The Chicago Tribune – Natalie Masri
“Maybe you recall the Verizon commercial that follows a young girl as she’s growing up. Samantha takes a keen interest in activities like wading in a stream and building a rocket ship; activities that explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Yet she’s discouraged from pursuing those interests by the folks around her with comments like “Why don’t you hand that to your brother” or “Don’t get your dress dirty.” It concludes with a thoughtful question: Isn’t it time we told her she’s pretty brilliant, too? Not only does the commercial tug at your heart strings but it ends with an alarming statistic that 66 percent of fourth-grade girls say they like science and math, but only 18 percent of all college engineering majors are female. Not long ago, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Center for Women in Business surveyed STEM leaders from around the country about what can be done to attract, retain, and advance more women and girls to STEM education and careers.”(more)