A joint national report from YouScience and
Ford Next Generation Learning examines anonymized data from over
200,000 female students, revealing a critical need to improve
career guidance to address labor shortages in high-paying STEM
roles
AMERICAN FORK,
Utah, July 9, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
YouScience®, the leading technology provider dedicated
to solving the skills gap crisis for students and employers, today
announced the release of the annual "2024 Female Students and STEM
Report," in collaboration with Ford Next Generation Learning
(Ford NGL), a pioneering initiative dedicated to reshaping high
school education to better align with the demands of the modern
workforce. The report highlights critical insights into career
exposure gaps among female students across the nation for a variety
of in-demand jobs as well as offers actionable solutions to bridge
these gaps in the STEM field careers.
The career exposure gap identifies the mismatch
between students' abilities and interests, revealing overlooked
career options. This analysis is based on anonymized data from
233,000 female middle and high school students in the United States collected in 2023.
Women play a crucial role in filling high-paying,
in-demand STEM careers. Yet, they account for just 34% of
the STEM workforce. The YouScience and Ford NGL report reveals
that significant exposure gaps are experienced by female students
beginning in middle school and continuing through high school.
Key highlights from the report show females
are experiencing a:
- An 87% exposure gap in advanced manufacturing
careers
- A field projected to have 2.1 million unfilled jobs by
2030
- An 87% exposure gap in computer and technology
professions
- This includes careers like computer programmers, software
developers, information cyber security analysts and more
- A 55% exposure gap in architecture &
construction careers
- This is problematic as the housing shortage worsens and the
industry's value is expected to rise 32% from $580 billion to $2.4
trillion by 2030
- A 30% exposure gap in the health science
careers
- Which include careers in dental, which is experiencing
a nationwide worker shortage
- A 22% exposure gap in engineering
- Next-generation skill sets for engineers are critically
lacking, risking nearly one in three engineering
roles remaining unfilled annually through at least 2030
"The persistent career exposure gaps highlighted
in the report underscore a critical need for enhanced guidance and
support for female students in STEM-related fields. Our data-driven
insights reveal significant disparities that must be addressed to
cultivate a diverse and skilled workforce prepared for the demands
of the future economy," said Amy
Miller-Weiland, Vice President of Professional Services and
Learning and Development at YouScience. "At YouScience, we are
committed to empowering young women and all students, with the
knowledge and opportunities they need to thrive in careers that
best fit their natural talents. Together with Ford Next Generation
Learning, we aim to inspire and equip the next generation of female
leaders in STEM, ensuring they have the most helpful information to
build their confidence to succeed in industries vital to our
nation's innovation and economic growth."
YouScience uses AI algorithms to pinpoint optimal
career matches for students. The company's award-winning Aptitude
and Career Discovery solution provides the most precise aptitude
assessments and career guidance, ensuring accuracy and inclusivity
across all demographics. To date, the aptitude assessment has been
taken by students nationwide over 4 million times, helping them
uncover their strengths and align them with promising education and
career paths.
"The solutions outlined in this report must be
applied promptly. We can no longer overlook young women who have
the aptitude but have not been exposed to these opportunities,"
said Cheryl Carrier, Executive
Director at Ford Next Generation Learning. "We are now equipped
with the knowledge to do better, so we must."
Addressing the career exposure gap for female
students requires aptitude discovery that helps guide each student
toward personalized educational and career opportunities that best
suit their abilities. YouScience and Ford Next Generation Learning
have outlined actionable recommendations to help solve this issue,
which can be found in the full report, here.
YouScience, in collaboration with the Women Tech
Council, has also released an insightful report examining career
exposure gaps for female students in Utah, where over 117,000 students have used
YouScience and the company is headquartered. The report compares
these gaps to those faced by students nationwide. The complete
report and its findings are available here: 2024 Utah Female
Students and STEM.
About YouScience
YouScience®
is the leading technology provider dedicated to solving the skills
and exposure gap crisis for students and employers. Its end-to-end
platform, YouScience® Brightpath, connects education
with career applications designed to help students unlock their
potential for future pathways. YouScience leverages proven
research, artificial intelligence, and industry input to help
individuals identify their aptitudes, validate their skills and
knowledge, and get matched with real-world educational and career
pathways in high-demand occupations.
About Ford Next Generation
Learning
Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL) is a
pioneering initiative dedicated to reshaping high school education
to better align with the demands of the modern workforce. Through
collaborative partnerships with communities, educators, and
industry leaders, Ford NGL transforms traditional high schools into
career-themed academies. These academies integrate academic
excellence with real-world relevance, providing students with
opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and mentorship
experiences. By bridging the gap between education and industry,
Ford NGL aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and
experiences necessary for success in college, career, and life.
With a focus on personalized learning and community engagement,
Ford NGL is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders
and innovators to thrive in an ever-evolving world. To learn more
about Ford NGL, visit www.fordngl.com
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SOURCE YouScience