The Huffington Post – Deb Owen
“Busting the myth that girls don’t do science, technology, engineering or math (STEM), the release of the first ever national rankings of top science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) students by STEM-Premier reveals 23 of the top 50 students are female. The students, representing all 50 states with STEM Premier profiles, were ranked and rated based on an algorithm of over 30 profile metrics including achievements, experiences and more. The talent is there. However, those girls will still be required to fight the odds. Reports show the share of STEM bachelor’s degrees awarded to women has been ticking down over the past decade. Inequalities and bias in STEM-related fields continue; and statistics show nearly one in five women in STEM leave the workforce. And yet, the demand/supply gap between projected need for talent with necessary STEM knowledge, skill, and abilities continues to grow. The top concern cited by CEO’s and business leaders across the country continues to be finding talent with the critical thinking and problem solving skills necessary to operate in the 21st century global business environment. These crucial skills are highly-identified in candidates with an educational background focused in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).”(more)