Spring Break
Young women pursue science, tech careers
Issue date: 10/14/07 Section: FYI
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(ARA) - The growth of science and technology careers is that rarest of trends -- one we can see happening even as we live through it. By all accounts, demand for professionals with science, math, engineering and technology skills will continue to grow across a broad spectrum of industries.
Young women studying math, technology and science in high school and college have more opportunity than ever before to enter these high-pay, high-profile professions. Educators are fielding an array of initiatives to entice more high school girls towards math and science studies.
"There were few to no women in my classes through college and even high school," says Charna Parkey, who works as a digital signal processing engineer for Locus Location Systems in Melbourne, Fla. Parkey graduated from DeVry University in Orlando with degrees in computer and electronic engineering. "It definitely impacted my learning experience, as well as the preparation for working with men in the field. Sometimes it was tough just proving to newcomers that women are equals" in math, science and business, she adds.
While women account for nearly half the total work force in the United States, they hold less than a quarter of all the science jobs, according to the National Science Foundation. And while women continue to make about 70 cents for every dollar earned by their male colleagues with the same amount of education, the pay discrepancy shrinks or vanishes for women who study more math in college, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Continued stereotypes and the lack of female role models probably contribute to the lower number of females studying math and science careers in college, according to a study by the American Association of University Women.
"Providing young women with information and inspiration about science, math, technology and business careers benefits everyone," says Steve Brown, President of DeVry's Orlando campus. "Women can take advantage of opportunities for high-paying, high-profile careers and employers will benefit from an expanded work force of qualified professionals."
Young women studying math, technology and science in high school and college have more opportunity than ever before to enter these high-pay, high-profile professions. Educators are fielding an array of initiatives to entice more high school girls towards math and science studies.
"There were few to no women in my classes through college and even high school," says Charna Parkey, who works as a digital signal processing engineer for Locus Location Systems in Melbourne, Fla. Parkey graduated from DeVry University in Orlando with degrees in computer and electronic engineering. "It definitely impacted my learning experience, as well as the preparation for working with men in the field. Sometimes it was tough just proving to newcomers that women are equals" in math, science and business, she adds.
While women account for nearly half the total work force in the United States, they hold less than a quarter of all the science jobs, according to the National Science Foundation. And while women continue to make about 70 cents for every dollar earned by their male colleagues with the same amount of education, the pay discrepancy shrinks or vanishes for women who study more math in college, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
Continued stereotypes and the lack of female role models probably contribute to the lower number of females studying math and science careers in college, according to a study by the American Association of University Women.
"Providing young women with information and inspiration about science, math, technology and business careers benefits everyone," says Steve Brown, President of DeVry's Orlando campus. "Women can take advantage of opportunities for high-paying, high-profile careers and employers will benefit from an expanded work force of qualified professionals."
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