About SWE
Why SWE?
Women in engineering are still a minority. At the Columbia University Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, only about 30% of the students are female. Being involved with Columbia SWE is a great way to meet other engineering students and to learn about internships and career opportunities.
SWE Points- Come to SWE events (sign in) and earn points! Be active in SWE in any way and earn points. At the end of the year, the winners will be awarded prizes.
- Example of eligible point events/actions: Become a national member of SWE, attend the national conference, attend a SWE information session or panel, join a committee and attend committee meetings, participate in education outreach events
- SWE Points may also affect eligibility to run for SWE office in April
Top member with the most points – 2 Broadway tickets or iPod
Mission Statement
The Society of Women Engineers is a non-profit, educational, service organization dedicated to acknowledging the need for women engineers and encouraging young women to consider an engineering education. The society's mission is the following:
- Stimulate women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders.
- Expand the image of the engineering profession as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and
- Demonstrate the value of diversity.
SWE History
The national Society of Women Engineers was formed on May 27, 1950 by women engineers from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.. The Columbia University section of SWE was founded in 1981.
SWE Structure
SWE sections are divided into ten geographic regions throughout the country. Columbia SWE belongs to Region E, which consists of fifty-three student sections from university in New York, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Mayland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Eastern Pennsylvania.
Membership
To become a member of the national Society of Women Engineers, you can visit the SWE website at www.swe.org and apply. A student member of SWE is an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in engineering or any science or technology program at a recognized college or university. There are many advantages to becoming a member of national SWE. Not only will you be able to attend the annual student conference, but you also have the opportunity to apply to various SWE scholarships and career opportunities. You can learn more about everything SWE national has to offer by visiting the website.
Columbia SWE
The Columbia University section of SWE works in conjunction with ESC, NSBE, SHPE, AASE, and other pre-professional societies to enhance the academic experience and promote unity at Columbia. Our chapter of SWE organizes several alumni, corporate, and community outreach events over the year, along with the Big Sib/Lil Sib Mentorship program that partners upperclassmen with underclassmen, as well as study breaks. Any Columbia University student who supports women in engineering and science is eligible to become a member of Columbia SWE and is encouraged to join. You do not have to be a member of national SWE to take part in Columbia SWE events, but we still strongly encourage everyone to apply for national SWE membership. Our website is at www.seas.columbia.edu/swe.
Please join our mailing list to receive information on upcoming events.