04 Feb Women in science, technology, engineering and math seek 1 million mentors
The KC STEM Alliance and other organizations have launched a Million Women Mentors initiative to increase awareness of job opportunities for women in science, technology, engineering and math.
The drive includes an online pledge at MillionWomenMentors.org in which women in STEM commit to mentoring a young woman at least 20 hours.
The goal is to “break down barriers and dispel myths that women are either not smart enough, driven or have the aptitude to enter into a STEM career,” organizers said. “The shortest route to do so is to demonstrate to young girls and women that there are highly successful women” working in STEM jobs.
Slightly less than one-fourth of STEM jobs now are held by women. Women make up half of the U.S. workforce overall.
Story by Diane Stafford, KC Star