Why not reach for the stars?

Why does diversity matter?

“Engineering is a profoundly creative profession and without the diversity of life experiences for those who practice engineering, our society loses an opportunity cost in products not built, designs not considered, constraints not understood, and in processes not invented.”

William Wulf, former President of the National Academy of Engineering & Board member of the Anita Borg Institute

Why a Mentor Program for Women?

46.7% of the U.S. workforce is female

11% of the engineering workforce is female

www.nsf.gov/statistics/wmpd/

Female Enrollments in EngineeringDegree 2010 RPI 2010 NationalBachelors 24% 18.6%Masters 15% 21.8%Doctoral 20% 22.8%

Rensselaer Registrar’s Official Fifth Week StatisticsASEE’s 2010 Engineering by the Numbers

RPI Engineering this fall:

•28% first year undergrads are female•25% undergraduates are female•25% first year graduate students are female•20% graduate students are female

Community= Persistence

2002 Goodman Study indicated community helped women in STEM fields to persist in completion of academic degrees

Community provides…

Critical mass NetworksSupport systems InformationFriendship

What is mentoring?

A power-free, two-way mutually beneficial learning situation in which the mentor provides advice, shares knowledge and experiences, and teaches using a low pressure, self-discovery approach.

Starcevich, Matt, 1999, “Coach, Mentor: Is There a Difference?” www.coachingandmentoring.com

Invite participation…

Mentors• 2.5 or greater GPA • Commitment• Receive training • Guidelines/packet• Initiate contact w/ mentee• Communicate/engage• Network• Coach• Partnership• Self-reflection

Mentees• Recognize benefits• Choose match category• Match letter + guidelines• Goal setting• Responsive• Commitment• Engage• Network• Partnership• Pay it forward

Set Goals…then Go for It!• First year goals• Strategies • Brainstorm• Try it out• Reflect• Be authentic• Communicate successes and failures• Be a good listener• Ask for advice• Cast a wider net • Support others

Network…attend socials and conferences!

Stay engaged!

• Use social networks to stay connected

• Join professional societies

Develop a Mentor Network!

Rachel Gitajn ‘05

Tracy Mack-Askew ‘98

Questions?