Utah Women and STEM

Employment opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) sectors in Utah are estimated to reach 101,000 by 2018 (Carnevale, Smith, & Melton, 2011). These jobs are recognized nationwide as being well-compensated and generally recession-proof. Yet Utah women continue to hold a lower percentage of STEM-sec-tor jobs than women nationally; in fact, Utah is ranked last in the United States in terms of the percent of women employed in STEM. In addition, Utah women work in STEM occupations at a rate that is less than half that of Utah men (Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR), 2013). Recognizing the role women must play as an integral part of a strong statewide workforce, Utah educational and civic leaders are working to increase opportunities and pathways for more Utah women to enter and thrive in STEM fields. Such efforts, including educational support and labor force incentives, will allow women to have greater success in their intellectual and financial health and overall well-being. This research report reviews three key areas: 1. Current STEM employment data in Utah and nationwide, 2. Possible explanations for the persistent gender gap in STEM, and 3. A discussion of ongoing efforts in Utah to increase female participation and success in STEM fields