Gender Patterns in Educational and Career Plans of Participants in an Urban County-Level Science Fair

• In Event: Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Experiences of K-12 Students in STEM Disciplines

Abstract

Despite a rising national demand for individuals prepared to enter the STEM work force paired with increased efforts to attract more females and minorities to STEM careers over the past several decades, an imbalance in STEM participation persists. The discrepancy in participation in STEM careers has been attributed to numerous issues relating to education, psychology, and society. It is impossible to identify one single cause, since all of the issues affecting women’s choices not to participate in STEM careers are complex and interrelated. It is likely that a combination of factors is still deterring young women from choosing a profession that involves science.

Authors

• Penny Hammrich, Drexel University

• Kathleen Fadigan, The Pennsylvania State University - Abington