BE WiSE

The Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering (BE WiSE) program aims to engage female and female-identifying students in grades 7–12 with exciting STEM learning experiences in partnership with the region's research, industry and academic institutions. Our primary objective is to spark your interest in STEM by offering opportunities to interact with professionals, expanding your knowledge of STEM fields, and creating a community of young women interested in science through out-of-school activities. 

Through BE WiSE, you can participate in events designed to deepen your understanding of STEM fields. At these events, you will engage in hands-on activities, experiments and interactions with STEM professionals. You will meet successful women scientists who share their knowledge and passion about their experiences with science and engineering careers. We also offer events for high school members to encourage the selection of more courses in science and math. 

Our program is designed to sustain your interest and involvement in STEM through ongoing participation. With BE WiSE, you'll be part of a community of young women who share your passion for science and are excited to learn and grow together. 

Feel free to send BE WiSE-related questions at any time of the year.

Contact

Application

Applications open December 2, 2024. 

If you're interested in joining our community and exploring the exciting world of STEM, we invite you to apply to BE WiSE. Together, we can work toward creating a brighter future for women in science and engineering. The application deadline is February 28, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Learn More

Application Workshop

We are pleased to invite students in grades 7–8 from all over San Diego County and their families to participate in the BE WiSE Program Application Workshop. The workshop will be hosted virtually via Zoom on Monday, January 28, from 6–7 p.m. During this workshop, applicants will get the opportunity to brainstorm their essay submissions with the help of role models and mentors. We encourage you to reserve your spot today.

Sign Up

New Members

Upon acceptance into BE WiSE, female and female-identifying students will attend a welcome event to introduce them to science and the BE WiSE Program. Imagine 40 middle school girls in grades 7 and 8 exploring a scientific mystery adventure, including demonstrations, workshops and a hands-on project, all led by women who work in science every day. Each welcome event group is carefully assembled from different schools to encourage group bonding. 

Current Members

Follow-up activities sustain BE WiSE member interest! BE WiSE hosts more than 20 events each year for members in grades 8–12. Women scientists conduct workshops with BE WiSE girls investigating science phenomena and discussing opportunities in the fields of math, science and engineering. Past events have been held at UCSD School of Engineering, San Diego Supercomputer Center, General Atomics, Dow Chemical Company Laboratories, San Diego Nature Center in Chula Vista, Mount Laguna, and Mission Trails Regional Park. Legoland, Robotics Lab, Aquatic Adventures, Math for America, San Diego Sheriff’s Crime Lab, SIO Viz Lab, UCSD Plant Biology Lab, San Diego County Veterinarian Facility, USD Engineering, Hubbs Sea World Research Institute, Miramar College, Biogen Idec Community Lab, NOAA Southwest Fisheries, Genoptix, CareFusion and more.

Current members in grades 8–11 are invited to participate on the BE WiSE Botball Team each Spring. The team works for six weeks to meet a challenge for competition by building autonomous robots and programming them in C

Alumnae

Upon graduation from high school, BE WiSE members transition to alumnae status.  An alumnae reunion is held each summer, and attendees are invited to join the program as volunteers and role models.