In a significant step towards promoting gender equality and diversity in the STEM fields, NASA has announced its plan to award more than $5 million in funding to seven Women’s Colleges and Universities (WCUs).
This initiative, spearheaded by President Biden and Vice President Harris, aims to research and develop strategies that enhance the retention of women in STEM degree programs and careers.
The agency’s Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) has created the Women’s Colleges and Universities opportunity, recognizing the need to overcome obstacles and barriers faced by women in science, technology, engineering, and math.
By addressing the national gender gap prevalent in both higher education and the workforce, NASA is taking a bold step towards fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities for women in STEM.
NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, a Wellesley College graduate, expressed her enthusiasm for this groundbreaking endeavor, stating, “We’re making strides to close the pervasive gender gap in STEM, and Women’s Colleges and Universities are well-positioned to help drive that positive change.”
Melroy emphasized the importance of attracting talented and enthusiastic individuals to the STEM workforce, as they will play a pivotal role in tackling the ambitious plans and challenges that lie ahead.
This funding opportunity arose as a response to the White House Executive Order 14035, which prioritizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the federal workforce.
Women’s Colleges and Universities were encouraged to leverage their expertise and develop comprehensive programs encompassing academics, research, student support, college prep, career prep, mentoring, and more. NASA recognizes that diversity and inclusivity are essential for shaping the future STEM workforce and agency.
The education and workforce data demonstrate a significant gender gap in the STEM fields. Although women earn 59% of undergraduate degrees, only 10% of women’s degrees are in STEM fields, according to the National Center of Education Statistics. Similarly, while women represent about 47% of the overall workforce, they hold only 27% of STEM jobs, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau.
This disparity is even more pronounced for women of color, with fewer than one in 20 scientists and engineers being women of color in STEM.
The funded programs will consider various aspects such as gender, race, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and other identities that may influence students’ career trajectories. Each awardee will develop a guidebook, offering valuable data, instructions, and best practices to serve as a blueprint for other Minority-Serving Institutions and Women’s Colleges aiming to establish similar programs.
NASA’s commitment to closing the gender gap and promoting diversity in STEM fields is a remarkable testament to the agency’s vision for the future. By investing in Women’s Colleges and Universities, NASA recognizes their unique potential to effect positive change and pave the way for increased representation of women in STEM.