The Vassar College organization for Women in Science and Math brings together women faculty and students to promote the involvement of women in all fields of the natural sciences. Women scientists have been a part of Vassar's history since its founding, when Maria Mitchell, prominent astronomer and one of the most famous scientists of the 19th century, was appointed as the first Vassar faculty member in 1865. Since then, Vassar has maintained its role as a leading institution for women in the sciences among both students and faculty. Other famous women scientists include Grace Murray Hopper, a pioneer in computer programming and developer of the concept of the programming language compiler, who both attended Vassar as an undergraduate and served on its faculty.

WISM sponsors frequent lectures by women scientists from both the Vassar faculty and institutions around the world.