How to Engage More Girls in STEM

Summary

The video addresses the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, highlighting that while they make up 50% of the population, only about 30% are in the STEM workforce. It emphasizes the loss of confidence in STEM among girls as early as age 15, primarily due to societal stereotypes and biases. The video outlines five actionable steps to support girls in STEM: celebrating female role models, providing practical experiences, active mentoring, showcasing real-life applications, and fostering a growth mindset. By engaging diverse perspectives, the video advocates for a collective effort to inspire and empower more girls to pursue STEM careers.

Takeaways

• 👩‍🔬 Women make up 50% of the population but only 30% of the STEM workforce.
• 🚺 Minority women represent fewer than one in ten employed scientists and engineers.
• 📉 By age 15, girls start to lose confidence in STEM subjects compared to boys.
• 👩‍🎓 Only 25% of girls can picture a female scientist by age 16.
• 💡 The loss of confidence in STEM is influenced by recruitment issues, stereotypes, and implicit bias.
• 🎉 Celebrating female role models can inspire girls' interest in STEM careers.
• 🔬 Hands-on practical experiences in STEM are crucial for engaging girls; 74% express interest but often lack these experiences.
• 👩‍🏫 Active mentorship from educators significantly boosts girls' interest in STEM fields.
• 🌍 Real-life applications of STEM can help girls connect their studies to meaningful contributions to society.
• 🌱 Fostering a growth mindset helps girls build confidence in overcoming challenges in STEM.

Q & A

What percentage of the STEM workforce is made up of women?

Women represent about 30% of the STEM workforce, despite making up 50% of the population.

What challenges do minority women face in STEM careers?

Minority women comprise fewer than one in ten employed scientists and engineers, facing unique obstacles that contribute to their underrepresentation.

At what age do girls typically begin to lose confidence in STEM subjects?

Research shows that girls begin to lose confidence in STEM subjects by age 15.

What is the significance of drawing a scientist at age 16?

By age 16, only 25% of girls asked to draw a scientist will picture a female, indicating a significant loss of confidence and representation in STEM fields.

What is one action suggested to support girls in STEM?

One suggested action is to look for and celebrate female role models, as nearly half of all girls interested in STEM do not know a woman in a STEM career.

How can hands-on experiences influence girls' interest in STEM?

74% of teen girls express interest in STEM, but four in ten feel they lack sufficient hands-on practical experience, highlighting the need for creative engagement in STEM activities.

What role does mentorship play in encouraging girls in STEM?

Active mentorship from educators has been shown to increase girls' interest in STEM fields when they discuss these subjects and encourage participation.

Why do some women choose non-STEM careers?

Research suggests that women may value work that serves the greater good more highly, leading some to choose non-STEM careers.

What mindset do girls tend to have towards STEM subjects, and why is it important to address this?

Girls often have a fixed mindset regarding STEM subjects; promoting a growth mindset can help them persevere through challenges and improve their confidence.

What is the overall goal of Ecology Project International regarding girls in STEM?

The organization aims to engage a diverse range of people in science and conservation, emphasizing the importance of supporting and celebrating girls in STEM.