Impacts and Factors of Women in STEM Education at UW-Stout

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to gain an understanding of the factors that contribute to women choosing science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) career paths. This research gathered information from other findings on the gender gap, the decline of interest of women pursuing STEM fields, and on ways to engage young women in STEM-related courses. Interviews from three female students seeking a STEM degree at the University of Wisconsin – Stout collected suggestions on how to increase young women joining STEM-related courses throughout their educational ladder, how those women persisted within their degree, and the hurdles they faced to get a STEM degree. Strategies suggested when conducting the interviews included implementing STEM curriculum such as simple coding programs in prekindergarten, providing mentorships with another female student or woman from a STEM profession and evaluating the STEM courses to adapt to the needs of everyone, not just males. Showcasing the story of women in a male-dominated occupation will present a better understanding of developing said occupation as an equal ground for all. The role of a female teacher holding a STEM education degree may have a significant impact on young female students’ future.