About
Empowering STEM Success at Every Stage
Here at PEER, 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 EXPERIENCE RETENTION
- 450+
PEER MENTORING USERS
- 30+
YEARS OF STEM EXCELENCE
Historical Difference
A Legacy of STEM Student Success
For over three decades, PEER has stood at the forefront of STEM student retention and success at Clemson University. The journey began in 1987 with the establishment of 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 WISE student services program was founded in 1995 to address the specific needs of incoming students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. WISE created targeted programming to further support students academic journey and foster a sense of community in these fields. Through mentorship, networking opportunities, and tailored resources, WISE helped generations of students excel in their chosen STEM careers.
These two complementary programs merged to form a unified, comprehensive support system that leverages the strengths and experiences of both original initiatives to serve all students.
As our programs have grown and evolved, so has the way we support students. What began as several distinct initiatives has become a connected network of mentoring, tutoring, academic support, outreach, life coaching, and student success services that work together to help students thrive throughout their Clemson journey. To better reflect that unified approach, we are bringing our programs together under the original name that started it all: PEER (Programs for Educational Enrichment and Retention). This transition is more than a name change; it represents a streamlined identity that makes it easier for students, families, faculty, and partners to recognize the full range of resources available through one cohesive department. Whether students are seeking academic support, professional development, community, or guidance, PEER serves as a central hub dedicated to their success. While our name has evolved, our mission remains unchanged. PEER is committed to empowering students across the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences by providing the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to persist, graduate, and excel as future engineers, computing professionals, and applied scientists.
One name. One connected support system. The same unwavering commitment to student success.
“What PEER 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
