There’s a serious lack of females in STEM fields. According to a study by the Economics & Statistics Administration, women hold less than a quarter of all STEM jobs. They also have fewer STEM undergraduate degrees – especially in engineering – and they are less likely to use those degrees toward an actual STEM-related job than their male counterparts.
That’s why STEM programs for girls are so important. They can help girls achieve the following goals:
- See more academic success – Students with STEM skills tend to score higher on standardized tests, as well as perform better at school. Ensuring your daughter gets an education in STEM can give her the skills she needs to succeed – both in high school and in college.
- Secure higher paying jobs – According to the same ESA study, women in STEM jobs earn about 33 percent more than their non-STEM counterparts. That means for every $10,000, they earn $3,300 more a year.
- Have higher self-esteem – STEM programs give girls more confidence in their skills, abilities and intelligence. They’re more comfortable speaking up, taking the lead and paving their own way – and that can go a long distance in guaranteeing their success.
- Be prepared for all sorts of careers – Though traditionally STEM programs prepare girls for careers in STEM fields, tech and mathematic skills are vital for all sorts of jobs – no matter what industry or sector they’re in. These skills can help with more artistic jobs, like graphic design or the arts; they can even help your daughter become an entrepreneur and start their own business.
STEM programs for girls, such as VentureLab’s Girl Startup, can be very powerful tools for young women, giving them the skills, confidence and career-readiness they need to see success. To give your daughter these benefits and more, consider enrolling her in a VentureLab program today.
