For undergraduate students at UC Santa Barbara, pursuing a STEM degree can be as demanding as it is inspiring — particularly for women and gender minorities navigating fields where representation remains uneven. In that environment, mentorship and meaningful connection are more than helpful; they are critical to persistence, confidence, and long-term success. The Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE) Mentorship Program at UCSB was designed with that reality in mind, creating an early sense of belonging that helps undergraduates not only find their footing, but stay and thrive in STEM. At its core, the program begins with something simple but powerful: connection.

During the program’s 2026 kickoff event this winter, students were welcomed into an environment designed to make those first connections meaningful. Rather than facing their academic paths alone, undergraduates were placed into small “families” to provide them access to a built-in network, one where questions, uncertainties, and ambitions could be shared openly. 

“We put students into families that have two or three mentors in the group,” said Ella Evenson, co-vice president and the WiSE mentorship program lead. “In contrast to one-on-one pairings, these family groups are organized by field of study and provide students access to a wider circle of peers and mentors they can turn to throughout their time at UCSB.” 

From the outset, the event, which was attended by 57 mentees and 37 mentors, was designed to give undergraduates both immediate and lasting value. Through informal conversations and structured introductions, students gained insight into coursework, research opportunities, and career pathways — often from mentors who had recently navigated those same decisions.

For Youjia He, a second-year mechanical engineering student, the experience translated directly into academic and professional growth. 

“I gained valuable insight and thoughtful feedback on my research statements, which significantly strengthened my applications to undergraduate research programs,” said He. “The program has also helped me build meaningful connections with graduate students in interdisciplinary fields, as well as fellow undergraduates on the same path as me.”

Students reflected on their goals and intentions during a time capsule activity at the event, responding to prompts about their future aspirations and recorded messages to revisit at the end of the program. The exercise helped students immediately take ownership of their journeys at UCSB, reinforcing a sense of purpose and accountability as they move through the year. 

These early moments of connection and reflection set the foundation for the broader WiSE Mentorship Program, which continues throughout the academic year. Led by graduate students, the program provides consistent mentorship.

“The program helps undergraduate students get guidance on everything from coursework and research to career planning and navigating challenges in demanding technical fields,” said Evenson, a bioengineering PhD student. 

Mentorship within the program is not one-directional. For graduate student mentors, it is also an opportunity for growth and leadership. 

“Through this process, I developed a more nuanced approach, and learned to meet students where they are, identify challenges, tailor support to fit individual needs, and guide them to appropriate campus resources,” said Emily Gemmill, a fourth-year PhD student in the Interdisciplinary Program in Quantitative Biosciences, and president of WiSE. 

The mentorship program is part of the broader WiSE organization at UCSB, which serves as a vital support network for women and gender minorities in STEM. Through workshops, networking events, career talks, and peer-led gatherings, WiSE creates spaces where students can build community, develop professionally, feel supported in fields where representation remains a challenge, and establish a foundation to succeed.