I just read a very distressing newsletter from the BDPA which should come as no surprise unfortunately. The note concluded that there is a SIGNIFICANT decline among women and minorities in STEM professions. The newsletter highlighted (direct quote) …

"…The number of women and minorities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) has decreased at an alarming rate over the past years. STEM executive respondents in the Bayer Facts of Science Education Survey say there is a significant shortage of STEM talent, especially of women and minorities. Of the 1,000 responding executives, more than half expressed frustration at their companies' inability to hire women and minority STEM workers…"

The newsletter continued that Charles H. Britt, founder and executive director of The Center for Minority Achievement in Science and Technology (CMAST), a Washington, D.C., nonprofit, acknowledges the trend, but emphasizes that there is a disconnection between what companies are looking for and how students are being prepared for the 21st Century workplace. He says "The key is to get women and minorities interested in STEM careers by finding innovative solutions, and not just in the traditional sense," he says. "Even the larger organizations, such as the Hispanic and women engineering organizations, are feeling a slowdown in their momentum of growth."

This is a challenge for us all. We need to encourage more women and minorities to fill the gap in this country for scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technology professions that will be so essential to our economy, national security, and job potential for our young people. I am calling on all of my sisters in STEM professions to talk to young ladies about STEM as a career option. I am speaking to high school and grade school kids in the inner city encouraging them towards STEM careers. When I was in high school, an engineer on career day came to our school and discussed city planning. This was an awakening for me to a whole new life.

It is too important to our kids to ignore this one. We hear these statistics everyday. Now, its time to act.

I just linked to a great website at http://www.usasciencefestival.org/ . The USA Science & Engineering Festival later this year in Washington, DC. is being hailed as the "Woodstock of Science" and promises to be the nation's largest ever celebration of science with an estimated attendance of 1 Million people and over 400 organizations participating. The expo will be located on the National Mall on October 23 & 24, 2010. The festival will include a two-day Expo in the nation's capital that will give over 500 science and engineering organizations from all over the United States the opportunity to present themselves with a hands-on, fun science activity to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Last November, President Obama announced a major science education initiative before the National Academy of Sciences. In his speech, the President told the august assembly of scientists and guests: "I want to persuade you to spend time in the classroom, talking – and showing – young people what it is that your work can mean, and what it means to you…Think about new and creative ways to engage young people in science and engineering."

Let me know what you think of this festival. I say its about time! For all of the women in S.T.E.M. professions, this is our opportunity to help encourage a new generation of kids to participate in the profession we all love.

JOIN THE FESTIVAL! I WILL SEE YOU THERE!

This week, students from across college campuses made their voices heard about the high costs of education. Tuition rose as much as 38% in California making it nearly impossible for students to complete higher education goals. Millions of dollars were diverted from the schools leaving the students behind. I raise my voice in solidarity with the students today. Regardless of race, creed, color or political affiliation, these students are our future. Since my 18^th birthday, I have heard President after President declare themselves to be "the education President" yet none has dealt with the issue of funding. It all starts with funding.

Remarkably, this is NOT a difficult issue to deal with. I am always amazed that the President can declare an area a disaster area and funds appear. We can agree to go to war and funds appear in staggering amounts month after month. Billions of dollars. Yet our children are driven to the streets because they cannot afford their education. At the K-12 level in my city, property taxes still fund education leaving a PERPETUAL issue with lower schools having lower performing schools and lower funded schools. Year after year property taxes are increased and voters vote their purse to stop the tax increases at the expense of our kids. States coffers are nearly empty. This affects education at all levels. We have to ask ourselves a simple question. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO US AS A NATION AND A PEOPLE? The answer for many is clear. EDUCATION.

Take a look at the job crisis now. The higher your education level, the more likely you are to be employed. This is not hard to figure out. We are sending a mixed message to our kids. On the one hand we are telling them to stay in school. On the other hand, our policies with respect to funding education across all States make it virtually impossible for them to do so.

