About Women in Natural Sciences (WINS)
The Women in Natural Sciences program is a small learning community designed to cultivate, recruit, and retain high-achieving women in the College of Natural Sciences. By supporting women, specifically during their first year, WINS creates a community of scholars focused on scientific achievement at the university and beyond.
Students in WINS:
Gain automatic acceptance into the Freshman Research Initiative
Receive guaranteed seats in first-year science courses
Have access to a dedicated academic advisor
Have the opportunity to reside with their peers in a living-learning community
Enroll in a seminar exclusively tailored to their academic and career interests, including research and health professions
WINS Statistics
Retention in Science - Compared with similar peer groups, WINS students are more likely to remain at the College of Natural Sciences after their first year of school (92% vs. 72%)*
Academic Success - During their first year, WINS students are more likely to have at least a 3.0 GPA (86% vs. 62%)*
Timely graduation- Women in the WINS program are more likely to graduate in four years from the University (61% vs. 33%)*
*Data compiled by College of Natural Sciences Statistician
WINS also emphasizes community building at the University and beyond by creating opportunities for students to engage in meaningful volunteer and mentorship experiences in Austin and abroad. These activities range from engaging girls in science through programs such as GirlStart and Thinkery to shadowing doctors in Portugal.
One of our senior WINS students leads an activity at the Boys and Girls Club as part of Dr. Biberdorf’s Fun with Chemistry program.
This past summer some of our WINS traveled to Portugal as part of the Atlantis project. They had the opportunity to shadow doctors at a local hospital in order to learn more about healthcare systems outside the U.S.
Why WINS Needs Your Support
The College of Natural Sciences acknowledges a need for a program such as WINS to recognize its historically underserved female student population, and without philanthropic support this program will not be able to thrive. As enrollment of female students rises, there is a growing need for an expansion of WINS to accommodate extra students and to offer additional programming. However, WINS is currently operating at capacity (259 students) and is relying on donations in order to continue through this fiscal year.
How Your Gift Will Help
In order to build a lasting legacy for this program, WINS is seeking donations via this spring fundraiser. Gifts given to WINS will offset operational costs and allow the WINS program to expand its services to additional students, offer them new opportunities, and help better prepare these women for entering a male-dominated workforce. Specifically,
Transportation and supplies for WINS students to perform community service and outreach events
Registration to send WINS students to leadership conferences and seminars
Supplies to host weekly WINS seminars, as well as career-oriented and networking events
Additional funding would also help create scholarship opportunities for WINS students.
WINS Class of 2021 and WINS Program Assistants at the WINS Holiday Banquet
Supporting WINS is a Win-Win!
The WINS program and its students are grateful for your support. Gifts of any size will help offset costs and elevate the program. By making your gift today, you will be supporting women in STEM and advancing future female scientists!
For more information on WINS, please visit the WINS website or contact Elizabeth Morgan, the WINS Program Coordinator. Follow WINS on Instagram at @utwinsprogram.
For additional funding opportunities, please contact Marsha Reardon at the College of Natural Sciences External Relations Office.