The number of experienced female workers and students in STEM is distressing. Statistics vary by subject and location, but speaking generally, women only make up about 15%-25% of the current STEM workforce. By fostering the belief and encouragement of young girls in STEM we can begin to lessen the gap and have more creativity and ideas in the growing STEAM fields.
Many studies show there are no differences in STEM abilities. There is however, a socially perceived competency with boys versus girls in STEM fields. If girls are not expected to succeed in STEAM fields or succeed in math and science, it is not surprising that as young women are researching higher education, their interests have shifted to topics to which they feel more successful and confidence.
We must recognize gender imbalance and how it allows us to be aware of how we interact and communicate with girls and support young women. Gender stereotypes are deeply ingrained in our culture.
Are you ready to support your daughter’s STEM education?
Do you want your daughter to feel that there is a successful out-look in their future of work? You can start by bringing the STEAM learning into the home.
By bringing STEAM learning into the home you are reminding your daughter that you support their ideas, learning, exploring, and want them to feel confident in the decisions they make. All children thrive when they feel that they are loved and supported by the family that surrounds them.
Some gift ideas for STEM education include science kits, rock tumblers, microscopes, robotics, magnetic blocks, walkie-talkies, cameras and camcorders, terrariums, building block kits, crystal growing kits, gadgets and electronics lab kits, math dice, and binoculars.
STEAM connects everything we do, whether it’s the arts, music, sports, or agriculture.
We must continue to encourage young women in STEM and STEAM education. The future of work for women will suffer. STEM is at the core of everything. Using STEAM, and allowing young women to understand and appreciate the importance of the work that they create and how it affects the world around them increases their confidence and decision-making ability. The future of their work and the world around us holds a much brighter future. Confident young women excited about innovation and comfortable in their abilities will close the gender gap in STEM careers between men and women and will bring new ideas into the world of innovation.
