The Wheaton Inclusive STEM Excellence (WISE) initiative aims to increase student engagement and enhance outcomes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). WISE is funded through a $1 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI).

The initial focus of the work involves creating opportunities to encourage broader participation in science education by all students, no matter their major. The WISE initiative also aims to promote student leadership in science and foster the development of professional skills to facilitate post-graduation success. Through this grant, Wheaton is actively:

  • Creating a campus-wide leadership team of faculty and staff to promote inclusive excellence in STEM education;
  • Providing professional development opportunities for STEM faculty to promote inclusive teaching methods and support for developing evidence-based curricular reform;
  • Involving student leaders in peer-to-peer mentoring and programming, and leadership training;
  • Providing on-campus student internship opportunities to develop, implement and evaluate initiatives designed to enhance engagement in the sciences; and
  • Launching an ongoing assessment plan to better understand students’ experiences in science education and measure progress.

WISE has established several other initiatives, including:

For more information about Wheaton Inclusive STEM Excellence contact us at [email protected].