The mission of the Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT) is to increase the representation of women in engineering and information technology. One of the ways that CWIT fosters a supportive community for all women in ITE at UMBC is through our Affiliates Program. Piloted in 2009, the CWIT Affiliates Program extends the support we provide to CWIT Scholars to a select group of new freshman and transfer women (and men interested in increasing women’s representation in ITE). These support services include: academic and social activities, peer mentoring, freshman study groups, employer networking events, employer mentoring and much more...

What is CWIT?

The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT, pronounced "see-wit") is dedicated to increasing the representation of women in engineering and information technology (ITE) fields. Our program is designed to increase the academic and career success of women (and interested men) in the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT). The CWIT community is currently made up of approximately 90 students--45 CWIT Scholars, 25 SITE Scholars, and 20 CWIT Affiliates. All CWIT students enhance their success by participating in peer mentoring, freshman study groups, academic workshops, career/employer events, internships, undergraduate research, and volunteer and leadership opportunities. CWIT students support each other academically, socialize together and have fun!

Why Become A CWIT Affiliate?

If you are selected as an Affiliate, you will become part of an incredible network of students, faculty, staff, and employers who are interested in your success as a COEIT student and women in the ITE fields. You will be asked to commit to participating in events and activities during the year that will support your academic success and professional development. Being an Affiliate is about being an official part of the successful CWIT family.

Check out this Affiliates brochure for more information. Feel free to pass this on to others you think may be interested.

Benefits of Being A CWIT Affiliate

MAKE GREAT FRIENDS: As a CWIT Affiliate you will step into a vibrant community of approximately 60 incredible, fun, focused, involved, passionate, and successful ITE students. You will be able to participate in activities planned by the CWIT Student Organization, participate in campus activities together, or just hang out on the Learning Living Community (LLC) floor.
GET HELPUL INSIDER ADVICE FROM CURRENT STUDENTS: Affiliates are matched with a peer mentor - a knowledgeable upper-class student in the College of Engineering and IT. S/he will help you get adjusted to life as an ITE student and be available to help you find answers to questions about classes, getting great grades, and using campus services.
CONNECT TO INTERNSHIPS, RESEARCH, & JOB OPPORTUNITIES: CWIT coordinated events connect Affiliates with career information, undergraduate research opportunities, and employers. Affiliates interact with industry representatives, develop resumes, and learn how to successfully network to uncover opportunities.

Are YOU A Good Fit For The Affiliates Program?

We are looking for:
1. New freshman women (and interested men) who are pursuing degrees in: computer science, information systems, computer engineering, chemical and biochemical engineering, or mechanical engineering at UMBC.
2. New transfer students in those same majors.
3. Non-CWIT Scholar members of the CWIT Living Learning Community (LLC)

Affiliates Application Procedure

Step 1: Fill out this brief CWIT Affiliates Application. Call 410.455.2822 or email CWITAffiliates@umbc.edu for more information. DEADLINE: Friday, September 10, 2010.
Step 2: Once we receive your application you will be contacted to schedule a brief 20 minute phone interview with CWIT staff. During this conversation we hope to learn more about your goals and why you are interested in becoming an Affiliate.
If You Are Selected... We are looking for 10 new Affiliates for the 2010-2011 academic year. If you are selected, we will ask you to commit to being actively involved in CWIT activities for the upcoming year. Like our Scholars, you will develop a set of personalized goals, be assigned a peer and/or industry mentor, and begin participating in our CWIT community events and activities.

What other opportunities exist for women in COEIT to be involved with CWIT?

All women in the College of Engineering and Information Technology (COEIT) at UMBC are encouraged to become a "CWIT Friend". As a CWIT Friend, you will receive regular updates and invitations to participate in selected CWIT events and activities. No formal commitment is required -- simply email Dr. Susan Martin, susan@umbc.edu. But remember - the more you put in the more you will get out of your experience with CWIT.

To learn more about the Center for Women and Information Technology, please contact us at (410)-455-2822.