Career Preparation Program

Undergraduate Program

Career Preparation Program

A certificate program supporting women in STEM and their allies through community, belonging, and structured career development.

The WiSE Career Preparation Program (CPP) is a certificate program that supports women in STEM and their allies of any race, sex, or gender by building community, fostering belonging, and providing structured career and professional development. CPP events are generally held once per month during the fall and spring semesters.

CPP is intended for students in STEM who self-identify as a woman, as well as students who ally themselves with the goal of maximizing inclusion within STEM fields. The certificate cohort is typically aimed at sophomores, juniors, and seniors, while community events are open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

One-year commitmentSmall stipend & certificateMonthly eventsNominations reviewed on a rolling basis

What you get

Key elements of the program

Professional development

Monthly activities and resources focused on professional skills, networking, career development, and community building. Attend a minimum of five to earn the certificate.

Portfolio feedback

Develop and receive feedback on an early portfolio package, including a resume, personal statement, and career plan.

Stipend & certificate

A small stipend, certificate award and a Syracuse University digital badge for a one-year commitment to the program.

Mentorship & connections

Connect with graduate students, postdocs, and faculty across STEM disciplines.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduates in STEM (of any sex, gender, or race) who demonstrate a commitment to supporting and advancing women in STEM. All applicants must major in a degree program within one of the following STEM schools and departments:

Architecture  •  Biology  •  Biomedical & Chemical Engineering  •  Chemistry  •  Civil & Environmental Engineering  •  Communication Sciences & Disorders  •  Earth & Environmental Sciences  •  Electrical Engineering & Computer Science  •  Exercise Science  •  Forensic Sciences  •  Information Studies  •  Mathematics  •  Mathematics Education  •  Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering  •  Nutrition Science  •  Physics  •  Psychology  •  Public Health

How to apply

Submit a nomination

Nominations may be submitted by faculty, mentors, former CPP/FPP associates, or students who wish to self-nominate. Most CPP applications are self-nominations. Please note that a limited number of applicants will be accepted.

Nominations for 2026-27 are open now and reviewed on a rolling basis through Friday, August 28, 2026.

Submit a nomination Download the flyer

Please submit the nomination form only once. If you are self-nominating, complete the form yourself. If someone is nominating you, send them your resume and a brief statement about yourself and ask them to complete the form once on your behalf.

Current Associates

Already a CPP Associate?

Review the portfolio components and submission instructions for your certificate.

Portfolio Instructions

Background

About CPP

CPP was launched in 2020 and continues to be offered annually. The WiSE Women of Color in STEM (WWoCS) community programming is now fully integrated into CPP; its community-building mission and monthly gatherings continue as part of the program.

Questions? Contact us or email suwise@syr.edu.