Compared with other fields of study, engineering at the higher education level has the lowest proportion of women students. A review of the literature concerning models of retention and female identity formation indicates that increased mentorship, curriculum revision, enrichment programs, and career workshops have been tried in efforts to increase integration of women engineering students into their professional communities. The University of Maryland at College Park used focus groups to evaluate programs designed to retain women in engineering. Meeting other women to share experiences and express opinions in a supportive atmosphere was cited by participants as a highly beneficial result of the group sessions. In addition, administrators, staff, and faculty can use such information to design effective and supportive programs for women in engineering and to cultivate connections and support among engineering students. It was hoped that the resulting sense of community and positive interactions with faculty and administrators within engineering schools will help to increase retention of women students. (Contains 16 references.) (MAH)