New Study Reports Underrepresented Women in Growing STEM Fields

Jobs in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields are expected to grow by 17% between 2008 and 2018. However, women are underrepresented in STEM fields and have been losing ground in STEM degrees from community colleges, according to a report by The Institute of Women’s Policy Research. In 1997, women earned 33.8% of STEM degrees in community colleges, but that number dropped to 27.5% in 2007. Only one in four jobs in STEM is held by women even though they make up half of the labor force.

“Investing in STEM education for low-income women and student parents is a win-win strategy,” said Cynthia Costello, author of the report. “It strengthens the economic security of American families, and expands the number of highly-skilled STEM workers to make the nation more competitive in the 21st century.” Women with STEM jobs earn one-third more than women in non-STEM jobs. The report singles out community colleges which provide opportunities for low-income women to earn degrees in a variety of fields.

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