Growth In STEM Fields Benefiting New Graduates

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An IT Degree May Be The Right Choice For You!

We've come a long way, baby! When it comes to the number of women working in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields, vast improvement has happened in the last 50 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics did a study based on U.S. Census data that showed that only 8% of those working in the technological fields were women back in 1950. In 2000, the Bureau reported it's was up to 26%. No one is denying it's still under-representative. For the record, the government considers parity in the workforce to be 47% women. For many women today, obtaining a technology degree may allow them to devote time to their family and their current job, while getting education in a STEM field.

While it's moving in the right direction and the number of women in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) fields has improved dramatically, no one else is taking this issue lightly. This is creating a tremendous opportunity for women who do want to enter these arenas. Learning of the opportunities must be factored in.

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The House of Representatives instituted five different resolutions. The first is HR 6104, which creates awareness programs for secondary school counselors. This originated with then Senator Barack Obama and House Representative Michael Honda. Mentoring and professional outreach programs will be the key component. New post-grad scholarships (200) was provided by HR 2272 for deserving female and minorities in the STEM professions.

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.

Individuals States Also Encouraging Women To Enter STEM Field

To encourage involvement in the STEM fields, states such as Hawaii, Florida, and Ohio (the most recent) are joining in the initiatives shown by the federal government. With women comprising only ten percent of the 2 million engineers and scientists, a factor was identified relating to a lack of encouragement in schools. Encouraging girls to pursue the subjects of math and science means more will choose a related field.

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 computer science degree programs where women's participation traditionally has been low. Among the fields in question are architecture, CIS, engineering and math.

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Grant Programs Available

The Society of Women Engineers has created its own grants for college . It gives financial assistance to women admitted to accredited Bachelor's and post-grad programs in engineering, engineering technology and computer science. In fiscal year 2009, they disbursed over 180 new and renewed scholarships valued at $470,000. This is one area where their dedication show. Check out their web site for additional information.

Numerous opportunities are waiting for women with interest in the STEM arena. Combining work and family with getting an online IT degree is possible and often the right way to go. A great many college grant possibilities, as well as other financial aid sources, await. Another good source is an online college financial aid officer. With a little more effort, women should achieve a larger standing in these fields.

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