Key points:
While efforts to increase girls' interest and participation in STEM learning and careers are working, girls still face significant barriers in STEM endeavors, leading to a loss of confidence.
Presented at the STEM Innovation Forum, The Girls' Index: Girls and STEM Impact ReportA groundbreaking Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) study involving 17,502 girls in grades 5-12 across the United States sheds light on the evolving perceptions, interests, and challenges girls face when pursuing STEM education and careers.
The good news: Efforts by STEM advocates, educators, and professionals aimed at increasing girls' interest in STEM are working. Girls' interest in pursuing STEM careers has increased. Fifty-five percent of girls reported they are interested in a STEM career, up from 45 percent in 2017. Among the youngest girls surveyed, interest among fifth- and sixth-graders increased 20 percent over the year. same time. And regardless of their racial identity or socioeconomic status, girls' interest in pursuing a career in STEM remains high through graduation.
The bad news: While interest in STEM is increasing, girls' confidence in their STEM skills is increasing. dripping. Only 59 percent of girls believe they are good at math and science, down from 73 percent in 2017.
And alarmingly, 58 percent of high school girls don't think they are smart enough for their dream job, up from 46 percent in 2017. Among fifth- and sixth-graders, this figure has more than doubled: 52 percent don't think they are smart enough. for their dream job, up from 23 percent in 2017.
Girls' perceptions of their own abilities impact what they believe they are capable of and, ultimately, the academic and career paths they will follow. While girls report high levels of interest in STEM, their perceptions of their abilities in key STEM subjects, such as math and science, are declining precipitously. This critical disconnect between aspirations and self-confidence highlights the need for targeted interventions that boost interpersonal and STEM self-efficacy.
The report also reveals a key gap and reason why many girls may not pursue STEM careers: 86 percent of girls want a career that helps others and may not instinctively view STEM this way. This perception gap is exacerbated by persistent stereotypes, with 89 percent of girls reporting feeling pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. These ingrained stereotypes not only shape girls' views of STEM as less enriching or useful, but also continue to impact their academic and career choices, steering them away from STEM fields despite their potential for meaningful societal contribution.
Dr. Lisa Hinkelman, Founder and CEO of ROX, said: “Our girls are on the verge of incredible STEM opportunities, their interest is high and their aspirations strong. However, we also see them grapple with declining confidence, persistent stereotypes, and a disconnect between their desire to help others and their perception of STEM careers. “It is our responsibility, as educators, STEM professionals, and community members, to close these gaps and pave the way for our girls to thrive in STEM fields.”
The Girls' Index: Girls & STEM Impact Report not only illuminates the current challenges and barriers girls face in STEM fields, but also brings to light practical solutions that can be applied in a timely manner in classrooms, communities, and homes. from all over the country. . These recommendations, outlined in the report, are designed to be practical and supportive, with the aim of raising girls' confidence in their abilities and inspiring a lasting interest in STEM disciplines.
Lou Von Thaer, president and CEO of Battelle, said: “Battelle is proud to partner with ROX on this groundbreaking report that reveals key considerations for STEM educators and advocates. It provides us with tangible strategies to support girls' growing interest in STEM, while addressing the complex interplay of factors that are influencing girls' career trajectories in STEM. Building our workforce and creating a future of female STEM leaders starts with the roadmap provided in The Girls' Index: Girls & STEM Impact Report.”
This press release originally appeared online.
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