Did you know, women make up 47% of the U.S. work force and represent 28% of the people who work in STEM according to the labor market and 12% of female college students will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in science. According to Best Colleges, only 1 in 4 individuals working in computer and mathematical workforce are female, and only 1 in 6 people working in architecture and engineering occupations are women. As the numbers prove, there is still under representation of women in the science, technology, engineering, and math workforce.
You would think that the increased emphasis on gender equality would result in more women in STEM. Statistically, evidence shows to the contrary. So what can we do better to help more women choose STEM careers?
See what the following organizations are doing to advance gender equality.
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Offers an Outreach programs providing a list of resources, fun facts sheets and other handouts about women and space and aviation and history to help educators promote the successes of women in STEM fields.
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Includes a variety of films about women at NASA who are leading the way in science, technology, engineering and math that can be shared in the classroom
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The SISTER program is designed to increase awareness of and provide an opportunity for middle school students to explore nontraditional career fields with women engineers, mathematicians and scientists at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.
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Has created a Women and Careers in STEM information series. Information includes degree overviews, job boards and perspectives from female professionals already in the industry.
National Girls Collaborative Project
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The main mission of NCGP is to make sure that all girls have access to resources which enhance STEM education and interest. This goal is achieved by increasing the quantity and quality of resources and by developing and leveraging a network of educators.
Women in Engineering Proactive Network
WEPAN “works to transform culture in engineering education to attract, retain, and graduate women.” by supporting a network of female engineering students at over 150 campuses across the country, reaching 60 percent of the female engineering student population. It is the nation’s first network dedicated to advancing cultures of inclusion and diversity in engineering higher education and workplaces.
American Association of University Women
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Promotes STEM programs for girls intended to pique interest and expand girls’ knowledge and ability. AAUW is also one of the largest sources of graduate funding for women, and works for positive policy chance at Capitol Hill.