U-M Students

“I was looking for a place where I could feel safe, included, and supported. WISE became that space for me. It was the first organization that helped me transition into college life, surrounded by genuinely inclusive and kind people. Through WISE, I found collaborative opportunities, connected with a supportive group of ambassadors, and ultimately discovered a place where I truly belonged on campus.”

-A WISE Mentor Majoring in Computer Science & Engineering

Six WISE students stand together holding up hand painted tote bags made at a WISE Night In Event.

GROWING THE WISE COMMUNITY

WISE Community Meetings

Monthly, WISE brings together STEM students for a Mentor led professional development session and small group, informal conversations. Community meetings are a great place to meet folks who might be in your classes (or have taken those classes), learn something new, and relax. Topics for the professional development sessions have ranged from finances & investing to study skills. 

WISE Nights In

Twice a month, WISE Mentors host an informal “dinner party.” We provide the dinner and the crafting supplies (and puzzles and board games), and you bring your creativity. Each event begins with a brief activity so you can get to know the other attendees and then you’ve got time to paint a tote bag, decorate a cookie, or sit and chat with other STEM students.

Two attendees decorate cookies together at a WISE Night In event.

EMPOWERING STUDENT SUCCESS: Academic Success

Close-up of a decorated graduation cap reading "2026 Electrical Engineer," decorated with a circuit-board design, a Michigan block M, and the phrase "She believed she could so she did," worn at commencement.

Thriving in STEM

To support undergraduate students taking STEM courses, WISE co-sponsors the “Thriving in STEM” series, in partnership with the Newnan Advising Center and the Science Learning Center. The series includes workshops on study skills and motivation as well as panels to learn about the process for pursuing a graduate degree in STEM or applying to medical school and other health professions degree programs. 

Write Here, Write Now

For graduate students, we know getting a handle on your writing projects can be a challenge. WISE hosts “Write Here, Write Now,” for students (and others) to carve out time every other week to move those projects forward. At the beginning of each session, participants spend a few minutes talking to a partner about their plan for the next hour (or so) of writing, before they jump into their project. We provide coffee, snacks, a quiet workspace, and some very light structure to help participants get that paper or chapter closer to the finish line.

EMPOWERING STUDENT SUCCESS: Career Readiness

WISE & Shines

WISE & Shine events connect U-M students with alumni and other professionals in STEM industries, so that students can learn about the varied career paths STEM professionals take. These informal events give students an opportunity to ask questions they might be nervous to ask in other contexts and get candid answers in response. WISE has featured professionals from the medical field, biotech, and the pharmaceutical industry.

Sophomore Career Prep Bootcamp

Launching in January 2027, the Sophomore Career Prep Bootcamp is a two-day program for students to learn about and prepare for applying for STEM jobs. Before the rush of the semester, U-M students entering their fourth or fifth semester of college will be able to reflect on what kinds of jobs and work environments will help them thrive and grow as a STEM professional. Participants will learn from alumni, U-M staff, and more senior students about what kinds of STEM jobs might be right for them and how to find those jobs. 

WISE students pose with the Pfizer team after a WISE & Shine panel featuring Pfizer; one shirt reads "Courage. Excellence. Equity. Joy."

SUPPORT FOR STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Ways to Partner with Us

To help your organization reach its goals, WISE can

Present to your leadership team on supporting gender equity in STEM 

Promote your organization and events in our newsletter

Co-host community building events that support a sense of belonging for your members

Provide professional development workshops on topics like building mentor networks, science communication, and applying to grad school

Host meetings or events in the WISE classroom

Funding Opportunities

Planning a program, event, or service that advances gender equity in STEM at U-M? Apply for funding to help make it happen.

$500

available per eligible program, on a rolling basis

All WISE funded programs must be open to all U-M community members regardless of sex, gender, or gender identity and must comply with University of Michigan policy and applicable law. Additional details available on the application.

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