Caltech’s latest STEM breakthrough: Most of its new students are women

High school girls from around the nation wait in line to ask questions of scientist Katie Bouman during the annual Women in STEM program at Caltech in Pasadena. Bouman’s lecture, part of the Caltech Women in STEM program, had a deeper motive: It showcased a leading woman scientist to help girls envision themselves attending one of the world’s preeminent institutions of science and engineering — fields still dominated by men. Scientist Katie Bouman, who led efforts to capture the first image of a black hole, speaks to high school girls at the annual Women in STEM program at Caltech. Caltech has expanded its Women in STEM program, hosting 500 high school girls this month as the institute reached gender parity in enrollment for the first time in its 133-year history. Pallie, the admissions dean, said she has more than doubled the size of the Women in STEM program to 500 girls and extended it to two days, so potential students and their families can get a deeper sense of Caltech — especially the lab tours to “let the science speak for itself.” She also revamped the institute’s messaging to say upfront that Caltech is fearsomely difficult, but also a unique and exciting place for the right person.