I am calling on parents, leaders, my sisters in S.T.E.M. professions to come together to stand with our kids today. We need every student who has a desire for higher education to succeed. It is in our national interest. The National Science Foundation has wrote to the President and made key recommendations for S.T.E.M. education. We should embrace these recommendations and support these students.

POWER TO THE STUDENTS!

Technology is at the core of women's lives. Just a couple of weeks ago, I watched the unveiling of the new iPad. I must say, I am in love with my iPhone and my iPod. These are my two favorite pieces of technology. I went in the Apple store to buy accessories with my daughter and I noticed that many of the customers were girls and women. As a matter of fact, my daughter was interested in accessories for her iPhone. What is very interesting is that we as women and girls are big CONSUMERS of technology and probably don't realize how big of an influence it really has on our lives. However, we remain at the back of the line when it comes to DEVELOPING technology.

IT'S NOT AS HARD AS YOU THINK! I used to be a programmer in my early years as a young engineer. I was fascinated by programming at an early age and wanted to see if I could "make the computer do this or that". Even today, when I walk in an Apple store, I am fascinated by the number of gadgets and how they work. I try to encourage young girls to be more curious and inquisitive as to how things work. Tech is not for boys!

We are influenced daily with technology. I want all young girls to think the next time you use your iPhone or iPod of the use of these devices beyond entertainment and communication. Think of the possibilities to make the world a better place. That's what engineers do.

Today, the State of Illinois just announced a "Race to the Top" lunch meeting to discuss STEM partnerships.  I will be attending this important forum. In case you have not heard, the Illinois Business Roundtable (IBRT), in cooperation with the Illinois State Board of Education and other partners, are hosting a meeting of business and industry leaders to brief them on plans to establish statewide Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) partnerships, called STEM Learning Exchanges, as proposed in the Illinois Race to the Top (RTTT) proposal. The meeting will involve a discussion of the process to organize these partnerships in nine STEM areas:

(1) Agriculture and Natural Resources

(2) Architecture and Construction

(3) Energy

(4) Finance

(5) Health Sciences

(6) Information Technology

(7) Manufacturing

(8) Research and Development

(9) Transportation, Distribution and Logistics

The announcement about this meeting came out on March 1, 2010. I would encourage any women in STEM professions to join this important forum. I will be going to this important event. I understand that Illinois representatives will provide an update on the RTTT proposal as well as discuss the process that will be used to establish STEM Learning Exchanges including the selection of lead entities and fiscal agents. Additional outreach meetings will be held with business and industry organizations as well as other Learning Exchange partners including education partners. In my opinion, this is exactly the kind of leadership we need at the State level to promote women in STEM professions. Tricia Leezer (tleezer@isbe.net) is the main contact for this.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

I was just reading the website of the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP).  I recently spoke at their Wisconsin event and if you have not checked out this organization, I would encourage you to do so.  The NGCP does wonderful work encouraging girls to pursue careers in the STEM fields.  During my recent talk, I shared with the young ladies how my career has been as a civil engineer and how much fun it really is. 

The NGCP has several good research documents on their website if you are interested in the statistics on women in engineering.  Also, the Society of Women Engineers also has excellent content promoting STEM among women/students as well.  I still find it amazing that we are still discussing this topic in 2010.  I graduated in 1981 and we are still facing some of the same challenges in times past.  Women of Color are still underrepresented in STEM professions.

The President today discussed his new initiative to challenge drop out rates and low achievement.  For years, I was quietly working my profession and not speaking out.  It is time for women scientists, doctors, engineers, mathematicians and other STEM professionals to come forward and encourage young women to pursue STEM careers. 

If you are a woman in STEM, let me know what you think!   The time is now for our younger sisters to embrace the STEM professions.

Now more than ever, I believe that the engineering and technology professions need greater participation among women.  This blog was started to raise awareness of the gender gap in technology and engineering as well as our nation's critical need for more U.S.-based engineers.  It is my hope that this discussion will be mutually rewarding for all blog readers and encouraging for young ladies who want to pursue careers in technology and engineering.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION!