Clemson University’s Programs for Educational Enrichment and Retention (founded in 1987) and the Women in Science and Engineering program (founded in 1995) have been a vital part of the success of students in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The PEER & WISE program aims to educate, recruit, and retain underrepresented populations in STEM while giving them a place where all feel welcome. PEER & WISE, housed in Freeman Hall, is often buzzing with the laughter and conversations of students and faculty. This program works with multiple other organizations and groups to provide opportunities for the success of Clemson University students and outreach for the next generation of scholars in STEM. With a host of programs, outreach, and camps, PEER & WISE provides students of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds with a network of current and future STEM professionals.
In the words of student office assistant Skyler Holland, “PEER & WISE is why I chose engineering at Clemson. Being a part of this program has shaped my time here and provided me with unforgettable memories and friendships.” The PEER & WISE Program not only provides enrichment in the form of mentoring, tutoring, and study halls, but it also gives students a chance to build relations with others with similar backgrounds and interests. Our mentoring program is a defining pillar of what we do in PEER & WISE. We work especially hard to connect incoming first-year and transfer students with upper-level students in the College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences. Since the fall of 2020, 1,315 mentees have been assigned to 62 PEER & WISE mentors, and these mentors have logged more than 6,000 hours of activities and engagements with their mentees. Through programs such as these, PEER & WISE plans to accomplish its goal of increasing retention and raising the grade point averages and graduation rates of students from historically underrepresented populations.
PEER & WISE is where everyone who walks through the door is viewed as family, and we would love to extend a welcoming hand to anyone interested in learning more!
Authors: Skyler Holland and Stephan Terry
