San Diego, CA— The Fleet Science Center is now accepting applications for the Better Education for Women in Science and Engineering (BE WiSE) program through February 12.  

This free program engages female and female-identifying students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning experiences in collaboration with San Diego-area research, industry and academic institutions. BE WiSE sparks interest in STEM through interactions with women STEM professionals, increases the participants’ opportunities in and knowledge of STEM fields, and develops a community engaged in science learning throughout middle and high school—and beyond.  

The goal of the BE WiSE program is to engage girls in free STEM learning experiences through real STEM-related work, situations and hands-on learning. Once accepted into the program, participants will interact with successful women in STEM-related careers while attending workshops at STEM companies, local universities and research facilities. 

The vast network of BE WiSE alumnae, mentors and role models also help the younger BE WiSE cohorts develop can-do attitudes. “BE WiSE granted me the permission to remain confident in myself through all adversities, especially in the science field. The tenacious, yet compassionate, females leading the workshops provided incredible examples and endless knowledge of their fields,” says BE WiSE alumna Kamden Maas. She now holds a bachelor of science degree in biotechnology and a master’s degree in business administration, which she believes will help her achieve her goal of eventually owning her own biotech firm. 

Female and female-identifying seventh and eighth graders can now apply for BE WiSE through Sunday, February 12, no extensions.  

Middle school is an ideal time for students to develop their interests in STEM further, according to Colette Rossow, who joined the 2021 BE WiSE cohort. As a middle-schooler, she was often told to wait until high school or college to explore her STEM aspirations, she says. But BE WiSE let her see her potential. “I am not only able to learn more about science with other middle and high school students, but I also get to hear from scientists who have gone through similar experiences when they were younger and were able to continue and make positive changes in the world. Hearing those speakers makes me even more excited for the positive changes I can make.”  

Applications submitted must include a teacher or mentor recommendation and a personal essay. Once accepted, BE WiSE cohort members will attend a welcome event and orientation as their first activity and will be invited to STEM workshops throughout the year. 

Last year, the Fleet Science Center accepted 105 girls into BE WiSE and hosted 48 events throughout the year. Currently, there are 715 participants in the BE WiSE program in six different cohorts.  

For more information on the Fleet's BE WiSE program, visit www.fleetscience.org/bewise. 

What: The Fleet Science Center is now accepting applications from female and female-identifying seventh and eighth graders to be a part of the BE WiSE program. 

When: Applications are now being accepted through Sunday, February 12, no extensions. Applications will be reviewed, and acceptance announcements will be will be made by March 25, 2023. 

Where: To apply and for more information: www.fleetscience.org/application 

Why: The BE WiSE program aims to engage female and female-identifying participants in free STEM learning experiences through STEM-related work, situations, and hands-on learning while working alongside STEM professionals, motivating the next generation of female and female-identifying scientists to pursue STEM careers.   

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About the Fleet Science Center: 

The Fleet Science Center connects people of all ages to the possibilities and power of science to create a better future. At the science center, you can explore and investigate more than 100 interactive exhibits that pique your curiosity and become immersed in an IMAX film adventure that shows the wonders of the planet--and beyond--in the Eugene Heikoff and Marilyn Jacobs Heikoff Giant Dome Theater. For young science enthusiasts, the Fleet offers science workshops both at the Fleet and at schools throughout San Diego County. For adults, we offer events like Suds & Science and Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar™ at locations all over San Diego. We support communities by leveraging science resources to meet local needs. Teachers are encouraged to join our Teacher Partner Program and take advantage of our professional development opportunities. Additionally, at the Fleet Science Center, visitors will find unique educational toys and games, books, IMAX DVDs and more in the North Star Science Store, and pizzas, sandwiches, salads and healthy treats in our Craveology cafe. Located in Balboa Park, at 1875 El Prado, two blocks south of the San Diego Zoo on Park Blvd., the Fleet is San Diego's science center. Science starts here and opens a world of possibility. For information regarding current admission prices, visit our website at fleetscience.org. 

About Balboa Park: 

Located near downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urbancultural park in the United States. First established by the City of San Diego in 1868, it is also one of the oldest city parks in the nation and is the most visited single destination in San Diego. Its 1,200 acres include 17 museums, many gardens and attractions, the San Diego Zoo, miles of hiking trails, and multiple athletic complexes to explore and discover. For more information, visit balboapark.org.