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WiSTEM

Smiling student wearing safety glasses and gloves while holding a small glowing electronic device in a lab setting.

WiSTEM (Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is an Evanston Township High School (ETHS) student group that is open to all students. The Partnership Office team designed the space in collaboration with ETHS student leaders with support from Northwestern students and faculty to create a unique and dynamic intergenerational learning community.

WiSTEM meetings provide a platform for community and conversation by fostering a safe, supportive and encouraging environment for students. The ETHS student organization has grown from 10 to over 220 participants each year. Programming includes college student panels, guest speakers, shadow days, design challenges, outreach opportunities and special events.

WiSTEM provides an opportunity for many Northwestern University student organizations and laboratories to engage with young women in the pipeline. Partner organizations include: Digital Youth Network, Society of Women Engineers, Graduate Out in STEM, Girls Who Code, and the Baxter Center for Science Education.

WiENG (Women in Engineering), is a branch of WiSTEM that engages participants to explore design challenges in a safe, affirming environment. In this way, participants gain critical construction skills and build a portfolio of experiences. Students meet weekly to conduct in-depth, long-term engineering explorations. Weekly sessions include projects such as building soil batteries, designing underwater robots for competitions, and experimenting with conservation techniques like cochineal dyeing.

WiSTEM receives generous support from the Caitlin Westerfield WiSTEM Fund, which helps create more spaces that enable girls and women to discover, pursue, persist, and thrive in STEM—fostering curiosity, confidence, community, and celebration.

Read our full 2024 report here.

Contact: Kristen Perkins

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