‘Exposure Gaps’ Run Rampant for Next Generation of Women in STEM Fields

The “2024 Female Students and STEM Report” highlights career exposure gaps among female students in in-demand STEM jobs and offers solutions to bridge these gaps. The report reveals that significant exposure gaps are experienced by female students beginning in middle school and continuing through high school. Key highlights from the report show females are experiencing: • An 87% exposure gap in advanced manufacturing careers – a field projected to have 2.1 million unfilled jobs by 2030• An 87% exposure gap in computer and technology professions – this includes careers like computer programmers, software developers, information cybersecurity analysts and more • A 55% exposure gap in architecture & construction careers – this is problematic as the housing shortage worsens and the industry’s value is expected to rise 32% from $580 billion to $2.4 trillion by 2030 • A 30% exposure gap in health science careers – which include careers in dental, which is experiencing a nationwide worker shortage • A 22% exposure gap in engineering – next-generation skill sets for engineers are critically lacking, risking nearly one in three engineering roles remaining unfilled annually through at least 2030 “The persistent career exposure gaps highlighted in the report underscore a critical need for enhanced guidance and support for female students in STEM-related fields. “We are now equipped with the knowledge to do better, so we must.” Addressing the career exposure gap for female students requires aptitude discovery that helps guide each student toward personalized educational and career opportunities that best suit their abilities.