Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Utah Women Stats Research Snapshot
Volume
58
Publisher
Utah Women & Leadership Project
Publication Date
5-15-2025
First Page
1
Last Page
5
Abstract
Although the term STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) was coined in 2001 by Judith A. Ramaley of the National Science Foundation and had been used informally in the previous decade,1 the push for STEM in the US began in the 1950s with Russia launching Sputnik and the US subsequently pouring billions of dollars into educating students to ensure the nation became a technological global power. However, the gender gap in STEM fields today reduces the innovation that could be achieved with more unique perspectives contributing to the field. Closing the gender gap in STEM is vital because scientific progress relies on the unique solutions that arise from diverse perspectives, and the innovation necessary to address the problems of today and tomorrow requires these different perspectives, including those of women.2 Having more women in STEM will also help close the gender pay gap and create more inclusive products and services.3
Utah lags the US for women’s involvement in STEM fields, with higher occupational segregation (also known as gender disparity) in STEM fields in the state than in the US.4 Of particular concern have been the issues of STEM education and barriers women face to entering and staying in the fields. Since the UWLP’s last snapshot on the topic in 2022, Utah has done more to empower girls and women in STEM, and the percentage of women in STEM fields has increased, although there remains much progress to be made. This snapshot updates and expands on the data in that report, including:
- The state of STEM in Utah,
- Current STEM employment and education data,
- STEM education,
- Barriers to women's involvement in STEM,
- Efforts to increase participation, and
- What Utahns can do to enact change in these fields.
Recommended Citation
Blackburn, Robyn C. and Madsen, Susan R., "Women and STEM − A 2025 Update" (2025). Marketing and Strategy Faculty Publications. Paper 434.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/marketing_facpub/434