EMU Today

NOTE: The following was written by Bia Hamed, Eastern Michigan University director of K-12 STEM outreach and Digital Divas program director

In the U.S., women outpace their male counterparts when obtaining the most prosperous degrees. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, women earn nearly 60% of all bachelor's degrees, but only a fraction graduate with engineering and technology majors. Only 20% of computer science and 22% of undergraduate engineering degrees in the U.S. are earned by women. This is a significant problem because women are missing out on rewarding, lucrative, and high-status careers.

We need to change the culture of how we see professionals in technology and engineering career fields. In popular culture, men often play the hero role by portraying the doctor, engineer, or scientist who saves the world. At the same time, the woman is typically typecast as the damsel in distress, airhead, or victim who needs saving. Women are often found to be the victims of violent crimes or the one who needs to be protected or taken care of by someone. Since the #MeTooMovement, more women have taken a stand for equality in various areas, but more work is still to be done. Storylines in movies, television shows, advertising, and songs must reflect a more robust, intelligent woman.

The early elementary years are an excellent time for teachers and parents to allow girls to explore various subjects where girls are underrepresented. Project-based learning with hands-on activities is a great way to build foundational knowledge and self-confidence in engineering and computer science. For example, joining an after-school program focused on encoding is an excellent way to start the introduction to computer science for girls.

Unfortunately, research shows girls in middle school lose interest in math and are found to withdraw from some STEM subjects. More deliberate efforts must be placed on these academics and girls' future careers. Assisting girls in planning their career futures must begin during the middle school years. Career and interest exploration should be discussed at length at school and at home. Parents and guardians need to take a profound interest in their child's interests. Families should take an interest and take part in engaging activities inside and outside of the classroom. Programs for girls and STEM are everywhere and are usually free.

High school is a great time for girls to find and explore their passion. Exposing girls to various programs and careers in STEM is essential at this time in their life. Giving her access to participate in multiple programs in non-traditional fields will allow her the insight she needs to decide on her future. Finding a female mentor who can be a family member or friend and works in a field of interest is a great way to understand a career field better. Shadowing a woman who works in a STEM field is another opportunity to gain access to a career and will make it appear within reach.

The most crucial factor and continuous strand through all of this advice is the continual encouragement and support at home. My published research found that parental support was the most critical factor for women in helping them complete their non-traditional college degrees, such as engineering. In addition, with support at home, girls are more likely to pursue and succeed in areas where females are the minority and underrepresented, even when no one in their community will support them. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.