The mission of the Program for Women in Science and Engineering is to encourage women and girls of all ethnic backgrounds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, thereby enriching those professions through the full participation of women. PWSE collaborates with colleges and departments across the university to provide programs giving women the opportunity for exploration, professional development, and success in STEM fields.

The mission of PWSE is in congruence with the university’s mission to increase the diversity of the institution, by increasing the number of women in degree programs where they are traditionally under-represented. In support of the mission, PWSE has several key objectives that are used as benchmarks for measuring the success of the program. These objectives are as follows:

1. Increase the number and diversity of women pursuing STEM degrees.
2. Increase the number and diversity of women graduating in STEM fields.
3. Provide academic programming to support the educational success.
4. Facilitate the development of leadership and career enhancing skills.
5. Facilitate mentoring and networking opportunities.
6. Provide career exploration opportunities to young women statewide.
7. Provide financial assistance to women students through scholarships, employment, and internships.
8. Facilitate the involvement of women students within the larger academic community.