Student Support Proven Practices

Student support networks, mentoring and faculty support add up to retention of women in technology and science.

Student Support Collection

The Center for Women & Information Technology: Mentoring Tool Kit

  • This comprehensive guide to starting and maintaining a mentoring initiative will teach you how to create a vital program.

Download

Gender-Informed Mentoring Strategies for Women Engineering Scholars: On Establishing a Caring Community

  • For female students, mentoring can be critical to sticking with their engineering education. This article reviews the literature on successful mentoring programs and examines strategies such as peer-, multiple- and collective mentoring that may work for women.

Source:

Chesler, Naomi C., and Mark A. Chesler. "Gender-Informed Mentoring Strategies for Women Engineering Scholars: On Establishing a Caring Community," Journal of Engineering Education (2002):49-55. American Association for Engineering Education.

Download

Maximizing Retention for At-Risk Freshmen: The Bronx Community College Model

  • The mostly female student body at Bronx Community College is very low income; the majority of students qualify for financial aid. Short, intensive courses in basic skills combined with student support significantly improved their grades and retention.

Source:

Finkelstein, Jason A., "Maximizing Retention for At-Risk Freshmen: The Bronx Community College Model," 2002.

Download

Open Lab Time as a Strategy to Increase Female (and Male) Retention

  • El Camino College expanded lab time for their welding and electronics classes, enabling students to work on assignments while other classes are in session. This has benefited all students, but especially female students in introductory courses, who often need more time to learn lab tools and techniques. El Camino College is one of eight colleges that participated in IWITTS' NSF-funded CalWomenTech Project.

Download

Planning Role Model Visits and Field Trips to Inspire Girls in Technology, Science and Engineering

  • webinar_iconDr. Linda Kekelis and Jeri Countryman of Techbridge, an after-school and summer program designed to encourage girls in technology, science and engineering, discuss practical strategies and resources that will help teachers, Girl Scout Leaders and after-school program providers to conduct outreach.

    Please click here to access the webinar.

Retaining Undergraduate Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology: A Survey of a Student Organization

  • Fifty-one members of the Women in Technology club at Purdue University share their experiences. Find out what they gain from the club and what they need from faculty.

Source:

Wasburn, Mara H., and Susan G. Miller. "Retaining Undergraduate Women in Science, Engineering, and Technology: A Survey of a Student Organization," Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory and Practice 6(2):155-168 (2004-2005).

Download