Taking the Road Less Traveled Career Conferences

PWSE offers three (3) one-day conferences each fall and spring for girls in grades 6–12. The conferences introduce students to a wide range of career options in science, engineering, and technology. The students participate in seminars and hands-on sessions with scientists and engineers. Since 1986, over 38,000 young women from across the state of Iowa have participated in this program, along with over 3700 teachers and parents. Participants pay a nominal fee to help cover the cost of the program, with the remaining program costs being covered by donations from individuals, companies, and foundations. Funding is needed to cover the costs of food (lunch and break), materials, and audiovisual equipment needed to host the conference.
Annual external support needed: $10,000- $20,000


WiSE Getaway

The WiSE Getaway allowed High school seniors to experience a day in the life of a female science or engineering student. Seniors spend two days and nights with a Getaway host, (female undergraduate students serving as mentors). Getaway participants are given the opportunity to:
• explore the WiSE learning community, residence hall life, and Iowa State University
• attend classes
• meet other women in technical majors
• participate in hands-on team building activities
By emphasizing the student-centered learning community, students are introduced to a peer-network which helps eliminate the apprehension and isolation students feel when attending a large university. The Getaway does not only recruit potential Iowa State students to the WiSE Learning Community but assists current WiSE students by facilitating community building. Funding for the WiSE Getaway is needed to cover marketing, food, and supplies for activities.
Annual external support needed: $4,000


Summer Research Internships

Each summer The Program for Women in Science and Engineering at Iowa State University sponsors internships where students are matched with ISU scientists and engineers. Undergraduate interns work on a variety of projects to gain hands-on research experience under the supervision of ISU faculty and staff. In addition, they attend weekly seminars, write research reports and summarize their research in poster presentations. Since the program’s beginning in 1987, 942 interns have participated in the Iowa State University Summer Internship Program. Funding opportunities for this program include providing funds to cover stipends for participants, room & board for participants, and networking programming (such as panel luncheons and other social activities).
Annual external support for summer internship program needed: $40,000


Scholarships

PWSE began offering scholarships in 1988-89. Since that time scholarships totaling over $300,000 have been awarded. PWSE scholarships are used to supplement college and university scholarships in attracting and retaining high ability women students in science and engineering. Annual scholarships, in the amount of $1000 are awarded to students. In addition, PWSE has a few endowed scholarships.
Annual external support needed: $20,000


Student Role Model Program

The goal of this program is to excite K-12 grade students about science and engineering through their involvement in hands-on activities. Undergraduate students in science and engineering, serving as role models, go out to classrooms, community organizations, and after school/summer programs and lead students in hands-on activities related to science and engineering. A particular emphasis is to involve a high percentage of female and minority students in these programs. Over 3500, K-12 grade, students were served by this program during the academic year. Approximately 65% of the students reached are female and 15% are ethnic minority students. Funding is needed for salaries for student role models, travel, and materials to use in hands-on activities.
Annual external support needed: $25,000


WiSE Living and Learning Communities

The Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Living Option is a living and learning community for undergraduate women in science and engineering. The option, offered in conjunction with the ISU Department of Residence, places its participants on residence hall floors with other undergraduate women in science and engineering programs of study. Since its beginning in FY96, the WiSE program has grown from 52 women to serve nearly 300 students each year. A wide range of programming is offered to students participating in the WiSE living option, ranging from dinners with professors, industry visits, tutoring, big-sis/little-sis, seminars, and social activities. These programs are aimed at easing the transition to college and creating a successful environment for women students to succeed.
Annual external support needed: $20,000-$40,000


WiSE Learning Teams

An extension of the WiSE Living Option, the WiSE Learning Teams allow students to be clustered together in key entry-level classes. Members of learning teams live on the same halls and take at least two courses together. Students are supported by peer mentors, which are upper-class students with similar academic interests. Students meet regularly with their peer mentors for both group activities and individual discussions. At the present time, peer mentor stipends are provided by the Vice-Provost for Undergraduate Education. However, there is a need for funding to support the various group activities and tutor facilitated study sessions.
Annual external support needed: $10,000


General Programming

In addition to the above listed major initiatives, PWSE provides a variety of other programming to support women in science and engineering. PWSE offers programs such as organizing welcome picnics, mentoring by professionals, arranging speakers, maintaining a database of professional women in science and engineering who will serve as speakers/role models, collaborating with the Girl Scouts, developing web and e-mail resources, etc. These general programs are open to all students enrolled in engineering or science at Iowa State, not just those students choosing to live on the WiSE floors. These programs vary each year, to meet the demands and interests of the students PWSE serves.
Annual external support needed: $5,000-$10,000

Contacts for Program Support:

Karen Zunkel, Director
Program for Women in Science and Engineering
Iowa State University
218 Carver Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-2060
Phone: 515-294-0966
email: pwse@iastate.edu