Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)

NCRW’s 2001 publication, Balancing the Equation: Where Are Women and Girls in Science, Engineering and Technology? features many recommendations that form the basis of successful programs. The National Science Foundation and others have applied many of the same findings to develop successful programs and strategies. One of the most important features of successful STEM programs is building mentoring relationships between accomplished women STEM professionals and young women at different stages of study or career. MIT and the Mathematical Association of America have created such mentoring programs. In primary and secondary schools, hands-on courses encouraging students to design their own websites or create their own tech toys have been incredibly effective in capturing the interest of girls and young women.

Girls Incorporated, an NCRW member center, sponsors TeachingSMART, a program that increases awareness of gender issues among elementary and high school teachers. The Center for the Study of Women, Science, and Technology at Georgia Tech (also an NCRW member) offers support services to women scholars and engineers. And the National Science Foundation is making substantial investments through its ADVANCE Program aimed at increasing the number of women in STEM.