Empower girls with STEM education to build the tech industry of tomorrow

Key points:

Too often, female students are underrepresented in STEM classes. As a result, girls and young women have a difficulties explore the themes and imagine themselves in related roles. Some progress has been made: for example, the number of women earning bachelor's degrees in science and engineering increased by 34 percent between 2011 and 2020, but there is still a long way to go. Today, math scores are at pre-pandemic lows (thanks in part to years of remote learning) and elementary-aged children are falling behind grade-level standards, raising concerns. significant risks to children's educational development. This situation widens disparities in education and creates a shortage of incoming STEM talent as these trends carry over into college and, ultimately, careers.

According to a recent McKinsey study, 87 percent of companies are aware that they already have a skills gap or will have one within the next five years. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the need to address this gap becomes vital. Combating this challenge depends on revitalizing the passion for STEM learning in young students, especially women, as the future of the workforce depends on the next generation's ability to meet the technological needs of tomorrow. ePlus and Cisco are leading the way with Girls reimagining tomorrow (SAND)^®a hands-on, STEM-based program focused on introducing diverse groups of middle and high school girls to technology-focused career possibilities.

When addressing STEM education, it is important to take steps that help close the IT skills gap and cultivate a diverse and inclusive workforce equipped to drive future IT and cybersecurity solutions.

Address the skills gap through empowerment

Lower math scores can hinder students' ability to understand fundamental concepts essential for more advanced STEM subjects. Consequently, students who face difficulties meeting academic standards may find themselves lacking the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in IT effectively. This can exacerbate the disparity between the demand for IT professionals and the available workforce, which can have potential economic repercussions. To address this issue, ePlus is empowering girls by highlighting the various career opportunities available to them and equipping them with the technical foundation necessary to pursue these paths. For example, a GRIT education offers presentations from technology leaders and innovators both in your community and at large, field trips to local ePlus and Cisco offices for a behind-the-scenes experience, and hands-on technical classes and demonstrations.

Closing the gender gap

Lower interest and skills in technology can increase the barriers girls already face in STEM, including gender stereotypes, lack of representation, and unequal access to resources. These educational setbacks could further perpetuate the gender gap in an industry where women barely represent 28 percent of the STEM workforce in 2023. To counter this trend, initiatives like GRIT provide girls with invaluable mentorship from successful women in technical fields, proving that they too can achieve success. Through these connections, GRIT instills in girls the same resilience and determination that has propelled women to success in their careers and lives.

Develop technical skills

The dynamic nature of today's cybersecurity and IT landscape demands an ever-evolving educational approach to prepare young learners effectively. Emphasizing hands-on learning is crucial in this evolution of STEM programs, as it allows girls to actively interact with technology, fostering a deeper understanding and genuine passion for innovation. As part of the GRIT program, girls have access to technical classes covering artificial intelligence and machine learning, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, coding and robotics, and more, aiming to boost their confidence in areas that may have initially seemed daunting. or inaccessible. Through interactive and motivational sessions, GRIT makes STEM courses more meaningful and tangible, resulting in a more engaged classroom environment and renewed enthusiasm for learning.

Provide a community-based learning environment.

Successfully inspiring young women in STEM programs requires more than just teaching technical skills: it also requires cultivating a culture of community. By providing a network of peers and leaders, students can feel a sense of belonging and security as they begin to think about their future goals. Fostering community learning goes beyond IT education; it's about establishing a supportive community for girls, accompanied by mentoring in areas like public speaking, ethics, online safety, and overcoming imposter syndrome. This type of mentoring allows girls to openly share and discuss their experiences, empowering them to build confidence and create goals that can benefit them in the long term. The overall goal of ePlus is to empower young women by fostering self-confidence and resilience, thereby facilitating success in both their professional endeavors and personal lives.

Empowering girls through STEM education is not just about teaching technology; it's about fostering a mindset of curiosity, innovation and leadership. STEM programs should prioritize creating inclusive and supportive environments where girls feel encouraged to explore, take risks, and dream big. By investing in the development of girls in STEM, we can pave the way to a more diverse, innovative and equitable technological future and inspire the women leaders of tomorrow.