Toward Closing the Gender Gap in Engineering: A Preliminary and Systematic Literature Review

• In Event: Women and STEM Education

Abstract

The ongoing gender gap in engineering remains a significant societal concern especially since engineering careers can significantly improve the economic lives of families. Closing the gap requires early learning experiences designed to enhance and increase female participation in engineering. There have been significant improvements in women’s participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), however, engineering continues to have less than 25% women’s representation. This study is a systematic review of the effects of high school-level strategies and interventions designed to improve the readiness of young women for careers in the field of engineering. Our search procedures led us to 223 articles, with 21 articles meeting the inclusion criteria.

Authors

• Adedolapo Latifat Shodimu, Texas Tech University

• Robert Gauthreaux, Texas Tech University

• Michael Otieno Okumu, Texas Tech University

• Greer Carrie, Texas Tech University

• Faith Maina, Texas Tech University

• Hansel Burley, University of New Mexico