Businesses are teaming up with schools on new programs designed to get more girls interested in technical and engineering jobs. More female scientists, engineers and computer specialists will be available to help employers overcome an anticipated shortfall of candidates for such jobs in coming years. Although women outnumber men in college enrollments and degrees earned, only a small proportion go on to careers in science and technology. The gap is most acute in computer sciences, where the percentage of bachelor's degrees awarded to women has tumbled, according to a report by the American Association of University Women. It's particularly important for girls to be exposed to role models, women who are pursuing successful careers in science and technology, says Elizabeth Carlassare, author of DotCom Divas , a book about women in high-tech jobs.
Several programs aim to narrow the gender gap in science and technical fields.
Independent Means is a California-based organization aimed at encouraging girls to develop business and technical skills. Sponsors include Home Depot, Charles Schwab and Fleet. The group runs a program called Camp Start-Up in which teenage girls learn about finance, gain experience writing a business plan and using the Internet and meet with female executives. Autodesk, a design software and Fortune 500 technology company, has a program called Design Your Future that encourages girls to pursue careers in math, science and technology. It also offers a scholarship to women.