2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Female representation in mechanical engineering remains a critical area of focus for academic institutions committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity. At Union College, the gender disparity is evident in the Mechanical Engineering (ME) department, where the senior class comprises only four female students out of 30 (13.3%), each excelling academically and demonstrating strong leadership. However, the freshman cohort shows a promising increase in diversity, with nine female students out of 40 (22.5%). To foster and retain this growing representation, the department has introduced several initiatives aimed at creating a supportive and empowering community for female students. Key among these efforts is a Female Student Mentor Project, which pairs senior students with freshman and sophomore students for one-on-one mentorship. Launched in 2019 but interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has been revitalized to strengthen connections between upperclassmen and incoming students. Additionally, regular Female Group Meetings provide networking opportunities, leadership workshops, and peer support, all contributing to enhanced academic persistence and confidence. This paper explores the impact of these initiatives on female student retention, highlights the role of senior female students as mentors, and proposes further strategies to increase female participation, engagement, and success in mechanical engineering programs at Union College. Through these efforts, the department aims to bridge the gender gap in ME and inspire the next generation of women in engineering.