Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE)
>> The WiSE program seeks to advance the participation of
girls and women in STEM fields at all levels through community outreach
and professional development activities. The WiSE program was
implemented in January 2001 and was, at that time, the only
female-focused organization for science and engineering majors on
campus. Since then, WiSE has filled a distinct niche in the
Colleges of Engineering and Science.
WiSE members are selected each semester to receive an academic stipend
of $500. Students must have a 2.5 GPA, be enrolled full-time, be
a science or engineering major, and demonstrate an interest in
community service. Currently, an average of 25 stipends is
awarded each semester.
Each year, WiSE members plan and/or participate in community and
university activities. All outreach activities are science or
engineering-focused and directed towards females in the K-12 grade
levels.
The primary
outreach activities include the Expanding Your HorizonsTM in Science
and Math Conference (EYH), a national conference that promotes STEM
careers to middle school girls through hands-on science and engineering
workshops, the Girl Power conference, and the
Mother-Daughter/Father-Son Open House.
>> To date, WiSE has awarded 250 stipends to undergraduate
members, most of whom have been members for several semesters.
Most are still at UTEP pursuing a degree in science or engineering; 45
of the past members have graduated. Approximately a third of the
women who have graduated are currently enrolled in a graduate or
professional program.