GEM-SET

WISE Transitions is funded by an Illinois Board of Higher Education HECA Grant FY2006

Goal: The goal of the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Transitions program is to increase the participation of young women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education through improved outreach to potential STEM students at points of transition in their life. The transition times between junior high and senior high, senior high and community college, and community college and a baccalaureate program are all marked by exploration and growth. WISE Transitions will open up the opportunity for students to benefit from informal and formal career mentoring to optimize the exploration and growth of women interested in STEM. This proposed project employs multiple yet integrated strategies for engaging and retaining girls’ and young women’s interest in STEM, while building their confidence in math, science, and technology using techniques based in feminist theory and practice where girls’ voices are nurtured and valued (Denner, 2005).

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

Establish a WISE Transitions advisory council with representatives from each institution that will build on an established mentoring program for female students at the senior high and community college level. The council members will share resources to improve communication and therefore improve services to the target population.
Increase target students’ awareness of STEM career options and their benefits;
Increase the number of senior high female students that participate in Camp Ingenuity for Young Women hosted by College of DuPage;
Improve the retention rate for female students from the College of DuPage who transfer to UIC STEM departments by providing ongoing mentoring and community building.

When are the WISE Transition programs?:
Click here for more information.

For more information contact:
Sarah Shirk at GEM-SET@uic.edu
or call (312)413-1636.