Women’s Summer Program in Computing/
Engineering
(W-SPiCE)

The Women’s Summer Program in Computing/Engineering (W-SPiCE) initiative is designed to engage highly motivated DeMatteis students in learning more about companies in specialty areas related to computer science and engineering, with a focus on how innovative women have advanced in these fields.  Recognizing the underrepresentation of women leaders in the workforce in the fields of computer science and engineering, DeMatteis seeks to educate its students about opportunities after graduation for women to advance in this area. The program is designed to help engaged students learn in a supportive, inclusive environment and to develop leadership and communication skills necessary to enter the workforce with confidence.

W-SPiCE begins with a four-day winter session. First-year students take field trips with a faculty mentor to eight different companies, both in Manhattan and on Long Island, including plant tours that will expose them to the diversity of opportunities awaiting them after graduation. The program will engage and support participating students with mentoring, workshops, events, and resources.

• Limited to 20 first-year students
• Program runs the last week in January, Monday-Thursday
• Trips to eight local companies

The core of the program is offered in the summer and is available to female and male DeMatteis students who demonstrate strong academic credentials in the first-year curriculum and who have a demonstrated interest in learning and working in an inclusive, supportive environment that enables women, who are currently underrepresented in computing/engineering fields, to succeed. Selected participants will spend five weeks with faculty members in five distinct fields, immersed in study, lab activities, and design-related projects relevant to the high-tech companies they visit.

A $2,500 stipend will be awarded to all students who complete the program successfully.

• Invitation only based on GPA
• Limited to 15 first-year students
• Held over five weeks – late May through late June
• Program runs 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m-1 p.m. on Fridays. Lunch is included.
• Each week has a different hands-on workshop with a professor specialized in the discipline.

Why W-SPiCE?

1. Networking Experience
   • The W-SPiCE four-day winter session is all about meeting and interacting with professionals in the field. First-year students go on field trips with a faculty mentor to eight local companies, in Manhattan and on Long Island, meeting personnel from executives to new hires.
2. Exposure to Different Engineering Fields
   • The summer session allows selected participants to spend five weeks in five distinct fields of engineering and computer science, immersed in study, lab activities, and design-related projects. It’s a hands-on experience providing valuable insight into various disciplines taught by faculty experts. Areas of engineering study have included industrial, mechanical, environmental, civil and electrical, as well as computer science.
3. Stipend Awarded
   • A $2,500 stipend will be awarded to all students who complete the program successfully. These funds help offset the cost of summer housing and related expenses.