New data from the Iowa Board of Regents shows a significant increase in the number of women seeking degrees in STEM fields at Iowa’s public universities. The number of women enrolled in degree programs in these fields this fall at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Northern Iowa is 11,388. This is a 13 percent increase over three years ago. Overall women enrollments at these three universities is up by just 2 percent over the past three years. Today, one third of all women enrolled at these three public universities are enrolled in STEM disciplines.
University officials say that STEM outreach programs directed at girls in middle and high schools have made an impact. And the poor economy undoubtedly is directing many women to degree programs where they may learn the necessary skills to secure employment after college.