Peer Mentoring Program

WISP's Peer Mentor Program was initiated by two rising junior science majors in 1992 who identified the need and desire to share information and advice with younger students in science, math and engineering. This student directed program has grown and developed over the years and has now touched the lives of close to 1500 Dartmouth women.

"My mentor gave me a lot of advice on courses to take and when to take them--that was extremely helpful!" - Mentee

Through peer mentoring, a first year student gets matched with an upper class student based on mutual interests in science, math, and engineering. Peer mentors provide a network of support where first year students get to know upper class, science-oriented women who can offer guidance and advice concerning classes, majors, and how to balance work and fun.

"I was amazed at how much our interests matched and how much really useful encouraging, comforting information she could give me. I realize that this was no coincidence and a result of a very careful match ups that WISP is responsible for." - Student '05

With input from the Peer Mentor Program student program coordinator, WISP arranges group training and "enrichment" activities throughout the year to foster greater networking and community building beyond the mentor/mentee relationship. For example, over 100 participants attended this year's kickoff event which featured carrot cake and cider and remarks from two Dartmouth women science faculty recounting their own career pathways and how mentors ­male and female--helped them along the way.

"My mentor was great, we got along really well, and it was nice to have someone interested in the same things I am, talk about majors and classes and other fun stuff. I am glad I got to meet her - that was the most valuable aspect." - Mentee

"My mentor gave me important information on dropping classes and extra curricular science activity and volunteer programs." - Mentee

Other programs offered in the past have included: a Learning Strategies Workshop for Women in Science; a workshop on the Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator to better understand personal learning styles and preferences; Career Services Orientation for Women in Science; Open Houses with graduate students; and even movie and massage nights prior to exams!

Despite their busy schedules and time constraints, close to 200 women participate in this program each year and most would choose to participate again. Many do so by being mentors during their upperclass years.

For more information on WISP's
Peer Mentor Program, contact the WISP office.