More Women Find Success With A Degree In Technology!
At the start of the new millennium, the Bureau of Labor Statistics did a study, based on U.S. Census data, to track the growth of women and minorities in the country's work force. Back in 1950, the Bureau discerned that only 8% of those working in the sciences were women. By 2000, the Bureau reports it was up to 26%.
We will probably have to wait for this upcoming census for more current details. Still, no one is denying the outcome is under-representative of the U.S. population as a whole (with women average 47% of the U.S. work force in general). An online IT degree allows many women wishing to enter the STEM field to work and learn or care for their family and learn.
While it's moving in the right direction and the number of women in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields has improved dramatically, no one else is taking this issue lightly. This is creating a tremendous opportunity for women who do want to enter these arenas. Learning of the opportunities must be factored in.
For instance, the House of Representatives passed five pieces of legislature over the last several years to work on this situation. Introduced by then Senator Barack Obama and House Representative Michael Honda, the first is House Resolution 6104, whose purpose is to create awareness programs with high school counselors. It will do so through professional outreach programs and mentoring. 200 new post-grad scholarships for deserving female and minorities by House Resolution 2272.
House Resolution 3634 not only provided more scholarships and grants for women, but loan forgiveness for those in the engineering field. Then came House Resolution 4137 involving a media campaign, primarily to stimulate minorities and women to enter STEM occupations. The latest, House Resolution 362, authorized $1.5 billion funding for more educators and counselors in the STEM professions.
Schools not succeeding in engaging the interest of girls in the subjects of science and math has been considered an important factor. This may explain why the percentage of the 2 million scientists and engineers who are women is only ten percent. Individual states are making the move to encourage involvement of minorities and women in STEM fields, with Iowa, Hawaii and Florida the most recent ones to join in.
Another important set of players are STEM professional organizations created by and for women. The American Association of University Women created the Selected Professions Fellowship. It supplies scholarships/fellowships ranging from $5,000 to $18,000 to women who intend to pursue a full-time course of study at accredited U.S. institutions one of the pre-determined programs where women have been low. These include architecture, computer/information science, engineering and math.
The Society of Women Engineers has created its own grant program. It gives financial assistance to women admitted to accredited Bachelor's and post-grad programs in engineering, engineering technology and computer science. In fiscal year 2009, they disbursed over 180 new and renewed scholarships valued at $470,000. This is one area where their dedication show. Check out their web site for additional information.
Family life and work will complement the student who is seeking an online IT degree. There are many more opportunities for women showing interest in these kinds of careers. A list of these college grant monies can be found at the web site. Consulting with a college financial aid officer for more advice. With this kind of effort, the disparity of women in the STEM fields should achieve parity in the near future.
- Article Word Count: 516
- |
- Total Views: 11
- |
- permalink