Building a Pipeline of Women in Engineering and Computer Science

Bia Hamed, Director of K-12 STEM outreach and Digital Divas program Director, Eastern Michigan University

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 percent of all bachelor's degrees, but only a fraction graduate with engineering and technology majors. However, only 20 percent of computer science and 22 percent 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 these career fields. Often in popular culture, we find men playing 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 #MeToo Movement, more women are taking a stand for equality in various areas, but there’s still more work to be done. Storylines in movies, television shows, advertising, and songs must reflect a stronger, smarter woman.

The transformation of who you are, by the influence of culture, begins as early as the cradle. Clothing and toys are predetermined for children even before they get to decide what they like and want. When considering toys, books, clothing, and TV shows, we need to think about not stereotyping for gender. Instead of buying dolls or small kitchens for girls, parents or caregivers should consider purchasing an engineering kit, block connector set, or light-up activity board.

The early elementary years are a great 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 a good 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. Constant reconfirmation of the importance of STEM subjects needs to be emphasized and promoted. 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 especially at home. Parents and guardians need to take a deep and serious interest in what is being said by their children about their careers and 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.

“Exposing girls to various programs and careers in STEM is very important at this time in their life. Giving her access to participate in various programs in non-traditional fields will allow her the insight she needs to decide on her future.”

High school is a great time for girls to find and explore their passion. Exposing girls to various programs and careers in STEM is very important at this time in their life. Giving her access to participate in various 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 get a deeper understanding of a career field. 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.

Parents and guardians should never limit access to academic participation in student clubs such as coding, esports, robotics, and other areas. School extracurricular activities encourage growth in various areas that the teacher just cannot cover in the classroom. Also, you can set your student apart by finding exciting and educational places to visit outside of school. Visiting local industries and companies in your city or town, college campuses, and even a walk can open up a student’s mind to do and create.

The most important factor and constant strand through all of this advice is the continual encouragement and support at home. In my own published research, it found parental support was the most important factor for women in helping them successfully complete their non-traditional college degrees such as in engineering. Acceptance is crucial to their success. 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 else in their community will support them.  

Robotics