iSTEM@GW
iSTEM@GW – Pathways for Innovation & Impact
Brand new to GW Engineering, iSTEM@GW was made possible by a gift from the program’s founder, inventor-philanthropist Emilio A. Fernandez Jr. Mr. Fernandez Jr.’s success as an inventor and entrepreneur stems from his belief in the value of education.
Designed for unconventional thinkers and makers, iSTEM is a new undergraduate cohort program we’re building at GW Engineering that seeks to welcome students who may not have considered the creative potential of engineering and computer science to bring their dreams and ideas to life. iSTEM weaves design, entrepreneurship and innovation into the learning experience, encouraging students to design bold solutions and achieve real world impact.
Eligibility
All students interested in an undergraduate degree in engineering or computer science can apply. The iSTEM program looks for students who are unconventional thinkers, have demonstrated passion for designing, inventing or problem-solving and who have or want to gain experience with developing projects, ideas, or ventures. Students from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Admissions Process
Students are invited to apply to iSTEM following a teacher, counselor, faculty or program team recommendation. Send us an email to seastheday
gwu [dot] edu if you are interested!
We want to learn about the interesting projects you have worked on! iSTEM applicants are asked to submit
1) a resume detailing their education and experience and
2) a Project Portfolio or a 3-minute (max) Project Video.
Project Portfolios and Project Videos should show an example of completed work. Projects include work done at home, at school or in after school programs; they can be a start-up business, a service or a product.
Projects Portfolios should be shared as a document and include
- a brief written description (~300 words) of a project that demonstrates a problem and a proposed solution, includes your role in the project and why it is meaningful to you and
- three documentation photos
Project Portfolios can also include
- Web links or App Store links to products
- GitHub pages for source code
- YouTube video links of product demos for physical products
Project Videos should be shared as MOV or MP4 files, must not exceed 3 minutes and should describe a problem and a proposed solution, include your role in the project, why it is meaningful to you.
Selection Process: Project work will be evaluated by the iSTEM Team and a current iSTEM student.
Contact
Email the iSTEM team at seasthedaygwu [dot] edu.
iSTEM@GW Team
Royce Francis, Faculty Director, Professor of System Engineering
Erica Wortham, PhD, Program Director; Director of Co-Curricular Engagement & Interdisciplinary Programs
Brooke Duncan, Assistant Director; Assistant Director, Co-Curricular Engagement & Interdisciplinary Programs
Kaula Watkins, Program Associate; Program Associate, Co-Curricular Engagement & Interdisciplinary Programs
FAQs FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
- What is iSTEM and why was it created?
iSTEM was created for students who are natural problem-solvers, builders, and innovators but may not see themselves in traditional academic pathways. The program bridges the gap between hands-on innovation and engineering education, helping students turn ideas into real-world solutions while earning their degree.
- How is iSTEM different from other STEM programs?
iSTEM is not a traditional enrichment program. It focuses on developing future technologists, entrepreneurs, and designers by combining:
A cohort-based community
Hands-on, project-based learning
Mentorship and real-world opportunities
- Does the iSTEM program require a separate application?
No. You need to submit the Common Application to apply to the GW School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Once you have submitted an application, you will need to submit a Project Portfolio.
- Does the iSTEM program offer a scholarship?
No. At this time the iSTEM program does not offer scholarships. However, all applicants upon admission to GW Engineering will be considered for merit-based scholarships.
- Do I need to bring an idea I want to pursue to this program?
No. Students receive active support and guidance to assist them in developing finding ideas and finding their passion.
- Do iSTEM students have to maintain a minimum GPA?
All GW Engineering students must remain in good academic standing (not on academic probation) to progress toward their degree. Students that receive financial aid or scholarships must maintain certain academic standards to retain their awards. As a member of an iSTEM Cohort, iSTEM students have access to tutors and mentors who help balance coursework with their iSTEM projects.
- Am I required to start a company?
No. You can develop a product, a nonprofit, or a company.
- Am I allowed to work on different ideas at the same time?
In the first two years of the program, you are encouraged to try different things. Committing to one big pursuit in the third and fourth years can be the most rewarding.
- What if I change the idea that I am pursuing?
This happens all the time. In fact, most students work on several projects before deciding on the one big thing to pursue. Even beyond that, it is not uncommon to pivot or pick a new idea.
- What if my idea starts to fail? Will I be removed from the program?
Turning ideas into something viable is difficult. We've come to understand that there is no such thing as true failure — you fail until you succeed, learning and iterating as you go. Students are not removed from the program for “failures.”
- What if I am accepted, but choose to leave the program?
Participation in iSTEM in voluntary. Students can choose to leave a cohort at the end of a semester or year. Students who are considering leaving their cohort are encouraged to consult with the faculty advisor and program director prior to making their decision. We offer support to help cope with burnout, and students are free to resume your pursuits when ready.
- How does iSTEM fit with degree requirements?
iSTEM integrates into students’ existing disciplinary specific coursework through electives and co-curricular experiences.
- What is the student commitment?
iSTEM students participate in:
A six-week summer bridge program
An on-going Incubator Series where ideas are developed
Community-building events and mentored experiences (hackathons, pitch competitions, social impact projects)
At least three design & innovation courses
- What is the format of the program?
iSTEM is a hybrid of group and individualized experiences, including:
Cohort-based learning and collaboration
Personalized mentorship
Hands-on, project-based work
- Is the program residential or flexible?
iSTEM students are full-time, residential undergraduate students at GW Engineering. Some mentoring and programming may be offered in hybrid formats.
- What kind of support will students receive?
Students are supported through a mentorship triad model, including:
Peer mentors (upper-level students)
iSTEM faculty and staff
Industry and community partners
- Will students have access to internships or industry partners?
Yes. iSTEM connects students with industry partners, campus resources, and career opportunities, with a strong emphasis on idea development and innovation.
- How will participation be recognized?
Recognition may include:
Certificates or micro-credentials
A potential co-curricular transcript
Graduation distinctions and program recognition
A portfolio or capstone project
- How will iSTEM benefit students?
iSTEM students gain:
A strong community of like-minded peers
Mentorship and structured support
Experience turning ideas into real solutions
Confidence in leadership, innovation, and impact
- What happens if a student decides iSTEM isn’t the right fit?
Students can leave the program at any time and continue progressing in their degree with minimal disruption. Ongoing support may still be available within GW Engineering.