New Women in STEM Mentorship program at College of DuPage helps bridge gaps for future leaders

With only 28% of women accounting for careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields, College of DuPage is working to combat this gender gap.

A new Women in STEM mentorship and networking program piloted this academic year by the college seeks to help future leaders develop the necessary skills to thrive in some of the fastest-growing careers.

Potential incoming students now have an opportunity to form a network of support with COD faculty as they explore their options for higher education and a career in STEM. Mentees also will discuss how to overcome challenges for women in STEM, find the best suited field and learn about optimal ways to navigate college life.

"Women are underrepresented in STEM fields and face challenges in pursuing their dreams," said Sara Spaniol, COD STEM Outreach Coordinator and Chemistry adjunct professor. "Providing this network of support is a fantastic opportunity for all of us to invest in their success in their educational and career goals."

In the initial year of the Women in STEM Mentorship program, four women faculty members across science and math disciplines have mentored a total of eight female mentees, who are currently in high school.

COD Mathematics Professor Erica Hotsinpiller has mentored two students through the program: High school juniors Milagros Mendez and Zoha Ahmed.

Hotsinpiller said she has enjoyed getting to know her mentees through monthly meetings and providing them with a safe space for dialogue surrounding their experiences as high school students, and their aspirations and goals for the future.

"I was motivated to participate in this program because I was once a high school student who was interested in pursuing a career in STEM but lacked direction. I was pressured into choosing a major without really knowing what it would entail," she said. "I wish I would've had a mentor who could answer questions, provide support and serve as a role model. My goal as a mentor is to provide the support to my mentees from which I would have once benefitted."

Hotsinpiller said she has been able to connect Mendez and Ahmed with COD alumnae with STEM careers who were able to tell the students more about what it's like to work in a STEM field and the paths they have taken through their college and professional career years. She also helped the students become comfortable with navigating college websites and exploring programs of study, admission requirements, college applications processes and scholarship searches.

Ahmed said she has enjoyed getting to know people who work in STEM fields and the mentorship helped her examine her career options.

"I feel like it gave me a better insight on possible STEM backgrounds I could go into, and I was able to hear some really interesting stories," she said. "I came into this program not really sure if I fully wanted to pursue a career in STEM, but now I know I want to."

Ahmed said Hotsinpiller also has been able to encourage her through the challenges involved in junior year of high school.

Mendez said her favorite part of participating in the program has been getting to learn from Hotsinpiller.

"She's a very sweet and caring individual. I love her fun personality and she is very helpful," she said.

Mendez, who plans to major in computer science, said she feels more comfortable choosing her major since she has learned what classes are involved.

She said that while her goals haven't changed through the program, her motivation has doubled thanks to Hotsinpiller's advice and kind words. Mendez said she also has more confidence about applying for college and more motivated to work toward her goals.

"The COD community should never be afraid to reach out for help, academically or socially," she said. "The program has been a great experience with the incredible staff of the program. This program has shown that the college really does care about their students. It was a great decision of mine to apply to this extraordinary program."

Learn more at cod.edu/stem.