Girls and STEM: What educators need to know

Getting more girls to pursue STEM is essential for bringing fresh ideas into the field. Despite their potential, girls are underrepresented in STEM. From an early age, they receive messages that STEM isn’t for them.¹ 

As an educator, you can help close the gender gap by encouraging girls to engage in STEM. It’s especially important to support girls who learn and think differently to see themselves as scientists, engineers, tech inventors, and more. Empowering all girls to be successful in STEM doesn’t just benefit them. It benefits everyone.

Read on to learn more about girls and STEM, and what you can do as an educator. 

The gender gap in STEM

The gender gap in STEM begins long before students choose their college majors or careers. In elementary school, girls perform just as well as boys in math and science. But as they get older, something shifts. By middle school, many girls start to believe that STEM isn’t for them.^2,3 

Research shows that stereotypes, lack of encouragement, and limited role models often push girls away from STEM.⁴ By the time they reach college, fewer girls choose to major in STEM fields than boys.⁵

This gap continues into the workforce. Women hold only 31 percent of STEM jobs.⁶ The numbers are even lower in the specific fields of engineering and computer science.⁷ This means we’re missing out on a large group of talented people who could bring new ideas to STEM. 

Why closing the gap matters

Closing the gender gap in STEM isn’t just about fairness — it’s about making STEM fields stronger. When women aren’t part of the conversation, innovation can suffer.

When teams have people with different backgrounds, the mix of perspectives can lead to more creative solutions. Women bring ideas that might not be considered otherwise. That benefits everyone, not just women.

Some of the most innovative breakthroughs have come from women. Dr. Virginia Apgar is a perfect example. She designed the first standardized method for evaluating newborns right after birth. Her “Apgar score” is used worldwide to identify babies needing immediate medical attention.⁸

When women are part of the design and development process, they can help create solutions that work for everyone. 

Creating supportive learning environments

Supportive learning environments are essential to helping girls feel like they belong in STEM. Teachers, parents, and caregivers play a big role here. 

Research shows that girls are more likely to try STEM activities and feel confident in their abilities when they’re encouraged by their teachers and their families.⁹ When girls feel valued and capable in STEM, they’re more likely to stick with it.¹⁰ 

As an educator, there are ways you can support girls in STEM. 

• Help girls know that their perspectives matter. Make sure girls see themselves reflected in lessons by highlighting women in STEM. 

• Encourage girls to participate in class discussions. Affirm their contributions.

• Give positive feedback to build confidence. 

• Include supports for students who learn and think differently. 

Parents and caregivers can help, too. Share with families ways they can help encourage STEM thinking at home. Encouragement at home and in the classroom creates a network of support. It helps girls push through challenges and stay engaged.

The power of role models

As an educator, it’s important to provide STEM role models that girls can relate to. The role models don’t have to be famous. They can be teachers, parents, friends, or even community members. Seeing someone like them succeed can help girls picture themselves as successful. 

You can also highlight famous women who have made significant contributions to STEM. Below are just a few of the women you could highlight. They show how diverse perspectives can lead to groundbreaking ideas.

• Ada Lovelace is often recognized as the first computer programmer. Ada Lovelace Day is celebrated annually on the second Tuesday of October to honor the contributions of women in STEM. 

• Dr. Mae Jemison made history as the first African American woman to travel in space.

• Dr. Eugenie Clark, known as “The Shark Lady,” was a marine biologist who transformed the public’s perception of sharks. 

• Reshma Saujani is the founder of Girls Who Code, an organization aimed at closing the gender gap in technology. 

There are also many women role models featured on these STEM stars posters. Use the posters to teach your students about women leaders in STEM who learn and think differently.

More resources 

Encouraging girls to pursue STEM is key to closing the gender gap and driving innovation.

• Share this podcast episode to help families learn how to support STEM at home.