About the WISE Program

Some time between kindergarten and junior high school an alarming number of female students lose interest in sciences and mathematics. As a result, the enrollment in mathematics and science courses at the high school level is significantly lower among females than males. The Manitoba Board of Education annual statistics for 1989 showed only 30% female registration in Grade 11 Physics. This statistic prompted the University of Manitobas Women in Science Committee members to found the Access Program for Women In Science and Engineering (WISE). WISE was formed with the hope of not only encouraging girls to study science at the high school level but to also pursue science in their post-secondary studies and careers as well.

The presenters for WISE educate their audiences (students K-S4) on the importance of having both genders equally represented in all professions and areas of study. Gender equity promotes a full spectrum of approaches to a subject of study, as well as to problem solving. Men and women have different ways of approaching scientific and engineering issues, with the best result being obtained with contributions from both genders. Students are also educated on the importance of women having a self-supporting career. Careers in engineering and science are promoted for their intellectual satisfaction, their ability to provide a comfortable income, their marketability in a wide range of economic conditions, and as having tremendous variety and flexibility in both career paths and environments of employment. The presentations encourage women to stay involved with mathematics and the sciences in high school and to consider engineering and science as possible career goals for the future.

Over the past 15 years WISE has employed over 50 science, engineering, and environment students as WISE coordinators. Our philosophy is to have the audience members able to relate directly to the presenter, both in age and life-experience. Every effort is made to ensure that there is an equal representation of Francophone and Anglophone, Engineering and Science students on staff. Annual employment for WISE has grown from two to fourteen staff, with coordinators typically remaining with the program for two to three years. The staff gains expertise in oral presentations and teaching, as well as providing a community service. We also try to have staff representing visible minorities and a variety of socio-economic backgrounds from rural as well as urban communities.

The day to day operations of the program are maintained by two full time staff, the Program Coordinator and the Program Administrator. The Program Coordinator, currently Ilene Blayden, is responsible for the day-to-day program management including liaison with schools and community groups, and scheduling. The Program Administrator is currently Colleen Flather. The Program Administrator is responsible for budgets, staff hiring and training, liaison with school divisions, program development, website, and funding initiatives. The coordinators work part time to give presentations in Winnipeg during the University school year, as their class schedules allow. During May and June the coordinators work full time and concentrate on presentations in rural Manitoba.