Key points:
Efforts to increase girls’ interest and participation in STEM are working, but obstacles still exist, leading to drops in confidence.
Unveiled at the STEM Innovation Forum, The Girls’ Index: Girls & STEM Impact Report, a study from ROX involving 17,502 girls in grades 5-12 in the US, sheds light on evolving perceptions, interests, and challenges in pursuing STEM.
Good news: Girls’ interest in STEM careers has risen, with 55% interested in pursuing a STEM career, up from 45% in 2017. Even youngest girls show increased interest. However, girls’ confidence in their STEM abilities is dropping, with only 59% believing they are good at math and science, down from 73% in 2017.
Alarmingly, 58% of high school girls don’t think they are smart enough for their dream job, up from 46% in 2017. Among 5th and 6th graders, this figure has more than doubled.
Girls’ perceptions of their abilities impact what they believe they can achieve, highlighting the need for interventions to boost self-efficacy.
86% of girls want a career helping others and may not view STEM this way. Persistent stereotypes and pressure to conform to traditional gender roles steer girls away from STEM fields.
Dr. Lisa Hinkelman emphasizes the need to bridge gaps and support girls in thriving in STEM fields.
The report provides practical solutions to address challenges girls face in STEM, aiming to elevate confidence and inspire interest in STEM.
Lou Von Thaer notes the importance of supporting girls’ interest in STEM and building a future of female STEM leaders.
This press release originally appeared online.
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