A program that helps freshman women in science and engineering adjust to life in a major dominated by men has expanded this year as the number of women participating in these majors grows.

Women who are sophomores and older and participate in the organization Women in Science and Engineering are mentoring incoming freshman through a program called Big Sis/Lil’ Sis.

The program’s purpose is to ensure a smooth transition between high school and college for women in science and engineering through established relationships with peer mentors. It looks to help retain students, not recruit them, said Lora Leigh Chrystal, Big Sis/Lil’ Sis adviser.

“This program is improving every year and really growing because upperclassmen leadership is increasing,” Chrystal said. “This year has been the best year so far.”

Brenda Lauterbach, junior in chemical engineering and co-chairwoman of Big Sis/Lil’ Sis, said pairs are assigned according to major emphasis. This year, she said, there are 44 pairs — up from 21 pairs last year.

Lauterbach said they have a lot of new events planned this year because they wanted to expand from last year.

“We’re moving in a positive, new direction,” Lauterbach said.

“We assign pairs by major to help give an outlook on what’s to come,” Lauterbach said. “It’s also easier when helping with classes.”

Kari Knutson, senior in industrial engineering and co-chairwoman of Big Sis/Lil’ Sis, said freshmen typically have a lot of uncertainty and questions, but they don’t know who to ask.

“Big Sisses are a good resource for freshman,” Knutson said. “It’s nice to have an upperclassman answer their questions.”

Michelle State, senior in chemical engineering, was paired with Calista Saville, freshman in chemical engineering.

“It’s nice to get personal with someone who’s gone through the major and been successful,” Saville said. “It gives me someone to look up to.”

On the other side of the relationship, State said her goal is to get Saville involved with Women in Science and Engineering and other activities.

“It makes me watch what I’m doing and keeps me on my toes,” State said. “I have to do well so she does well.”

State and Saville said they see their relationship continuing past college, even if it isn’t constant contact.

“We’re building on a friendship, doing other things besides program events,” State said. “We just got paired at the beginning of the semester, and we already feel close.”

State said she was a Lil’ Sis as a freshman, and that experience helped influence her decision to become a Big Sis.

“When I was a freshman, the program wasn’t as organized,” State said.

“The relationships between Big Sis and Lil’ Sis weren’t as close, and we didn’t do as many activities together.”

State said the involvement with the program and with Saville has made her feel responsible to be there for Saville.

This program helps freshman through challenges and encourages them to stick through the first year, which is usually the hardest for engineers, Chrystal said.