptance, they have created a safe environment for any member of the LGBTQ community. The organization provides support for students who are struggling with their identity and even has specialized help for supporting students of color in the LGBTQ community. People who don’t identify as LGBTQ also have a place in the club to connect with others and become more educated.
Related: What Cultural Organizations Are Available in College?
Not every campus will have the exact club or organization on this list, but there’s almost a guarantee your college will have a group that fits who you are—anything from your ethnicity to your sexual identity to your religion. Even if you don’t fit into a specific category, many clubs are open to accepting any member who wants to appreciate and learn.
If there’s a specific club that your college doesn’t have, you may be interested in opening a chapter of the organization at your school. Contact your college or university’s student government or Student Life Office for information on how to do it!
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