Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Issues, Data, Programs and Action
Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Issues, Data, Programs and Action.
Dec 14, 2015
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Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
Issues, Data, Programs and Action
Presentation Outline
• The STEM workforce issues• Data on the preparation and participation of
women in STEM• Programs addressing the issue
– Program for Women in Science and Engineering at Iowa State University
– Others
• How to get involved
The STEM Workforce Issue
A Workforce Shortage
The nation (and Iowa) needs to produce more professionals in the STEM area
Analyses of current trends indicate serious problems lie ahead that may threaten our long-term prosperity and national security.
These include:• Flat or reduced domestic student interest in critical areas, such as
engineering and the physical, and mathematical sciences, as shown by data for bachelors degrees
• Large increases in retirements from the S&E workforce projected over the next two decades
• Projected rapid growth in S&E occupations over the next decade, at three times the rate of all occupations
Source: National Science Board – The Science and Engineering Workforce Realizing America’s Potential (2003)
STEM Workforce Impacts
• Scientists and engineers sustain more than half of America’s economic growth
• Engineering and science are the building blocks of innovation
• Engineering and science play in important role in defense, homeland security, intelligence, and bioterrorism
Value of diversifying STEM workforce
In addition to increasing our ability to meet workforce demands…..
• Allows industry to remain globally competitive – reflective of marketplace
• Creates better/more innovative products and solutions
• Utilizes the scientific talents of all of our citizens
Where will the growth in STEM professionals come from?
• Individuals who haven’t historically pursued these careers, including:– Women– Under-represented minorities– Adult/returning learners– First generation college students – low socio-
economic households
Women should be viewed as our greatest opportunity to meet these issues
• Account for half of the population.• Account for 57 percent of the enrollment at
Iowa’s colleges.
• Yet women account for only 40% of students enrolled at Iowa’s public universities in STEM fields.
Women as a Percentage of Selected Occupations, 2005
30.2%
5.8%
7.1%
13.2%
14.3%
22.5%
23.8%
32.3%35.3%
41.0%
44.4%
48.7%
61.9%
67.3%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80%
Psychologists
Accountants/Auditors
Biological Scientists
Postsecondary Teachers
Marketing & Sales Mgrs.
Chemists
Physicians/Surgeons
Lawyers
Chief Executives
Dentists
Chemical Engineers
Civil Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Source: CPST, data derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics
© 2006 WEPAN, www.wepan.org, prepared by CPST, www.cpst.org
The Data
High School Preparation
• Course taking patterns• Academic achievement
• Iowa and National
Iowa Public High School Enrollment
1985-86 2006-07
% of high school students taking course
% of students taking course that were female
% of high school students taking course
% of students taking course that were female
Physics 25.2% 39.1% 26.0% 42.8%
Chemistry 48.2% 49.5% 68.7% 52.7%
Higher-Level Math (above Algebra II)
9.7% 45.1% 25.7% 50.0%
Data from The Annual Condition of Education Report, Iowa Department of Education, 2007
Percent of Iowa Students Proficient in STEM subject area (2005-07)
8th grade ITBS
11th grade ITED
Math Science Math Science
Males 76.0% 80.0% 78.9% 78.1%
Females 75.1% 82.1% 77.7% 82.5%
Data from The Annual Condition of Education Report, Iowa Department of Education, 2007
What Mathematics Courses Are U.S. High School Students Taking?
0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0
Male
Female
White, non-Hispanic
Black, non-Hispanic
Hispanic
Asian/Pacific Islander
Native American
Algebra II Analysis/pre-calculus Calculus
Source: CPST, data derived from National Center for Education Statistics
What Science Courses Are U.S. High School Students Taking?
0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0
Male
Female
White, non-Hispanic
Black, non-Hispanic
Hispanic
Asian/Pacific Islander
Native American
Biology Chemistry Physics
Source: CPST, data derived from National Center for Education Statistics
Iowa High School Class 2007Career Aspirations
Career National Percentage Iowa Percentage
Ag Sciences 1.7% 3.0%
Computer/Information Sciences
2.7% 2.1%
Engineering 4.9% 4.6%
Engineering related technology
2.9% 2.1%
Health Sciences 21.0% 18.8%
Math 0.5% 0.5%
Science (Physical/Biological)
5.4% 4.8%
TOTAL STEM 39.1% 35.9%
Undecided 12.7% 19.5%
ACT – High School Profile Reports – 2007 - % based on those who responded to question on career aspiration.
Undergraduate
• Enrollment– National– ISU data
• Degrees awarded– Etc.
Women Increasing Their Share of Some STEM Bachelor’s Degree Fields
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
19
85
19
94
20
03
19
85
19
94
20
03
19
85
19
94
20
03
19
85
19
94
20
03
WomenMen
Computer Science
Mathematics Physical Sciences
Biological Sciences
Source: CPST, data derived from NSF and NCES
Women Still Earn Few Bachelor’s Degrees in Engineering Disciplines
0
2,500
5,000
7,500
10,000
12,500
15,000
17,500
20,000
22,5001
98
51
99
52
00
5
19
85
19
95
20
05
19
85
19
95
20
05
19
85
19
95
20
05
19
85
19
95
20
05
19
85
19
95
20
05
19
85
19
95
20
05
19
85
19
95
20
05
Women
Men
Electrical Mech.
