Forget The Common Blockers Girls Experience In STEM Studies
Studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, or STEM for short, continue to be at the center of a gender debate. Global reports reveal that most girls face struggles when it comes to their access to STEM studies.
Indeed, challenges exist. However, we have to support today's female students and professionals and ensure the challenges they face will not exist tomorrow. We are just beginning the STEM revolution. Will it be an easy and smooth journey? No. However, you can rest assured that some of the most common STEM blockers are in the process of being removed.
Girls don't do well in science
According to research, a growing number of women in STEM career paths could lead to an extra $12 million to the world's GMP by 2025. Women not only do well in STEM, but they also significantly increase the market value. Countries worldwide have been working hard to promote STEM paths to women and actively push girls into this study sector. STEM essential skill sets are genderless. Individuals who contribute to the sector share common traits, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and innovative mindset. It goes without saying that any of these traits is not gender-specific.
She has dyslexia
Dyslexia affects both men and women in the world. Approximately 30 million adults in the United States are dyslexic. Dyslexia affects the way the eye recognizes letters and words. Many parents wrongly assume that children with dyslexia require special education and will not build a successful career. In reality, dyslexia does not affect an individual's IQ or ability to comprehend complex subjects. Children working with phonics books can learn to manage and overcome the issue because the condition is an auditory processing problem with visual elements.
It is worth mentioning that people with dyslexia can do well in STEM. Many are more likely to connect with science based on the way the dyslexic brain works. One of the most famous scientists in the world, Einstein, had dyslexia. The condition did not stop him from revolutionizing the scientific world in a foreign language — let's not forget that Albert Einstein grew up in Ulm, Germany, before immigrating to the US. What makes Einstein even more relevant to the gender debate in STEM is his attitude towards his female peers in the science world. Einstein was one of the few scientists at the time to display respect for peers. While his private life shows unhappy relationships with women, he was one of the first defenders of women in STEM. In short, don't worry if your dyslexic daughter loves sciences: Einstein has her back twice.
STEM studies are expensive
Every study is expensive. It's no wonder student debts are constantly increasing. However, women can seek grants and STEM scholarships to reduce the burden. Aysen Tunca Memorial Scholarship is a $2,000 merit-based program for undergraduate female students. The program favors individuals from a disadvantaged background and those who overcome significant obstacles to study STEM topics. The US Department of Defense has a $38,000 SMART Scholarship for individuals pursuing a technical degree in one of the STEM disciplines they prioritize. The Society of Women Engineers offers multiple scholarships, including in computer science for up to $16,000. The bottom line: STEM studies may become less expensive than you expect.
Making STEM studies more accessible to women begins with the removal of important obstacles. The good news is that social and legal movements already have your back.
