2017 Issue

30 should consult STEM departments in order to locate and participate in these programs. Finally, at the professional level, various statewide asso- ci-ations for women, including the American Association of University Women—Utah, Utah Women in Higher Educa- tion Network, and the Women Tech Council, offer visibility (such as the Annual Women Tech Awards), networking, and mentoring on various issues of personal and professional growth both for career professionals in the STEM sector, as well as women in technology occupations in other indus- try sectors. In addition to supporting women individually, these organizations can also advocate for improved corpo- rate culture among STEM companies and in career paths. Industries and their various pipelines will have to continue to make significant changes to better recruit, develop, and retain women in STEM fields, as women currently hold such a small percentage of these jobs. For more details about these organizations, please refer to the Utah Wom- en & Leader-ship Project’s extensive list of Utah Women’s Networks and Groups which includes many associations and chapters for women in STEM. In addition, see the Utah Women and Education Initiative’s Program and Support Search for listings of STEM programs and offerings through Utah school districts, schools, colleges, networks, associa- tions, and beyond. Conclusion Mirroring national trends, the growing number of employ- ment opportunities in Utah’s STEM sector requires both more STEM talent overall and more equitable gender representation within the sector. Accordingly, Utah needs to continue its significant investments into programs that encourage and mentor Utah girls and young women to pursue STEM education and careers, and industries must continue to improve corporate climate to attract and retain top women in STEM fields. Successful efforts to increase female participation in STEM fields will strengthen the positive impact of women in organizations and the state as a whole. 1 Carnevale, A. P., Smith, N., & Melton, M. (2011). STEM. George- town, University Center on Education and the Workforce. Washington, D.C. Retrieved from Georgetown STEM Report 2 Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR). (2015). Status of women in the States. Utah. Retrieved from http://statusof- womendata.org/explore-the-data/state-data/utah/ 3 U.S. Department of Labor. In-demand, higher-paying occupa- tions (2010–2020). Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/wb/ stats/idoccupations.htm#occpnnj1020 Shriners Hospitals for Children — Salt Lake City has been changing the lives of children like Maleah since 1925 through state-of-the-art pediatric orthopaedic care, provided regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Refer a patient: 800-314-4283 Now I can ski!