Education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

By 2010, one in four new jobs will be technically oriented, or involve computers. However, women still lag far behind in earning computer technology degrees and working in computer technology-related professions. According to the National Science Foundation, high school girls represent only 16 percent of computer science AP test takers, and college-educated women earn only 29 percent of bachelor's degrees in mathematics and computer science (down from 39 percent in 1984) and 25 percent of doctorate degrees in mathematics and computer science. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports show that women comprise roughly 27 percent of computer and mathematical professionals.

Reps. Bart Gordon (D-TN) and Ralph Hall (R-TX) recently introduced the 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds Science and Math Scholarship Act (H.R. 362). This bill makes many important strides in improving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education across the nation by implementing recommendations found in the National Academies' report, Rising Above the Gathering Storm. This timely report states that U.S. advantages in science and technology have begun to erode and discusses the need to improve math and science education. This measure will have a great impact on teacher preparation by providing teachers with much-needed professional development and will improve student achievements by strengthening math and science curriculums. In addition, H.R. 362 authorizes scholarships for students majoring in STEM fields who commit to teaching K-12 science or math.  H.R. 362 has been referred to the House Committee on Science and Technology and is under consideration by that committee.

AAUW supports promoting and strengthening STEM education, especially for girls and other underrepresented populations in the fields. AAUW believes this legislation will help address the shortage of highly qualified math and science teachers, improve the math and science education students—especially girls—receive, and encourage more women to choose careers in STEM fields.

 

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