Celebrating women's participation in STEM: Breaking barriers and building futures

The U.S. National Science Foundation proudly champions the participation of women and girls in STEM fields. Its mission is to advance scientific knowledge and ensure that the STEM community is as diverse and inclusive as the society it serves. By investing in resources, supporting pioneering research and fostering environments where women can thrive, NSF is committed to breaking down barriers and opening doors for future generations of female scientists, engineers and innovators.

Empowering women through resources and investments

NSF focuses on increasing women's participation in STEM, starting with dedicated support centers and numerous funded projects that encourage girls and women to pursue STEM careers. Among the NSF-supported centers are:

• NSF ADVANCE: Organizational Change for Gender Equity in STEM Academic Professions program aimsto develop systemic approaches to increase the participation and advancement of women in academic STEM careers.
• The National Center for Women & Information Technology focuses on improving the meaningful participation of girls and women in computing.
• The Center for Advancing Women in Technology promotes gender diversity in the tech industry.

Inspiring the next generation: early age STEM participation

To encourage women's participation in STEM fields from an early age, NSF funds innovative projects, such as Rural Girls in STEM, SciGirls and Sci Girls Code. 

Rural Girls in STEM provides rural girls with opportunities to engage in STEM activities and develop a passion for science and technology. Through hands-on experiments, mentorship and community engagement, Rural Girls in STEM aims to bridge the gap for girls who may not have access to the same resources as their urban counterparts.

SciGirls is the Emmy-award-winning PBS show. It is an NSF-funded project that features real-life girls in STEM adventures. The show aims to inspire and empower girls aged 8-12 to pursue their interests in STEM through engaging, relatable content. SciGirls also offers an extensive online platform with resources for educators, parents and students to continue the learning journey.

SciGirls Code expands on the success of SciGirls and focuses specifically on software development and computer science. By introducing girls to coding concepts and exemplifying diverse role models, this project aims to demystify computer science and encourage more girls to consider careers in this critical field.

Groundbreaking projects supporting women in STEM

NSF's investment in the Innovations for Graduate Education (IGE) program is instrumental in supporting women in STEM education and research. Learn more about three notable IGE projects below:

1. Graduate opportunities to learn data science (GOLD) at the San Francisco State University

This project addresses the underrepresentation of women and minority students in data science graduate programs. Data science is a rapidly growing field yet remains inaccessible to these groups due to a lack of inclusive training and support systems.

The GOLD program at the San Francisco State University provides comprehensive, inclusive data science training for female and underrepresented graduate students. The program emphasizes mentorship, peer support and direct learning experiences. It integrates interdisciplinary coursework and practical applications to ensure students gain the skills necessary to succeed in data science careers.

The expected outcome is an increase of female and underrepresented data science graduates equipped with the skills and confidence to pursue successful careers in this field. The program aims to create a supportive community that encourages diversity and inclusion in data science.

2. Advancing and strengthening science identity through systematic training (ASSIST) at The University of Texas at San Antonio

ASSIST targets the challenges of retaining female and minority students in STEM disciplines by strengthening their science identity and sense of belonging within the STEM community. Students from underrepresented backgrounds may face a lack of support, which can lead to higher dropout rates.

The ASSIST at The University of Texas, San Antonio program offers systematic training, including mentorship, professional development workshops and research opportunities. The focus is on helping students build a strong science identity and providing them with the tools and confidence to persist in their STEM education.

The program aims to increase retention rates and academic success for female and minority students in STEM. By fostering a strong science identity and providing robust support systems, ASSIST seeks to empower students to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential in STEM fields.

3. Integrating data science into the applied mathematics PhD: Generalized skills for non-academic careers at the University of Arizona

This project addresses the gap between traditional academic training in applied mathematics and the skills required for nonacademic careers, particularly data science. Women and minority students often lack access to training that prepares them for diverse career paths outside academia.

The program integrates data science training into the applied mathematics doctoral curriculum, providing students with a broad set of skills applicable to numerous industries. It includes interdisciplinary coursework, practical data science projects, and collaborations with industry partners. The goal is to prepare students for careers in data science, finance, technology and other fields.

The expected outcome is a new generation of applied mathematics doctoral graduates who are versatile and equipped for non-academic careers. The program aims to enhance career prospects for female and minority students, contributing to greater diversity in data science and related industries.

The NSF vision

Through targeted investments, innovative projects and unwavering support, NSF is committed to breaking barriers and building a brighter future for women in STEM. NSF invites the STEM research community to join in this endeavor, support these initiatives and continue to ensure STEM accessibility to all. This effort creates a world where women are not just participants in STEM but are leaders and pioneers, shaping the future of science and technology. 

These NSF-funded projects reflect the commitment to creating inclusive and supportive environments where women and underrepresented groups can thrive in STEM. By addressing specific challenges and implementing targeted approaches, NSF aims to foster a diverse and vibrant STEM community that reflects the richness of society.