Source: CPST, data derived from Engineering Workforce Commission
Chemical Civil Comp. Industrial Bio. Environ.
Female Percentage of Undergraduate and Professional STEM Students at Iowa State University
Total Undergraduate Engineering Enrollment of Women: Gains & Losses
17.7
84.3 81.9 82.3
18.115.70.0
10.020.030.040.050.060.070.080.090.0
100.0
1984 1994 2004
Per
cen
t
Women Men
Source: CPST, data derived from Engineering Workforce Commission
© 2006 WEPAN, www.wepan.org, prepared by CPST, www.cpst.org
The Educational Pathway for Women in Engineering
Engineering-Ready H.S. Seniors
Freshman Engineering Students
Engineering Baccalaureates
Engineering PhDs
61% of Males (about 890,000)
57% of Females (about 820,000)
84% Male (86,465)
16% Female (16,896)
80% Male (60,721)
20% Female (15,282)
83% Male
(5,368)
17% Female (1,136)
© 2006 WEPAN, www.wepan.org, prepared by CPST, www.cpst.org
Statewide Study
• “Report to Iowa Legislature on Women and Minorities in STEM fields at Iowa’s Public Universities”, January 2009
Available at: http://www.iowamathscience.org/reports
Factors influencing women in STEM
• Student Behavior• Attitudes and Aspirations• Academic Preparation• Pre-College Education
– Curriculum/Instruction
– Teachers/Counselors
– Learning Opportunities
• Family/Environmental Support• Role Models
• Post Secondary – Structure and commitment
– Academic & social climates
– Special programs
Source: Entry and Persistence of Women and Minorities in College Science and Engineering Education, NCES, 2000-601
The Program for Women in Science and Engineering (PWSE)
at Iowa State University
Program for Women in Science and Engineering (PWSE)
• Founded in 1986• Mission: Create programs, share knowledge, and engage people to
enhance the STEM educational experience for women.– Create, offer, and maintain innovative undergraduate and outreach
programs that engage a diverse audience of women and girls in an experiential and supportive learning environment in STEM.
– Share knowledge on innovative strategies, best practices, and research on the success of women in STEM with a broad range of individuals and organizations serving as partners in transforming the STEM educational experience for women.
– Engage a broader, more diverse group of women pursuing STEM careers.
Outreach• Taking the Road Less Traveled (TRLT) Career Conferences
for middle and high school girls– One-day conferences for students to explore STEM related careers
held six times each year.
• Student role models– Undergraduate students visiting classrooms and community organizations across the state.– Leading hands-on STEM activities.
• Collaborative programs – Girl Scouts – Write Women Back into History Contest– Others…
TRLT Participants
On-campus Programs
• WiSE Learning Communities (Freshman, transfer, and sophomore students)– Opportunity for women in STEM fields to
live with one another, take classes together, and receive mentoring from upper-division students
– Social and academic programming – Two peer mentors for each team of 2-25
students
Connecting students with summer research opportunities
On-campus Programs
• On-campus Programming & E-WiSE– Social and academic activities for women in science &
engineering majors– Student Organizations
• Sophomore year success course• College Scholarships
– Financial support
WiSE Tailgate
WiSE Students at a Tailgate
PWSE Staff
• Director – Karen Zunkel• Outreach Coordinator – Carol Heaverlo• On-Campus Coordinator – Lora Leigh Chrystal• Graduate students and undergraduate student
www.pwse.iastate.edu – 515-294-0966
Many Others Working on this Issue
• Other Higher Education Programs:– University of Iowa – Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) – Community College Initiatives funded by Perkins Grants– National Science Foundation Grants at Iowa State, Kirkwood, etc.
• Community-based Programs– Girl Scouts– 4-H Initiatives– YWCA– Chrysalis Foundation– Etc.
How to Get Involved
Individuals or Community Organizations can:
• Sponsor a group of students (and/or transportation costs) for students to attend the career conferences
• Invite ISU PWSE Student Role Models to visit with youth group in the area (4-H clubs, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc.)
• Organize a local ‘career conference day’ – partnering with ISU, community colleges and/or local businesses.
• Provide financial support towards efforts of PWSE• Other ideas? Contact PWSE if you have other ideas on
ways PWSE can partner with you to address this issue.
Individuals or Community Organizations can:
• If you have STEM employees in your business:– Provide job shadowing opportunities– Encourage employees to present at the career conferences– Encourage role model visits and/or visits by your employees into the
local schools– Provide opportunities for K-12 teachers and/or students to visit your
business.– Serve as mentor/judge for regional and state science fairs, etc.
• Offer scholarships to local high school students going into STEM fields in college
• Encourage rigor and hands-on experiences in science and math courses in your local school districts.
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