2017 Issue

29 increasing rapidly among young men in Utah, while only modestly increasing among young women. For example, between 2010 and 2015, the number of computing degrees and certificates earned by men in Utah more than tripled, from 1,027 to 3,413. In contrast, the number of degrees women earned increased at a much slower rate, from 321 to 431, during the same time period. 16 Finally, even when women graduate and begin to work in STEM fields, they tend to divert from STEM sec-tors at a higher rate than men do, and for different reasons. For instance, in the U.S., 22% of women (vs. 7% of men) decide to leave STEM-related positions for family-related reasons, and only 15% (vs. 31% of men) leave based on pay or pro- motional opportunities, which can often be greater outside of STEM occupations as a career progresses. 17 Consequent- ly, focused measures are needed, at both national and state levels, to attract, retain, and support the integration and success of students, particu-larly females, in STEM educa- tion and employment. Efforts to Increase Participation In order to ensure the sufficient local supply of qualified employees to fill future STEM jobs, Utah stakeholders are focusing increased efforts in promoting STEM fields (and specifically women in STEM) at all levels, including K–12, higher education, and professional employment. To that end, in 2013 the Utah legislature appropriated $10M for the creation of a STEM Action Center 18 to pro-mote science, technology, engineering, and math through best practices in K–12 education. The Center’s goal is to ensure a “com- petitive workforce and economic success in the global marketplace.” 19 Additionally, in 2015 the Utah legislature approved $4.5M for an engineering initiative, 20 as well as a one-time appropriation of $280,000 for each of two schools in support of the Southern Utah STEM Initiative at South- ern Utah University and for Dixie State University, as both target underserved and disadvantaged rural communities. 21 These state-appropriated funds could be utilized (directly or indirectly) to develop initiatives steering female students towards STEM education, as well as supporting women in STEM occupations. For instance Dixie State University was selected to host one of only 22 “Tech-Savvy” conference pilot programs nationwide; the conference features a day- long STEM event for girls. 22 Overall, Utah is taking positive steps and investing heavily in raising support and awareness for STEM education as a gateway to high-paying job opportunities, and many of these efforts are aimed specifically at overcoming STEM– gender challenges. For instance, Utah is one of 19 states to participate in the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE) STEM Equity Pipeline Project, which is a collaborative effort between higher education institutions and Utah school districts to increase female participation in STEM. This is a research-based program with specific quan- titative goals that allows stakeholders to measure increased involvement among Utah girls. 23 In addition, the STEM Action Center now offers a dedicated STEM-girls webpage that features links to women-led scientific and engineering projects nation-wide. The Center also hosts “girls only” events, which can allow girls to explore and learn in a com- fortable environment. 24 Likewise, many institutions in the Utah System of Higher Education organize K–12 girls-only STEM summer camps to encourage higher participation in STEM fields. See, for example, SheTech (Utah Valley Univer- sity), eSMART camp (Dixie State University), Girls Go Digital (various locations), and Hi-Gear (University of Utah). 25 In addition to university outreach programs aimed at K–12 students, the major universities and colleges in the state offer numerous programs and organizations for post-sec- ondary female students in STEM. These groups provide mentoring, networking, competitions, community outreach, training, and other support. For example, the Society for Women Engineers, a national organization, has active chap- ters at both Weber State University and Utah State Univer- sity. Southern Utah University has a newly formed chapter of the national organization the Association of Computer Machinery—Women. Other groups include Women in En- gineering and Technology at Brigham Young University and the ACCESS Program for Women in Science and Mathemat- ics at the University of Utah, among many others. Interested female students at any post-secondary institution in Utah SALT LAKE CITY | LOGAN | PHOENIX | ST. GEORGE www.vbfa.com Providing a full RANGE of MEP services and a team dedicated to excellence. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K UEC Ad 2017_VBFA.pdf 1 2/3/2017 2:52:28 PM