A Parent’s Guide to Encouraging Girls to Study Math and Sciences

How We Can Reframe Minds One Girl At A Time

Women have made significant advances in education and the workplace but still need to catch up when pursuing careers in science and engineering.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women comprise almost half the workforce, only 25 percent of mathematical and computer science jobs and 11 percent of engineering jobs.

Parents can take these steps at home and in their children’s schools to help girls become more competitive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Steps to Take at Home

1. Nurture a growth mindset. The reality is that most abilities are developed through commitment and effort rather than being fixed talents that we’re born with. When we introduce girls to a growth mindset, they perform better in math and sciences.
2. Guard against stereotypes. Some company blunders with products like t-shirts every few years, saying, “I’m too pretty to do math.” Ask yourself if you still regard some subjects and careers as masculine or feminine. Once you confront your potential biases, you can compensate for them.
3. Welcome questions. Kids are naturally curious. Use their curiosity to make observation and experimentation part of their daily playtime and routines. Gift them a microscope, rockets, or a robotics kit. Perform safe chemistry experiments in the kitchen, such as making a volcano with simple ingredients.
4. Watch STEM programs together. Many TV programs and other media are trying to spark interest in STEM. Little girls will love “Murray’s Science Experiments” on Sesame Street. Under all that long orange hair, Murray has a curriculum to help kids develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
5. Talk about the advantages of STEM careers. Help your daughters understand how important math and sciences are to contributing to society and building a secure future. Scientific breakthroughs can protect the environment or cure diseases. Many STEM professions offer challenging work, good salaries, and advancement opportunities.

Steps to Take at School and in Your Community

1. Participate at your child’s school. Talk with teachers, volunteer, and attend PTA meetings. Help your school implement promising STEM strategies like more interactive and hands-on teaching methods that help motivate girls to learn.
2. Focus on spatial skills. Boys consistently outperform girls in spatial skills. The good news is that this gap can be closed by exposing girls to activities like shop classes and drafting. Three-D computer games, drawing, and construction kits are also helpful.
3. Steer your daughters toward advanced science and math classes. Your daughter is three times more likely to major in science or engineering if she takes calculus in high school. Be diligent in watching what courses your kids are taking and monitoring their grades to help them keep their career opportunities open.
4. Showcase constructive role models. Linking girls with appropriate mentors and role models helps counter negative gender stereotypes. Ask math teachers and career scientists to describe the joys and challenges of their work on career day. Look for free kid’s programs and lectures at science museums and public libraries.
5. Get active in organizations devoted to STEM education. Many nonprofits, foundations, and the federal government have launched STEM initiatives. Visit their websites to find the latest news and get access to free educational resources. Attend meetings or volunteer to help with their outreach.
   The American Association of University Women and the National Girls Collaborative Project are good starting places.

In a technological age, women and girls need math and science skills to succeed. Let’s work together to do our part at home and in the public arena to help young women get more exposure to STEM education and develop their talents to the fullest.