Faculty Scholarly Dissemination Grants

Coordinated Efforts for Developing, Recruiting, and Retaining Women in Engineering

Department

School of Engineering

College

Padnos College of Engineering and Computing

Date Range

2013-2014

Disciplines

Engineering

Abstract

There are various reasons why women account for less than 30% of the science and engineering workforce. These reasons include a lack of female role models, gender stereotyping, and less family-friendly flexibility in the STEM fields. In order to develop an interest in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and recruit females into these fields, Grand Valley State University (GVSU) has been running a Science, Technology, and Engineering Preview Summer (STEPS) Camp for female students entering the seventh grade. The STEPS Camp provides female role models in the STEM fields, dispels stereotypes, and helps foster an interest in science, technology, and engineering. One effort used to retain females that enroll in the engineering program at GVSU is the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) student chapter. The SWE student group provides the female engineering students with a welcoming atmosphere and sense of camaraderie. Since the student chapter was started at GVSU it has been growing in size and vitality.

Conference Name

ASEE - North Central Section Annual Conference

Conference Location

Rochester, MI

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