Why WISE?

Since the start of WISE (Women into Science, Engineering and Construction) in 1984, the female uptake in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) has nearly doubled to reach 14%. However, this figure has remained constant with no improvement for the past decade.

WISE is creating and supporting campaigns that aim to bring colour and relevance to STEM and highlight the range of opportunities young girls may choose to explore. We challenge traditional approaches in order to actively involve girls in these areas. A recent initiative is the series of WISE Mind Maps, drawn in a teenage-friendly, bright and dynamic style, which display the many possible career paths that could be followed in Engineering, Physics, Mobile Technology and the Natural World.

WISE has found that hands-on, interactive learning with real-life tasks is one of the key determining factors in changing the way girls view science and engineering. With this in mind, WISE works with industry and helps find sustainable ways of building engagement with girls. WISE has piloted two experiential engineering weeks for Year 10 girls with the Royal Navy and RAF, which have led to the mainstreaming of both.