Giving Day 2021

Mission Statement 

The overarching goal of Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) is to advance women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields both in percentage and position, in the face of historical, present, and future challenges. To achieve this goal, WiSE uses a strategy of recruitment and retention: We seek to increase the participation of women in STEM fields, as well as to enable the advancement and success of women in these fields. WiSE is run by graduate students and welcomes the participation of undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, and professionals in STEM of all genders and identities. We encourage our members to engage in mentorship, networking, and outreach, and to participate in seminars and discussions that further learning and increase scientific literacy in our community. This enables members to interact with each other and the community at large, and fosters a dynamic of reciprocity and support for the members of WiSE.

History 

The Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) program was originally run by the Graduate Division until June 2009, when budget cuts forced the transition of the program into a student-run group. A group of five women - graduate students and postdocs - volunteered to organize events and meetings with the aim of retaining and recruiting women in STEM fields. The Graduate Division generously offered to provide funding for WiSE events. WiSE kept the tradition of holding luncheons and panels to discuss topics relevant to women seeking a career in STEM, and introduced new events to foster interaction between members and create community. We have also aimed to provide professional development opportunities that are not traditionally offered by departments, as well as provide outreach to the community to recruit young students into STEM fields. We are going strong after 10 years and are always expanding our programs, thanks to supporters like you! 

Where will your money go? 

Your donation will go to support the many programs and activities organized by WiSE. This includes activities open to everyone in Santa Cruz and our neighboring communities, such as demonstrations at local K-12 schools, workshops and events hosted at the UC Santa Cruz campus, and our Science on Tap lecture series. Donations will also support events for UCSC students and employees. These activities include workshops that impart skills and knowledge to empower women to succeed in STEM fields, with topics such as career development and implicit bias. This also includes our reading group, WiSE Up, that fosters discussions about how race, gender, and socioeconomic status factor into professional interactions. Donations received will also fund our Science Impacting Society program, which aims to combat the gender gap in STEM fields by bringing middle school students to campus to meet inspiring researchers, do hands-on science activities, and receive laboratory tours. Finally, these funds will provide us the opportunity to develop new programs that will help us reach our ultimate goal of empowering women and underrepresented groups in STEM! 

Thank you!

Follow us on social media

Facebook: UCSC Women in Science and Engineering https://www.facebook.com/wiseucsc
Twitter: WiSE UCSC https://twitter.com/wiseucsc
Instagram: @wiseucsc https://www.instagram.com/wiseucsc/?hl=en