More Women Getting Started On STEM Degrees
Approximately 60 years ago, Census data from the 1950’s showed that only 8% of those in the field of science were women. The STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) saw a definite increase as of the year 2000, with 26% of those in the field now women. This is certainly not indicative of the amount of women in the work force as a whole, currently 47% of the nation. The availability of obtaining an online IT degree is opening doors for women to enter these fields, allowing them to study while caring for children and while working.
No one is taking this issue lightly. Because of this disparity, it is creating an amazing opportunity for women who do want to enter these areas of employment. That doesn’t mean they are aware of all the programs that are out there though. If you are interested in getting more information about online college grant the Internet is one place to start.
For instance, the House of Representatives passed five pieces of legislature over the last several years to work on this situation. Introduced by then Senator Barack Obama and House Representative Michael Honda, the first is House Resolution 6104, whose purpose is to create awareness programs with high school counselors. It will do so through professional outreach programs and mentoring. 200 new post-grad scholarships for deserving female and minorities by House Resolution 2272.
HR 3634 provided more scholarships and grants for women, a definite start to encourage women to enter the STEM field. As a bonus, loan forgiveness was approved for those in engineering. A progressive aid campaign for women and minorities with the purpose of getting them into STEM occupations was provided for by HR 4137. $1.5 billion for counselors and more educators in the STEM professions was provided by House Resolution 362.
Approximately ten percent of the 2 million scientists and engineers in the US are women. An identified factor in this low number has been attributed to schools failing to foster interest in girls in the subjects of science and math. Passing the above resolutions does show the dedication of the federal government to this, but they are not the only ones. Other states are passing legislation to foster women entering the technological fields. Most recently Florida, Hawaii and Iowa have done so.
Professional organizations have not been lagging. The first of note is the Selected Professions Fellowship, sponsored by the American Association of University Women. It provides scholarships and fellowships ranging from $5,000 to $18,000 to women who intend to pursue a full-time course of study at accredited U.S. institutions during the fellowship year in one of the designated degree programs where women’s participation traditionally has been low. Among the fields in question are architecture, CIS, engineering and math. For an abundance of information about online computer science degree check out the web.
Another professional organization that’s putting its money where its mouth is the Society of Women Engineers. Their SWE Scholarship program provides financial assistance to women admitted to accredited baccalaureate or graduate programs, in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology and computer science. In fiscal year 2009, SWE disbursed more than 180 new and renewed scholarships valued at $470,000.
Family life and work will complement the student who is seeking an information technology degree. A list of these grants online can be found at the website.
