The Program for Women in Science and Engineering (PWSE) was founded in 1986 by a group of ISU faculty and staff concerned about the underrepresentation and underutilization of women in science and engineering. PWSE staff members collaborate with others on programming to increase the participation of women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.  PWSE reports to the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost and supports students in four colleges (Agriculture and Life Sciences, Engineering, Human Sciences and Liberal Arts and Sciences) in over 50 STEM majors.

PWSE provides:

• Outreach programs to 9000 K-12 students each year to create an awareness and enthusiasm about pursuing STEM  professions
• Learning Communities and support programming for undergraduate women enrolled at Iowa State who are pursuing STEM degrees. 
• Provides opportunities for prospective students (both from high schools and community colleges) to connect with Iowa State and women pursuing STEM degrees.
• Supports faculty/staff from across the university in their efforts to increase the participation and success of women in their colleges or departments. 
• Opportunities for alumni, professionals, business/industry to ‘give back’ and support the mission of PWSE via their time, talents, and resources.