We have to continue pushing

In September 2013, STEMconnector and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) released a white paper to capture core themes from the ‘100 CEO Leaders in STEM’ publication. The white paper presented the views of a cross-section of CEOs from many industries on the future of our national competitiveness and the need for a varied and robust STEM workforce. Representing companies with a combined revenue of more than $3.27 trillion and over 7.59 million workers, the CEOs showed strong consensus on the need to support education, mentoring and public-private partnerships to boost women and underrepresented minorities in STEM jobs.

In 2009–10, women made up less than 25 percent of participants in STEM programs nationally: 21 percent at the secondary level and 24 percent at the post-secondary level.

We present a few quotes from the report, highlighting the value and criticality of mentorship and on-the-job support in bridging the STEM gap for women and minorities.

 We have found mentoring to be one of the most effective ways to encourage women and
students of color to pursue math and science careers. Mentoring gives students a connection to someone in the field who can help with career-related questions.
– Inge G. Thulin, 3M Company

I am entirely confident that fielding a more balanced gender workforce, not to mention a
more ethnically diverse one, will positively change the game. And not just for my company,
but for all companies, for medicine, for education, for humanitarian efforts, for the
advancement of the human race.
– Ilene S. Gordon, Ingredion Incorporated

I am particularly proud that from senior level to front line, our coworkers volunteer their time at area high schools to inspire girls in urban areas to seriously consider STEM careers.
I think that it is important for these students to understand that problem-solving, logic and critical thinking skills are useful in any career field.
– Thomas R. Voss, Ameren

Often, students, especially females and minorities, cannot envision themselves practicing STEM careers in the future. By engaging with role models, students have the opportunity to directly interact with successful STEM professionals, listen to interesting career stories and become excited to study in STEM subjects.
– Tom Lindebarger, Cummins, Inc.

A first step, I believe, lies in actively recruiting women and underrepresented minorities to
STEM careers and providing the tools they need to advance. We have to create a network of
mentors and role models. … That is a big reason why GE’s Women’s Network joined MIT and other universities to create STEM camps. We give middle school-aged girls the opportunity to spend some of their summer working on fun technology projects, hopefully developing a lifelong interest.
– Jeffrey R. Immelt, GE

Culled from STEMconnector 2014