Securing the Future:

Best Practices for the Engagement of Girls and Women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

 
Why a Commitment to STEM? Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (known collectively by the acronym "STEM")  are important disciplines for all students. They teach strong logical thinking as well as practical skills. Yet all too often, girls buy into the societal pressure that these subjects are "not for me." There are specific teaching strategies, valuable resources and practical approaches that can sustain girls' interest in these areas.

The National Coalition of Girls' Schools (NCGS) is committed to closing the gender gap in the crucial STEM fields. That the gender gap exists and persists is not in doubt. Despite countless initiatives at all levels of government, the private sector, the media, and the education industry, too many girls continue to opt out of courses in these crucial fields, and women remain under-represented in related workforce positions.

The problem is in the pipeline. The talent sought by STEM industries is trickling out the end of a conduit that begins when a child first wonders why the sky is blue, or what makes airplanes fly, and ends with the granting of a college degree. Too few of America's students are choosing STEM majors as undergrads, fewer still are continuing on at the graduate and PhD level. In terms of national statistics, this is especially true of young women.

Yet teachers at girls' schools have enjoyed remarkable success in their classrooms, with hands-on experiences, through real-world connections. The array of useful information on the NCGS STEM website has been assembled by educational practitioners who know what works.. Please join with us by sharing your own promising practices, practical resources, powerful outcomes. Send your ideas to stem@ncgs.org.

Photo credit: Miss Porter's School