the future of female stem leadership starts here.
The Girls’ Index:™ Girls & STEM Impact Report features the personal, school and STEM related findings from The Girls’ Index™, the landmark national school-based survey conducted with 17,502 girls. This report helps us understand where girls need our support to pursue their STEM-related academic and career aspirations.
OUR SUPPORTERS
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE GIRLS & STEM REPORT
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Since the 2017 Girls’ Index™, overall rates of girls’ interest in STEM increased from 45% to 55%. The greatest gains were among the 5th and 6th grade girls, with nearly 20% more reporting STEM interest.
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Since 2017, girls are less likely to believe they are good at STEM subjects such as math and science. Currently 59% of girls believe they are good and math and science, down from 73% in 2017.
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Girls overwhelmingly report that they want a career that helps others, however far fewer (49%) report that they are considering a STEM career AND a career that helps others.
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STEM interest did not vary markedly across race or socioeconomic status. There is a 3% variance in STEM interest across income levels and 8% between racial categories (i.e. 55% of white girls report they are considering a STEM career vs 63% of Asian girls). Confident girls were nearly 20% more likely to report STEM interest.
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58% of 9th-12th grade girls report that they do not believe they are smart enough for their dream job, up from 46% in 2017. Among 5th and 6th grade girls, it is 52% up from 23% in 2017.
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Overall, girls are very aware of stereotypes that exist regarding what is thought to be appropriate and expected for girls and women. The majority report pressure to fit in to specific roles or stereotypes.
The new Girls’ Index:™ Girls & STEM Impact Report reveals a complex landscape for girls and STEM, and details key recommendations to help girls eager about STEM careers overcome the barriers that impact their confidence and perception of these fields. The future of female STEM leadership starts here.
It’s not a competence crisis.
It’s a confidence crisis. Nurture confidence alongside competence.
STEM’s blind spot.
We need to reframe STEM as a path to making a difference.
Representation matters.
It’s time to dismantle stereotypes and build belonging.
STEM NEEDS MORE GIRLS
It’s not just about filling seats; it’s about building a future where girls are empowered to lead in the world’s most critical fields.
Find out how we can create girl-friendly
STEM opportunities for EVERY GIRL.
Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) is the national nonprofit authority on girls. Since 2011, ROX research, programs, and resources have helped ensure that girls are in control of their own relationships, experiences, decisions, and futures.
1335 Dublin Rd, Suite 18A, Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 488-8080
info@rulingourexperiences.com
#beingagirlROX
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