About
Empowering STEM Success at Every Stage
Here at PEER & WISE, we focus on setting students up for success, making sure that they feel right at home and supported throughout their academic journey. Our outreach programs for middle and high school students provide early exposure to STEM opportunities and college preparation, creating a smooth pathway to higher education. While at Clemson, our students are encouraged to dive in and make the most of all the amazing opportunities waiting for them - from life coaching to mentorship.
Our passion is to help students excel in STEM and welcome new ideas. Let's make magic happen together!
- 100%
PEER/WISE EXPERIENCE RETENTION
- 450+
PEER MENTORING USERS
- 30+
YEARS OF STEM EXCELENCE
Historical Difference
A Legacy of STEM Student Success
For over three decades, PEER & WISE has stood at the forefront of STEM student retention and success at Clemson University. The journey began in 1987 with the establishment of Programs for Educational Enrichment & Retention (PEER), a pioneering initiative created to increase retention rates among students in the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by engineering students, PEER introduced innovative support systems, including peer mentoring, academic resources, and professional development opportunities that quickly demonstrated a significant impact on student persistence and achievement.
Building on this success, the Women In Science & Engineering (WISE) program was founded in 1995 to address the specific needs of female students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. WISE created targeted programming to support their academic journey and foster a sense of community in these fields. Through mentorship, networking opportunities, and tailored resources, WISE helped generations of women excel in their chosen STEM careers.
In 2016, these two complementary programs merged to form PEER & WISE, creating a unified and comprehensive support system that leverages the strengths and experiences of both original initiatives.
This strategic integration allowed for more efficient resource allocation while expanding services to reach more students across the College of Science and the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. Today, PEER & WISE continues this rich legacy of promoting academic excellence and professional development, building on 30 years of experience and innovation in supporting STEM student success at Clemson University.
“What PEER WISE gave me was more than just academic support—it gave me a network of people who truly cared about my success, both personally and professionally. It’s a lifelong relationship.”
Ilerioluwa “Olu” DosunmuIndustrial Engineering, B.S. '24
