The Program for Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) was founded in 1986 by a group of Iowa State University faculty and staff concerned about the underrepresentation and underutilization of women in science and engineering.  WISE reports to the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost and supports students in four colleges: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Human Sciences, and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

WiSE provides:

  • Outreach programs to over 9,000 K-12 students to create awareness and enthusiasm about pursuing STEM careers

  • First-Year Experience and Transfer Experience as well as programming for undergraduate women in STEM majors

  • Opportunities for prospective students (from high school, community colleges, or other institutions) to connect with women pursuing STEM degrees 

  • Opportunities for alumnae, professionals, and businesses to 'give back' and support the mission of WiSE via their time, talent and resources

  • Support for faculty and staff across the university in their efforts to increase the participation and sucesss of women in their college or departments

2016-17 WiSE Staff

Points of Pride:

  • Over 65,000 girls, parents and educators have participated in our Taking the Road Less Traveled Career Conferences for girls since 1987

  • Over 3,500 women have participated in WiSE residential learning communities since 1995

  • Over 1.1 million dollars in scholarships have been awarded to undergraduate women in STEM majors since 1990

  • Over 46 STEM women have been featured in the Women Impacting ISU Calendar since 2006

  • Enrollment of women in STEM at ISU has increased from 1,819 in Fall 1986 to over 5,600 in 2016

  • WiSE hosted 1,074 research interns between 1987 and 2010

 

STEM Majors at ISU