Who Says Women Can’t Excel in Math and Science?

True or false: Men have more ability in math and science than women?

The correct answer is false, and it seems that America’s work force is finally beginning to reflect this.

New and pervasive research demonstrates there is no difference in ability between men and women. The differences in achievement only appear when lower expectations and distorted perceptions of what is achievable affect motivation levels and confidence.

The good news is that universities across the country are seeing an increase in the number of female college students in various degree programs that have been more popular among male students in the past. And, the number of women pursuing careers grounded in science, technology, engineering and math in the U.S. is growing.

When Michelle Obama gave her commencement speech at the Washington Math Science Technology Public Charter high school in 2009, she encouraged students to have confidence, believe in their abilities and to disregard the “doubters” that they will inevitably encounter. This is the same sentiment that Jessica Galloza, associate engineer for Sypris Test and Measurement (STM) and a DeVry University graduate, says helped her get where she is today.

Galloza wasn’t encouraged in high school to take higher-level math courses or to think of college as an option, but rather these are things she pursued on her own. After deciding that a career in law wasn’t for her, she chose to major in electronics engineering technology (EET) because of the growing opportunities in that field.

“I embraced my studies as a challenge and knew that I was working toward a career that would support me and my family,” says Galloza. “I think it’s important for parents, teachers and guidance counselors to plant career seeds into the minds of young girls so they can realize their goals and work to achieve them as adults. Why not offer a young girl a science kit as opposed to a doll?”

“It’s important that girls engage in activities that expand their ability to be naturally curious and apply logic in a variety of ways,” says Accenture Health and Public Services Operating Unit Lead, Angela Jones. “Our world is changing so quickly – tomorrow the tools will be different, and the way we interact and collaborate will continue to change. It will be our ability to adjust and problem solve within those environments that will help us be competitive.”

Some institutions are doing their part to dismantle the social stigmas keeping young women from pursuing math and science. For instance, DeVry University offers a program to high school girls called HerWorld which takes place at DeVry locations across the country. At these events, girls are empowered to learn about careers in math, science, business, technology and engineering through interactive workshops – such as building miniature robots – and discussions with female guest speakers.

“Every year, we’re seeing enrollment numbers increase for our math, science and technology degree programs, and many of these students are women,” says Donna Loraine, vice president of academic affairs and dean of DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. “It’s our goal as a university to encourage girls to explore their options and to inspire them to pursue fulfilling careers with high potential for growth in the 21st century.”

“In order to maintain global economic competitiveness, it is imperative to encourage increased education and participation of groups currently under-represented in science, technology, engineering and math fields,” says Forough Ghahramani, dean of business programs at DeVry University’s North Brunswick, N.J., campus. “DeVry University’s HerWorld events are designed to enlighten young women across the country about the wide-ranging possibilities for these in-demand careers of the 21st century.”

– Courtesy of ARA

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