ABOUT THE
BE WISE INITIATIVE
The Be W.I.S.E Initiative is a 501 (c)3 Non-profit Organization, that works to create the 21st Century STEM workforce by providing equitable education.
MISSION & HISTORY.
The Be W.I.S.E Initiative’s mission is to provide equitable access to STEM education and empower the scientists, engineers, and leaders of tomorrow. We implement hands-on curriculum to teach science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in after school programs, demonstrating multidisciplinary concepts in an effort to spark an early interest in science and engineering within our students. Striving to relate science to student’s everyday experiences, we offer individualized activities which encourage personal exploration and familiarize students with topics in fields from neuroscience to civil engineering.
We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by students, for students. We believe that student-organized STEM education offers a unique opportunity to promote engagement, advocacy, and service within the community, all while increasing the visibility of mentors for younger students. W.I.S.E was founded out of the Olentangy City School District by Ashwin Rajkumar, an aspiring aerospace engineer and continued champion of diversity in STEM fields. As a high-school junior, Ashwin recognized the global lack of female representation in science and engineering and sought to take action to address it in his own community. Ashwin created the My W.I.S.E Kid program to teach elementary school students from his own alma-matter about fascinating science through interactive experiments. With the astounding success and enthusiasm for this program in his community, he rallied his peers into a larger volunteer effort and created The Be W.I.S.E Initiative to continue cultivating opportunities for students in Ohio to engage with STEM.
W.I.S.E now operates in over 36 schools across Central Ohio reaching over 1,000 students annually. Looking to engage and support students from a range of backgrounds, we currently offer the My W.I.S.E Kid after school program, the annual W.I.S.E Summer Camp, the FemSTEM Mentoring program, and W.I.S.E Kits. Each of these provides one-on-one experiences with STEM curriculum and connects students from kindergarten to college in an effort to promote science and engineering education in our community. Together, we have spun a supportive and diverse network of young scientists ready to tackle the problems of tomorrow.
STEM EDUCATION
CHALLENGES.
PARTNERS.
The Be W.I.S.E Initiative is grateful for the invaluable support of all our partners who share our mission and vision to create the next generation STEM workforce. Their commitment helps provide hands-on learning, mentorship, and resources that inspire the next generation of innovators. Together, we are breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
