UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — While nationwide statistics show that women are underrepresented in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology has recognized significant growth in its female population in the last five years — exceeding the college’s co-ed rate.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic and Statistics Administration’s Women in STEM 2017 Update, women make up 47 percent of the U.S. workforce but hold only 24 percent of the nation’s STEM jobs. Meanwhile, the College of IST has seen an 84 percent increase in enrolled undergraduate female students since fall 2013 while overall enrollment in the college has grown by 65 percent.
The growth can be credited, in part, to a number of opportunities in the college aimed at building community, providing leadership opportunities, and helping female students advance their careers in a predominantly male field. From student organizations and new scholarships to attendance at national conferences for women in technology, IST is investing in programs that will close the gender gap in STEM careers.
“I believe now is a wonderful time [for women] to be in STEM because of the administrative support we are receiving combined with the networks we are able to form,” said Isabella Webster, a junior majoring in security and risk analysis. “Support groups are a major key to success and now, more than ever, women are joining together in IST and technology to form said groups. I am proud to be a woman in IST today and eagerly encourage others to look into the field.”
Women in Tech dinner welcomes female students, celebrates gender diversity
According to IST’s director of undergraduate recruiting, Angela Miller, the effort to shape the future for women in technology begins long before a student is enrolled in the college.
“We need to create an environment that is welcoming to women so they are excited to join IST,” Miller said. “It is so important for young women to see faculty, staff and students who are not only actively engaged within the college, but also work to create a network of support for incoming students.”
That concept was demonstrated at the college’s recent Women in Technology dinner, an event that connects newly admitted female students with current female IST students, staff and faculty.
“As a result, we hope that these prospective students see the strong community and unique opportunities available to IST students, and ultimately choose Penn State over other options,” noted Miller.
The second annual Women in Technology dinner, held March 23 at the Nittany Lion Inn, saw twice the number of attendees over the previous year’s event. IST alumnae Jennifer and Kelly Lee, class of 2015, along with their mother Nancy Lee, class of 1985, spoke to the crowd about their experiences as women in technological careers. Ralph Lauren Corporation Chief Information Officer Janet Sherlock, class of 1986, served as the keynote speaker.
“It does get intimidating in class as a woman,” Kelly Lee said to the young women in attendance. “But don’t be the note taker. Be assertive. If you want to be the project manager, do it. IST has endless resources to put you in the best possible position when you leave.”
“Every company needs the most talented individual, whether you’re a man or a woman,” added Sherlock. “You’re considering a great field at a great time.”