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Jordan School District Girls of STEM

Girls of STEM is an initiative with the mission of increasing the number of high school girls participating in STEM classes, specifically engineering and computer science classes.  If you are familiar with our initiative and would like to be contacted about possibly joining us, please fill out the form found HERE. 
 
 
If you would like to know more about our initiative please read below.

Women are Underrepresented in STEM Careers

STEM Workforce

Women make up only 34% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The gender gaps are particularly high in some of the fastest-growing and highest-paid jobs of the future, like computer science and engineering.

College Majors

 

 

Unfortunately, the situation is not improving.  By the time students reach college, only around 21% of engineering majors are women and only around 19% of computer and information science majors are women.

 

Why Does it Matter?

 

labWhy does women’s representation in engineering and computing fields matter? The answer can be summed up in one word: innovation. Finding solutions to many of the big problems of this century - including disease and disabilities, insufficient food production, and renewable energy - will require the skills of engineers and computer scientists. When women are not well represented in these fields, everyone misses out on the novel solutions that diverse participation brings.  In addition, when women are so dramatically underrepresented, many technical decisions are based on the experiences, opinions, and judgments of only men, and needs unique to women may be overlooked.

Why Don't Girls Participate More in STEM Classes and Careers?

There have been many studies done to answer this question.  Most of the studies generally reach the same conclusions and point to four main issues:
  1. Gender Differences in Self-Confidence - Girls are more likely to lack self confidence when it comes to STEM related coursework.
  2. Being in the Minority - Girls often avoid studying science and technology because they feel isolated as one of only a few girls in a large class of mainly boys.
  3. Misconceptions - Studies have shown that a majority of girl students believe that STEM related careers are "too hard", "too boring", and are only for men.
  4. Lack of Support - According to a Microsoft study, the lack of female role models was cited as a key reason girls do not pursue STEM educations. 
 
Girls' participation in STEM coursework is the lowest in engineering and computer science classes

 

 

Girls' Participation in STEM can be Increased

 
Studies have also shown that when the above barriers and misconceptions are removed, girls are more likely to consider STEM (particularly engineering and computer science) as a field.
  1. Research shows that when a girl believes that she can, she is more likely to succeed in a STEM field.
  2. Many successful women in technology careers believe early exposure to STEM and computing can help inspire girls to study these subjects.
  3. Studies have shown that when women understand the impacts of STEM on improving the world, they're more likely to persist in STEM classes
  4. Most girls who are successful STEM classes have support from parents, family members, teachers, and friends.
  5. Industry mentors and role models can play a large role in motivating girls to consider STEM courses and a possible career because the girls can see that success is possible.

You Can Make a Difference

Our initiative will not succeed without the participation of women in STEM related careers (primarily engineering and computer science) to act as role models and mentors.  Please consider giving of your time to help us with this important initiative.

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